Cupcakes & A Giveaway!

196 Replies

The giveaway is now over and any comments left after 7PM on March 7, 2010 as recorded on the comment will not be counted.  The winner will be chosen tomorrow so check back then to see if you have won!

The Sweetest Kitchen hasn’t always been The Sweetest Kitchen.  I started out blogging about cupcakes in late May of 2008 at Blogspot; my blog was then called The Cupcake Review.  As I started to expand and blog about more than cupcakes I knew that I needed to switch to my own domain.  After much thought, I finally decided on the name The Sweetest Kitchen in late February of 2009, and launched the new domain on March 3.  It’s now been one year and my blogging experience has been such fun.  The Sweetest Kitchen has became more popular than I ever expected it to – I’ve almost reached 500,000 page views!

My most famous post, with at least 30,000 page views so far, was the zombie Halloween cupcake I made for Iron Cupcake: Earth and Cupcake Hero in October 2009.  However, my personal favorite of anything I have ever baked since beginning this blog is the pumpkin dulce de leche cupcake.  Everyone who has made these has raved about them, and I’m so happy about that!

Today I’ve made some cupcakes in celebration of The Sweetest Kitchen’s 1-year anniversary.  They are actually very similar to the pumpkin dulce de leche cupcakes, but instead of the pumpkin cake, I used a chocolate cake and sprinkled the frosting with sea salt.

The great thing about this dulce de leche is that I didn’t have to make it myself.  I bought it at the store, where it was casually sitting next to cans of plain sweetened condensed milk and selling itself under the pseudonym of “Top ‘n’ Fill Caramel” from Nestle.  I found this at Coles but not Woolworth’s (in Australia), for anyone wanting specific details.  And I recommend giving the caramel a good stir with a wire whisk before using to smooth out the lumps.

If you can’t find dulce de leche, find directions for preparing it yourself in my pumpkin dulce de leche cupcake post.

Totally scrumptious!

Okay, now I’ve given you some cupcakes for my anniversary party, now what about that giveaway, you say?  Right, let’s get to it.

Bake It Pretty is one of, if not the, best places to buy your baking supplies from online.  I have made my share of purchases from this lovely store, and Amanda, the owner, is so sweet.  In fact, Bake It Pretty is where I got those zombie hands and spider toppers that made those particular cupcakes of mine so famous!

I knew I wanted to do a Bake It Pretty giveaway for my blog’s anniversary, so here it is – leave a comment on this post to receive a $50 gift certificate for Bake It Pretty!

Earn an extra entry by mentioning this giveaway and a link to this post on Twitter! Leave a comment on this post with the link to your Twitter status that mentions this giveaway.

Earn another extra entry by mentioning this giveaway and a link to this post on your blog! Leave a comment on this post with the link to your blog post that mentions this giveaway.

You have until Sunday, March 7 at 6:59PM to enter. In the meantime, click on over to Bake It Pretty to create your wishlist!  Note, the deadline is Sydney, Australia time, or Pacific Standard Time in the US on March 6, 11:59PM.

Thanks for stopping by over the past year and helping to make The Sweetest Kitchen the great little place that it is!  :)

The giveaway is now over and any comments left after 7PM on March 7, 2010 as recorded on the comment will not be counted.  The winner will be chosen tomorrow so check back then to see if you have won!

196 thoughts on “Cupcakes & A Giveaway!”

  1. barb

    Omg, I’d love to win a gift certificate from them. Went to their site & blog & they have a lot of cute things. Count me in for the contest.

    Reply ↓
  2. Jammed Knits

    Hey JamieAnne – happy blogaverissary to you!

    Glad that you have found your niche with this blog and what a great giveaway!

    The Top and Fills can be found in Woolies as well – some stocks stock them others don’t. Just depends on location. I know from my experience you can get certain products from one store but not the other – you have to wonder why that is!

    Reply ↓
  9. CB

    HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! I have truly enjoyed your Cupcake Hero participation and December hosting. Here’s to many more blogging years! PS- I heart Bake It Pretty!

    Reply ↓
  11. Brenna

    I’ve never gotten anything from there, but have wanted to for a while!! Would love to have the gift certificate to spend….

    Reply ↓
  25. Dan

    Hi, Jamieanne. I enjoyed reading your anniversary post on an enticing cupcake combo – I’m always looking for unusual variations. Dulce de leche and salt are great together.

    In fact, I’d just done a cayenne-cocoa cupcake with lime cream cheese frosting, which I recently posted: http://islandeat.wordpress.com/2010/02/26/a-sweet-sassy-finish-to-the-2010-olympics-cayenne-cocoa-cupcakes-with-citrus-cream-cheese-icing/ if you’re interested….

    Please enter me in the great contest. It looks like a great resource for packaging up baked treats for friends.

    Happy b-day to you, too, fellow Pisces,

    Dan

    Reply ↓
    1. Jamieanne Post author

      Thanks for showing me your cupcakes, they look great and it is definitely an interesting combo and one I’d be willing to try. I love the domes on your cupcakes! :)

      Reply ↓
  27. Kell

    Hi Jamie. Your website’s responsible for getting me baking again. I love the pumpkin bread & am working my way through the cupcakes. I can’t wait to make velvet cake for Jas’ birthday (he goes for Liverpool FC so will love the red & white).

    Reply ↓
  28. Amelia

    Happy Birthday! Those cupcakes look delicious. I’ve never made anything using Dulce De Leche but I think I soon shall… Keep up the extremely tasty work with this blog!

    Reply ↓
  30. Rachel

    Happy Birthday! Isn’t the appropriate first-birthday behaviour to smear that delicious cupcake all over your face?

    Reply ↓
  32. Joanna

    I love that canned Dulce de Leche, which I find here in the US in the International food section of the market. Such a time saver! And Bake it Pretty is one of my favorite imaginary web shopping destinations! I’d love to win!

    Reply ↓
  33. Molly

    Mmmm, those cupcakes look delicious! Happy 1 year anniversary Jamieanne. I love looking at what you’re baking and admiring your photographic skill. I hope you keep at it. :)

    Reply ↓
  38. Maureen

    Can I just say that anything with caramel usually stops me right in my tracks. Love caramel.
    Congratulations on your blogaversary.

    Reply ↓
  42. Michele Pineda

    Since my hubby is Latino, I love anything Dulce de Leche, but have never seen cupcakes made from it, so this is definitely something to try out! Congrats on a year of blogging, and wishing you many more years ahead. I can think of so many cute things to bake with goodies from Bake It Pretty! I’d never seen their shop before, but I’ve definitely got it bookmarked now!

    Reply ↓
  50. margarita

    Now my husband wants me to make those! He said they look like caramello if it were a cuppie. I wonder if that caramel filling is avail in the US anywhere…

    Reply ↓
  51. Deanna

    Happy Anniversary to The Sweetest Kitchen and congrats on a year of success. Those Pumpkin Dulce de Leche cupcakes were amazing, probably the best I’ve baked! I’d love some new swag from Bake it Pretty! What a great giveaway!

    Reply ↓
  58. lori H

    Your website is so fun!!! Those cupcakes loook sooo scrumptious! I’m thinking about making my husband the nutella/coffee frosting on a chocolate cake for his birthday.

    Reply ↓
  65. Danielle

    Happy Anniversary!

    And I love Bake it Pretty. I’ve never ordered from there because I’m afraid I just won’t stop. But I love to browse.

    Reply ↓
  66. Jen

    Oh wow – those look delicious! I love filled cuppies! And you can’t get much better than chocolate and dulce de leche! And look at that… I’ve just happen to run out of dessert tonight! :) Fate! (Happy Anniversary!)

    Reply ↓
  67. Victoria

    Happy One Year!! Congrats. I love cupcakes and had no idea this store existed so thanks for sharing. I’d love to win too!

    Reply ↓
  68. Karen Pochodowicz

    OMG those look so yummy. I’m drooling so much I am afraid I might short out my keyboard.

    Reply ↓
  70. Dianna

    I’ve been following you for ALMOST a year. Happy anniversary. Your blog is a great collection of talent and creativity!

    Reply ↓
  72. Deborah R

    Your cupcakes look yummy! I think I’ll try them out on the family this weekend.

    Happy blogiversary!

    Reply ↓
  73. Justine

    Beautiful! I just made filled cupcakes for the first time myself today … Reese’s inspired chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter filling and salted peanut butter frosting. These look wonderful … and I love the “found” dulce de leche. :)

    Reply ↓
  74. Kerri G

    I live in Australia, and have been admiring Bake it Pretty for eternity!!! I have been dying to order some (if not all – lol) of their products, but have not, due to the shipping bill (yikes!) It would be A-MAZING to win this!!!
    P.S. I am a total sucker for cupcakes (yours look delish!), and have just started a business from home. This would really come in handy :)

    Reply ↓
    1. Jamieanne Post author

      I know, that shipping is terrible. I’m sorry you didn’t win this giveaway, but do be sure to check out Little Betsy Baker at http://www.littlebetsybaker.com.au. It’s an Australian online shop that is very similar to Bake It Pretty. I’ve ordered from there once and they are fantastic, I will definitely be ordering from there again. :)

      Reply ↓
  75. Katy Lin

    Happy Anniversary!!! How exciting! :) Please count me in for the giveaway! I have to make a big meal for some youth next week, and I think some cupcakes will definitely be in order for the dessert! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply ↓
  76. Becca

    Funny…I made chocolate cupcakes with Dulce de Leche filling 2 weeks ago! My husband LOVED the pumpkin ccs w/ddl (I did too!!!) and had been requesting them. But I have a “thing” that baking with pumpkin is for fall (even though my cabinet is stocked year-round!) so I refused. After all, good things come to those who wait, right?

    Happy anniversary!

    Reply ↓
  80. Jennifer M

    What a nice giveaway! We made lemon cupcakes with purple powdered sugar the other day…tasty!

    Reply ↓
  92. Julie

    I LOVE cupcakes! I have a date with friends every thursday to try new cupcakes around the city and im an avid baker. Yours look scrumptious!

    Reply ↓
  93. Nicole

    Happy 1 year :D

    I’m trying out these beautiful cupcakes this weekend. Never thought of using sea salt, (even though I JUST had sea salt/rosemary bread the other day) — what a good idea!

    Reply ↓
  97. Linzy

    Happy Anniversary! Yay! I am blown away, 50,000 views, if only I could get there! I can’t seem to get any more views than my friends and fam! Well I would love to win the bake it pretty certif, I love their stuff!

    Reply ↓
  98. Svenja

    These Cupcakes look awesome and with homemade dulce de leche they must be the best! Thanks for your wonderful ideas which fulfill my morning!

    Reply ↓
  102. Jennifer Y.

    I am a college student who goes to UCLA and is OBSESSED with cupcakes!! I really wish I can win this contest C:

    Reply ↓
  104. Kelly Garcia

    I would love diving into one or two of these delicious cupcakes after I get home form a long day of teaching my wild fourth graders! Thank you for doing this giveaway.

    Reply ↓
  109. amy

    I would love love love a giftcard for BakeItPretty! I also love that website, especially the flavor oils.

    Reply ↓
  113. lisa

    so i am pretty obsessed with cupcakes! they are just so darn cute! they just make you smile! =D

    Reply ↓
  118. LJSteve

    Happy 1st Anniversary!!! I love Bake It Pretty and would love to win the Gift Certificate!!!

    Reply ↓

  120. Pingback: Sprinkles Are Good | Bake It Pretty

  121. susan carey

    I love abking especially cupcakes. it would be great to receive this gift cert. to buy more baking supplies. Friends and family would be happy too.

    Reply ↓
  122. Cindy

    Will rush right over to check out Bake It Pretty since I’m planning a baby shower soon and am always up for cute new supplies.

    Reply ↓
  123. Deedles

    I love individually frosted cakes! When I make cupcakes, that’s what my son says. Makes me laugh every time. I would love to win this.

    Reply ↓
  125. Meagan

    Oh, I have to try these cupcakes! They look really good. And I love Bake It Pretty! Pick me!

    Reply ↓
  127. Sandy

    I am a HUGE fan of Bake It Pretty, in fact, I included an image from that site on my blog post today! =) I am glad I found your blog so I can live vicariously through yours sweets! Thanks for a chance at this giveaway!

    Reply ↓
  128. vicky

    those cupcakes look devine! i am a huge fan of bake it pretty – don’t know what I would buy first.

    Reply ↓
  130. Molly

    I just found your site via Bake It Pretty’s blog, and I’m glad I did. Those cupcakes look yummy! And I would LOVE a gift certificate for Bake It Pretty! I already have my wish list ready!

    Reply ↓
  131. Snugglepot ant

    As an Australian who moved to the USA last year (for an American bloke), I have been loving the gorgeous baking supplies and websites here, and Bake It Pretty is at the top of course!

    A gift certificate would be absolutely fabulous so I can buy pretty supplies for the cupcakes I bake here that apparently ‘rock peoples’ socks off’ and have one of the best icings that people have tasted (Australian recipe).

    Reply ↓
  133. WhitneyB

    Just found this site…I am new to the cupcake world, but I am becoming obsessed! I love new ideas!

    Reply ↓
  134. Kelly

    Thanks for doing this giveaway!

    I would looove a gift card. My boyfriend and I are getting a house (just put in an offer yesterday! Crossing fingers!) and we will FINALLY have more than two feet of counter space to work with, so I anticipate even more baking in my future.

    Reply ↓
  137. Mica

    I love Bake It Pretty….I always have a wish list :) And, I love seeing what new creations you come up with. I have read your blog from back when it was “The Cupcake Review.”

    Reply ↓
  141. Felicia

    i love sweetest kitchen and bake it pretty. i am sooo excited that you guys have joined forces to spread the word on tasty treats!! cheers!!

    Reply ↓
  145. Jessica

    I’m just getting started in the cupcake world, but I’m already obsessed!!! I love your blog & I love Bake It Pretty! And I hope you have a very happy birthday!

    Reply ↓
  147. Carolsue

    Look at all those spices! And I LOVE the Heart Egg and Pancake Shaper!
    Love this site!
    digicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net

    Reply ↓
  152. Erin Lockman

    Happy Birthday to you…
    I have an auction fundraiser for my daughter’s school and I think this is the perfect cupcake to make.. Thank you so much for the recipe. The parents won’t be able to resist buying them! Thank you for sharing Bake it Pretty too!

    Reply ↓
  154. Cortney

    Oh! Me too, me too! I want to enter! I’m due in a few weeks and would LOVE to do some more baking (need to stock up!) before the baby gets here. New toys would be amazing!!

    Reply ↓
  158. Naomi Elf

    Happy Birthday, beautiful blog! I can’t wait until I get the summer off (am a teacher) and finally have time to bake. Currently, grading hideously-written student essays takes up all of my time. Not nearly as fun as pretty cupcakes. :)

    Reply ↓
    1. Jamieanne Post author

      I know! Now that I know where to get it pre-made I won’t ever be making it myself again, takes too long and some methods are just too risky!

      Reply ↓
  162. susitravl

    I need some of that Nestle Caramel Top ‘n’ Fill – wonder if they sell it in the US? I’ve never seen it, but I’m in Kansas and we are the last to see any new products, it seems! :)

    Reply ↓
    1. Jamieanne Post author

      You can find it in the US, but it’s not very common, I don’t think. You can find it from Nestle called La Lechera. It could be on the shelves with the regular sweetened condensed milk, or you could check in the Mexican food section. Otherwise, I found this online you could order from: http://www.mexgrocer.com/4599.html

      Reply ↓
  163. Leslie W

    How fun to talk about cupcakes and baking everyday. That is the “sweet” life. Congrats!

    Reply ↓
  165. Rachel

    What a great way to celebrate a great milestone! There are so many cute things at Bake it Pretty, thanks for the chance!

    Reply ↓

  166. Pingback: Wishing the Sweetest Kitchen were in my kitchen…

  170. Haley

    I love your blog! This giveaway is amazing and generous! I have always wanted to get something from Bake It Pretty!

    Reply ↓
  174. Shannon

    I’m getting a little carried away with all the baking blogs, but I’m bookmarking this one anyway! Keep up the good work! :)

    Reply ↓
    1. Judy

      OMG I forgot to mention. HAPPY BLOG BIRTHDAY! When I used to host my personal blog it was amazing how much it had grown & how time passed by. May you have many many more successful years!

      Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>