(Riverside, CA) It was all about cupcakes in downtown Riverside recently, when IEShineOn.com hosted the second annual Inland Empire Cupcake Fair “Cupcakes for a Cause” at the Riverside Convention Center.
“Last year, we learned some things, and this year put on an even better event,” organizer Su Pak of IEShineOn.com said. “I appreciate all the bakers, vendors, volunteers and our sponsor California Cake Decorations & Supply Co. It shows there is support for this type of event. I also want to thank the organizations I worked with, California Riverside Ballet and Community Connect.” The two organizations received a portion of the proceeds from this event.
IEShineOn.com has announced the winners of this year’s Cupcake Fair. Cupcakes were judged in amateur and professional categories, with awards for the best overall and for the most unique ingredients.
The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair had two contests whose winners were determined by event guests. “Most Popular Cupcake,” went to [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes, whose Buffalo Chicken cupcake was voted the best. “Best Decorated Booth” went to Dreamy Little Cupcakes.
Most Popular Cupcake voted by event guests – Buffalo Chicken from [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes
In the professional category, the first place Most Unique Ingredient winner was Viva Los Cupcakes, which won with their “Tamal con Mole” cupcake, which is a corn cake with mole frosting topped with a corn (tamal) shell. The Los Angeles-based cupcake baker Karina Jiminez, sells her products primarily at festivals throughout southern California.
Professional Most Unique Ingredient winners (left to right: Viva los Cupcakes, Simply Fancy Cuisine, KML Events)
Viva Los Cupcakes also took second place for Professional Best Overall for its Margarita cupcake.
Second place in the Most Unique Ingredient category was Simply Fancy Cuisine’s Hummingbird Cupcake, which is a southern-style cupcake topped with coconut and pineapple flowers. Simply Fancy Cuisine sells cupcakes and other bakery treats at the Redlands City Farmers’ Market and at the Grove Charter School Farmer’s Market, both of which take place in Redlands on Saturdays.
Buffalo Chicken & Blueberry French Toast cupcakes from [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes
Third place in the Most Unique Ingredient category was KML Event’s Lemon Lavender Cupcake. KML Events is a mother-daughter events planning and catering team in Ontario, which also sells cupcakes on special orders and at various community festivals.
The Professional first place Best Overall winner was Queen Sin’s Cupcakes Caramel Macchiato cupcake. Queen Sin’s Cupcakes are available for purchase on an almost daily basis at Everything Sweet Cake and Candy Supplies, 1235 Indiana Ct., Suite 102 in Redlands, and can also be special ordered.
Third place professional best overall was MyCuppyLittleCake’s “Carrot Cuppycake.”
Professional Best Overall Cupcake winners (left to right: Queen Sin’s Cupcakes, My Cuppy Little Cake, Viva los Cupcakes)
In the Amateur competition Cup2myCakes, is the Amateur Best Overall winner with her “Sock It To Me” cupcake. Her “Brown Sugar Kahlua” cupcakes took the prize for the Most Unique Ingredient cupcake
Second place Amateur Best Overall winner was Blukat Sugar Art, with “Double Chocolate cupcakes.” The winner described these cupcakes as made with double chocolate, dipped in chocolate ganache, frosted with chocolate whip cream frosting and topped with a chocolate covered strawberry.
The third place Amateur Best Overall was Jamie’s Cakes, which won with “Vanilla Coke” cupcakes.
Amateur Best Overall Cupcake winners (left to right: Cup2myCakes, Jamie’s Cakes, BluKat Sugar Art)
“A tasty time was had by all,” said Pak.
For information on the next The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair “Cupcakes for a Call” call Su Pak at (909) 257-8862 or go email hello@ieshineon.com
Inland Empire Cupcake Fair “Cupcakes for a Cause” on May 4, 2014 at the Riverside Convention Center. Cupcake recipes, judging, tasting, live entertainment, free massages, vendors and lots of activities! Tickets available at IEShineOn.com/cupcakes
(Riverside, CA) Inland Empire baking enthusiasts, and all cupcake lovers get ready to be inspired!
The Second Annual Inland Empire Cupcake Fair “Cupcakes for a Cause” is set for Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the Riverside Convention Center from 12-4 p.m. The fair has cupcake tastings, judging, giveaways, live entertainment, cake decoration demonstrations by California Cake Decorations & Supply Co., live entertainment, free massages, a kids’ zone, Active Zone, craft corner and lots of shopping!
To get ready, the Cupcake Fair is celebrating the love of cupcakes with exclusive recipes from one of this year’s judges, Sara DeLeeuw from My Imperfect Kitchen, a popular food blog and from professional baking participant Desi Massei of [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes, who is a Food Network “Cupcake Wars” winner and last year’s Inland Empire Cupcake Fair winner for Best Overall Cupcake and Most Unique Ingredient Cupcake.
“Professional and amateur baker booth space and sponsorships are available but are filling up fast,” said Pak.
“This year I wanted to do something really different and truly express how the Inland Empire Cupcake Fair ‘Cupcakes for a Cause’ is this region’s must-see, must participate and must-attend signature event for all baking enthusiasts,” said Su Pak, founder and executive producer of the Inland Empire Cupcake Fair. “This year we were fortunate enough to have Sara and Desi participate and provide us exclusive recipes to share with everyone.”
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, including general admission, VIP and group rates, visit the IEShineOn.com/cupcakes. Information about the organizations the Second Annual Inland Empire Cupcake Fair will benefit is also available on this page.
Marbled Vanilla Mocha Cupcakes
Recipe by: Sara DeLeeuw, www.myimperfectkitchen.com, March 2014
Ingredients: 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2-teaspoon baking powder 1/4-teaspoon baking soda 1/2-teaspoon salt 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted 1 large egg 1 5.3 oz. container of plain Greek Yogurt (I used Chiobani) 3/4-cup milk 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 Tablespoons strong black coffee
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with your favorite liners, plus an additional two liners on a separate pan, as this recipe will make approx. 14 cupcakes. Set aside.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until the solids are completely dissolved. Let it cool for a few minutes.
While the butter is cooling, in a medium bowl sift together the flour baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
When the butter is cool, pour it into the bowl of your stand mixer. Add sugar and mix until well combined. The mixture may look gritty at first, but don’t worry, it will smooth out as you add other ingredients! Add egg and mix for 1 minute. Add the yogurt, milk and vanilla extract to the bowl and beat until well combined.
Slowly incorporate flour mixture in the batter and combine until their are no lumps. The batter will be very thick.
Transfer 3/4 cup of the batter to a clean bowl. Mix in cocoa powder and coffee until well combined. The chocolate batter will be even thicker than the vanilla portion.
Scoop approx. 1 TBLS of vanilla batter into each pre-lined muffin cup. Top with a small scoop of chocolate batter, then add an additional scoop of vanilla on top until all the batter has been used.
Insert a butter knife into the center of each cupcake and twist gently to swirl the batter. If you’d like you can bake them without swirling the batter, which will give you a nice layered look to your cupcake.
Bake in pre-heated 350-degree oven for 18-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting!
YIELD: 14 cupcakes
Chocolate Espresso Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Recipe Courtesy of Desi Massei, [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes, March 2014
Ingredients: 5 Large egg white, room temperature 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder 4 sticks unsalted, room temperature butter 1-teaspoon pure vanilla extract 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled Directions:
Combine egg whites, sugar, salt, and espresso powder in a heatproof bowl of a stand-alone mixer. Whisk ingredients together. Set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler). Whisk constantly by hand until the mixture is warm to the touch, and when rubbed between fingertips is smooth (sugar and espresso powder has dissolved). Attach the bowl to the mixer and whisk (using a whisk attachment) together gradually beginning with low to high until stiff but not dry peaks form (they should be glossy). Once peaks have formed, SLOWLY add in butter, 1-2 tablespoons at a time until all is added. Add in vanilla and cooled chocolate, then whisk until combined. Switch to the paddle attachment and continue to beat on a low speed until the air bubbles are eliminated (approx. 2-3 min). Add to piping bag & pipe with desired tip.
Tickets are on sale now. Visit IEShineOn.com/cupcakes for packages including VIP early entry specials and group rates.
Sponsored by IEShineOn.com, a website for finding the best dining, shopping, attractions and fun events in the Inland Empire. The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair is also sponsored by Key Sponsor California Cake Decorations & Supply Co. in Redlands
For more information call: Su Pak (909) 257-8862 or go to IEShineOn.com/cupcakes.
Inland Empire Cupcake Fair “Cupcakes for a Cause” on May 4, 2014 at the Riverside Convention Center. Cupcake judging, tasting, live entertainment, free massages, vendors and lots of activities! Tickets available at IEShineOn.com/cupcakes
(Riverside, CA) Sample great cupcakes and enjoy some great deals brought to you by the Second Annual Inland Empire Cupcake Fair and the Riverside Downtown Partnership. This year’s “Cupcakes for a Cause” is on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at the Riverside Convention Center.
“‘Cupcakes for a Cause’ is not only about cupcakes and fun but we’re also about giving back to the community by contributing to social and cultural non-profit organizations that impact our local community. That’s why proceeds from the event benefit Community Connect and the California Riverside Ballet. Another goal of the Cupcake Fair is to encourage the economic well-being of the surrounding business community,” said Su Pak, founder of IEShineOn.com and creator of the annual Inland Empire Cupcake Fair.
IE Cupcake founder Su Pak with two of the three winners for Best Overall Cupcake and Most Unique Ingredient competition (left to right): Andrea Vasquez – Lavish Cupcakery, Su Pak – IEShineOn.com, Desiree Massei – [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes
While the event at convention center on May 4th focuses on cupcake tastings, judging, giveaways, live entertainment, and other activities, the Cupcake Fair encourages event guests to visit the surrounding Downtown Riverside area and take advantage of the discounts being offered by participating businesses in celebration of the Cupcake Fair.
“There are wonderful downtown businesses participating with great discount offers,” said Pak. They include:
Back to the Grind, 3575 University Ave., 951-784-0800, 10 percent off purchase
Gram’s Mission BBQ Palace, 3527 Main St., 951-782-8219, Daily specials include one side & drink – $6.99
Downtowne Books, 3582 Main St., 951-682-1082, 20 percent off purchase
D Dogs Restaurant, 3557 University Ave., 951-686-2176, 10 percent off food purchase
Sweet Epies Bakery & Café, 3540 9th St., 951-781-6778, $2 off total purchase over $10
Molinos Coffee, 3660 Mission Inn Ave., 951-347-9518, buy one get one half off
Antonious Pizza, 3737 Main St., Ste. 105, 951-682-9100, 10 percent off purchase
PIP Printing & Document Services, 4093 Market St., 951-682-2005, www.printmystuff.com, 10 percent off purchase with payment at time of order
Pixels, 3535 University Ave., 951-683-7957, buy one, get one half off any food item of equal or lesser value
Hideaway Café, 3700 Main St. (Lower level in Mission Galleria), 951-686-0950, 10 percent off food purchase
Upper Crust, 3573 Main St., 951-783-3149, free drink with meal
Pacific Stiks Chinese Cuisine, 3737 Main St., Ste. 106, 951-782-0938, 10 percent off purchase
Reveille, 3545 Main Street, 775-773-8345, www.reveillelife.com, 50 percent off first month of unlimited classes (for new clients only)
Sweet Vintage Décor, 3541 Main St., 951-532-4627, 10 percent off entire store (select items excluded)
Riverside Art on Main, 3730 Main St., 951-403-8509, buy one get one half off scented cupcake candles and two for $10 electronic vapes e-liquid
The Nature of Things, Fine Flowers & Botanicals, 3512 9th Street, 951-204-2149, $10 off a flower order of $50 or more
Tickets are on sale now. Visit IEShineOn.com/cupcakes for packages including VIP early entry specials and group rates.
Sponsored by IEShineOn.com/cupcakes, a website for finding the best dining, shopping, attractions and fun events in the Inland Empire. The Inland Empire Cupcake Fair is also sponsored by Key Sponsor California Cake Decorations & Supply Co. in Redlands.
“Professional and amateur baker booth space and sponsorships are available but are filling up fast,” said Pak. “The response from bakers and vendors has been excellent.”
(Riverside, CA) The first ever Inland Empire Cupcake Fair is Sunday, March 17 at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, from 12-4pm.
Cupcakes for a Cause is a family event with cupcake tastings, professional and amateur baking competition, live entertainment, a spa zone with free massages, a kids zone with professional babysitters and a free photo booth. Tickets are still available. Admission is $20 which includes six tasting tickets. Visit IEShineOn.com/coupons for packages including early entry specials and group rates.
Sponsored by IEShineOn.com, a website for finding anything and everything in the Inland Empire, Cupcakes for a Cause will benefit the California Riverside Ballet and the Family Foothill Shelter.
Booth and table sponsorships are available for vendors and merchants, but filling up fast according to Su Pak who is organizing the first-time event. “The response from vendors and merchants has been excellent. We still have room for a few more bakeries before Sunday. Please visit IEShineOn.com for special promotions.”
The IEShineOn.com site launches on September 17. “It’s no secret that the Inland Empire has been impacted by the current economic situation. I hope to contribute to local business by providing a simple, one-touch opportunity to reach out to customers. No advertising campaign is too big or too small and we will customize to meet the needs of every business.”
(Rancho Cucamonga, CA) A new website that will help anyone find everything in the Inland Empire is ready to launch.
IEShineOn.com, developed by Su Pak, a Korean American woman and former Claremont resident, is a one-source guide to find everything from restaurants, shopping and entertainment to vacation destinations in the Inland Empire. The site is scheduled to go live September 17.
“I’m calling it the Inland Empire Good Time Guide and it should serve as the premiere online resource for the region,” said Pak. “We’re your friendly online guide to help anyone find a good time in the Inland Empire.”
Pak, 31, grew up in Claremont, attended Claremont High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the University of California, San Diego in 2003. She always dreamed of someday creating an easy guide to help people navigate their way around the Inland Empire.
“I’ve always been in love with the Inland Empire. Most people do not realize how much the region has to offer and this website provides a simple one-stop resource to everything in the area.” Although she now lives in Los Angeles, Pak spent most of her childhood years in the IE and still has family and friends in the area.
Not only a resource for consumers, the website also supports local business, according to Pak–allowing vendors to reach out to the four million residents of the area. Sponsorship opportunities are available, where merchants can target specific cities and markets to maximize their advertising dollars.
“It’s no secret that the Inland Empire has been impacted by the current economic situation. I hope to contribute to local business by providing a simple, one-touch opportunity to reach out to customers. No advertising campaign is too big or too small and we will customize to meet the needs of every business.”
Pak says that another feature, Make Your Own Itinerary, allows users to plan a vacation, weekend outing or local trip in the IE by following easy steps on the website.
IEShineOn.com also has a blog—IEShineOn.com/Blog that shares local events, deals, weekly giveaways and promotions. Pak intends to highlight local businesses in her blog column or ‘Local Stars’ on the site as well as sharing news and events across the region on Facebook and Twitter pages.
A Holiday Discount Guide is planned for the Christmas season, offering local discounts and http://www.thecorsetcenter.com/kim-khloe-kardashian-waist-training-corsets/ coupons by merchants throughout the area.
Pak brings a strong background of online work experience to her new venture. Since college, she has worked in advertising for Dailey & Associates Advertising in West Hollywood– as an online production and promotions manager for Disney.com in North Hollywood and as a brand marketing manager for Nickelodeon Game Studios in Glendale.
But she never lost her dream of creating a local voice for consumers and business in the Inland Empire. “This is such a unique region, and I hope this website will help everyone enjoy the many opportunities here as well as providing a platform for business to grow and prosper.”
Pak is also a contributing blogger to DiscoverIE.com and IEFamily.com and serves on the board of directors, American Advertising Federation, Inland Empire chapter.
To reach Su Pak: Su.Pak@IEShineOn.com or (909) 257-8862.
![Most Popular Cupcake voted by event guests - Buffalo Chicken from [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes](http://www.dameroncommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_7910.jpg)
![Buffalo Chicken & Blueberry French Toast cupcakes from [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes](http://www.dameroncommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/IMG_7760.jpg)
![IE Cupcake founder Su Pak with two of the three winners for Best Overall Cupcake and Most Unique Ingredient competition (left to right): Andrea Vasquez - Lavish Cupcakery, Su Pak - IEShineOn.com, Desiree Massei - [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes](http://www.dameroncommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/IE-Cupcake-Fair-winners.jpg)
