Dinkels Bakery

Hey there my Sweet Tooths, I told you I'd be giving you extra posts this month and I am (just under the wire mind you). Once again it's been a busy month of performances and trips, but I knew you were anxiously awaiting my next sweet-venture, so here it is.
   This month I bring you to one of my favorite bakeries in the city; Dinkels Bakery, located at 3329 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago. This shop has been turning out some great treats since 1922; that's the old days to you and me. But don't be fooled by their history, because this family owned and operated business continues to bring its original recipes to lure today's bakery enthusiast, i.e. yours truly. Whether it's cakes, cookies, cupcakes, doughnuts or breads they do it all very well. And yes, they even make sandwiches, but that's for someone else to talk about.
   So where does one begin when you walk in? Well first things first, take a number and look around while you wait for yours to be called. Start with the large cupcakes in the display window and you might now make it to the others. Red velvet, vanilla, chocolate and carrot are all on display. As with most bakeries, they make them well, but you will find better cupcakes elsewhere(see my previous blog as to where). Still, they are light and moist and the frosting is not too overbearing (Here's a tip. On Tuesdays it's BOGO for cupcakes. See you there lol). More of a cookie lover? Great, then you've found your source. Sugar cookies, frosted cookies and German treats await your indecisive little minds as you try to decide how many of each to get. There are even boxed cookies at a great deal ready to be taken home with you. CHEESECAKE! New York style. Nuff said.... Hey got a wedding or birthday coming up? Then you cannot go wrong by letting these craftsmen design and make your cake. They are a previous winner of the "Who gets to Make Bill's Birthday Cake" competition and I was not disappointed. Buttercream icing  in many flavors as well as preserve fillings in between layers if you so wish it. And did someone say doughnuts? Of course they have them, and some of the best cake doughnuts in the city. Bear claws, danish, cinnamon rolls, flakies, muffins and croissants-WOW! All made fresh daily. And for all you Apple cider doughnut lovers; come October get your butts over there and taste the Fall! Now for those of you who don't have the fortune to live in Chicago, no worries. They deliver nationwide-HA!
   So now that I've enticed you get on over and experience it for yourself. Or got to their website and get a glimpse http://www.dinkels.com/. In the meantime, here's some sugar for you.




 

Sprinkles Cupcakes

Greetings to all my Sweet Tooths! Yes, I know it's been WAY too long since my last blog post and you have my sincerest apologies. It's been a busy time for yours truly as, you know, that opera singing thing takes precedence sometimes. So to make it up to you I'm posting multiple blog reviews this month as I have been out and about and have several locations to rave about.
  And that brings me to my favorite cupcake spot in Chicago- Sprinkles Cupcakes, mmmmmm! Originating in 2005 by pastry chef Candace Nelson this cupcake bakery helped to usher in what is currently the craze we all have been experiencing. Quite frankly you won't find a better cupcake around I'm telling you. Why? Because they not only use the highest of quality ingredients such as Madagascar bourbon vanilla, bittersweet Belgian chocolate and natural citrus zests, but they take extra care in the preparation and sustainability of their product. My judging of cupcakes is quite simple: moistness of cake, flavor and icing ratio. They bat a thousand on all three components each and every time. The cake is moist and bounces back to a pressed touch. It's not overly sweet and the flavor of the cake isn't overpowered by the icing. Whether it's a butter cream or cream cheese icing these mini cakes are perfectly frosted and topped with signature Sprinkles logos or actual sprinkles. The frosting itself doesn't just taste like sugar, rather it successfully explodes with its intended flavor. You can even get a frosting shot for those who just want the creamy goodness! Because they use such high quality ingredients you'll even see a sign posted on the entrance to the shop to keep the door closed to ensure the freshness of their cupcakes. We're talking serious business here people.
  I wouldn't even know where to begin in terms of recommending what to get. They're ALL great, seriously! But my standouts are the following: Red Velvet; anyone who bakes knows that red velvet anything should have the presence of a small amount of cocoa (and even a bit of vinegar if you're from the south). It's what helps to give that deep red color and a bit of chocolate without taking over the cupcake. Topped with a butter cream cheese icing it's the best red velvet cupcake I've ever had; Peanut butter chocolate and peanut butter chip; WOW- the first, a peanut butter cake with chocolate icing. The latter adds chocolate chips to the cake and tops it off with chocolate icing; the Black and White: Belgian dark chocolate cake with white icing. Sounds simple, but it's so good you'll want another one. Should I go on? Ok I will. Carrot; a walnut studded carrot cake with cinnamon icing. There's also triple cinnamon, pumpkin, milk chocolate and dark chocolate (for my serious chocoholics). Oh it never ends. Hey want something sugar free or have a gluten allergy? No worries, they have you covered. Got a dog and want to treat your beloved pet? Go on by and get a doggie cupcake. While they have all the basic flavors each day they do alternate certain ones so it's best to look on the website (listed below) to see what flavors they're offering. Also, each month they feature a special cupcake for a limited time. If you're by a location in July let me tell you, SUMMER CHERRY! It will change your life... Nuff said. Because they do so much business they even have a cupcake ATM at some locations. Yes a cupcake ATM! Get your cupcake in a nicely wrapped box and be on your way. And did I mention that Candace has also introduced Sprinkles ice cream? I can't even talk about that right now...there are currently 12 locations nationwide, with more coming (HELLO, Atlanta get ready). If you're in Chicago head over to 50 E Walton St off Michigan Ave and get ready for a unique  experience. Otherwise go to
http://www.sprinkles.com/ to find the nearest location to you.
Well all this cupcake talk has me hankering for one so I need to hit the gym and burn some calories if I'm going to be getting one, or two (or three or four) tomorrow. In the meantime, here's some sugar for you.