How to Market the business?

Hey guys,
So we have most of the essentials down- you have recipes, you have funding, you registered your business name but how do you now market your business?

Well let me tell you. As a previous Brand and Sales Manager, I picked up some good knowledge on how to market a product.

You have three choices- Above the Line, Through the Line or Below the Line Marketing.

Above the Line- If you budget permits, this is a very good avenue for marketing your product. This includes Radio ads, television ads, print media (newspapers) or even a billboard. However, this avenue is very costly especially for a start up business.

Below the Line- Again, if your budget permits, this means email marketing, or telemarketing.

Lastly, Through the Line means Social Media or Web Marketing. And I truly believe that for a Small business, this is really the most cost effective way to market your business.

Guys, this is the way to do it! Yes you can hire a Social Media Specialist but you can do it yourself from or where ever has WiFi. This is the method I use to market my business (Little Miss Cupcake Bakery 😊)
Here are a few tips when using social media:

1. Grow Your Audience
2. Analyze Past Content to Improve Posts
3. Deliver Content Consistently
4. Use Hashtags Strategically
5. Use Social Updates to Write Blog Posts
6. Target Website Visitors with Social Ad

I hope this information is helpful with building your business and your brand.'

Until Next time
Your Trini Baker

Competition- Who are the other Bakeries or Cafe's around?

Hey Guys,
So let's talk competition! Competition in any specific industry is real and your business must be a cut above the rest to ensure survival.

Knowing who your competitors are, and what they are offering, can help you to make your products, services and marketing stand out. It will enable you to set your prices competitively and help you to respond to rival marketing campaigns with your own initiatives.

So you may be saying but I am just starting my business why do I need to know who the competition is??? Wrong- you need to know what you are getting into and no business owner wants their business to fail.

Firstly- How do you find out who are your competitors? Easy- local business directories, advertising, searching on the Internet for similar products or services ( Social Media is very powerful my friends!!) , information provided by customers etc. There are so many avenues to choose from.

Ok, so we played "Eye Spy" and found out who the competition is, now we need to know what are the selling. Simple- either visit their store or online page and try their options. If you're a bakery like I am, buy a cupcake and compare the taste, quality and price. 

Now you know what everyone else is offering, then you should offer something different, something trendy, something new! Or if you are a baker like myself, what is the latest trend. You are never too old to learn something new.

Those were just a few tips on how to assess your competition. On another note, if you're looking for a bakery that is a cut above the rest :) Please like my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/littlemisscupcakeb/ or you can follow my on Istagram https://www.instagram.com/little_misscupcakebakery/?hl=en

Until next time
Your Trini Baker :)

Funding

Hey guys,
So let's talk money! Everybody needs it right? But how to get for your business? Businesses need startup capital to meet preliminary expenses, purchase of fixed assets and operating or working capital.

There are several avenues where you can get funding. See the listing below:

Personal assets
All prospective entrepreneurs have to be concerned with their savings/contribution to their business.   Once you approach a financial institution for funding, it will require that you make a contribution to your future business. This can be your personal/family savings, fixed deposits, insurance etc.

The National Integrated Business Incubation System (IBIS)

Through the Ministry of Labour and Small and Micro Enterprise Development- this program provides small businesses capital for clients (from $5,000 to $50,000). However, IBIS will create a facilitative environment so that clients may source additional funding from NEDCO or other financial institutions to fully fund their projects.

National Entrepreneurship Development Company Limited -NEDCO’s Loan Ceiling

The company has increased its loan entry ceiling from $100,000 to $250,000 for first-time borrowers, and up to a maximum of $500,000 for second-time borrowers. More info can be sourced from this link ⇒ http://www.nedco.gov.tt/OurServices/LoanServices.aspx

Commercial banks and other financial institutions
Ok, so you have the option of Republic, RBC, Scotia, FCB. Banks require a business plan and collateral to secure the loan. I have included a link to help with writing your business plan ⇓
https://www.sba.gov/starting-business/write-your-business-plan

I have only include three options for funding but there are soooo many more out there. You just have to do you research.

I hope this information was helpful.

Until next time
Your Trini Baker :)

How to register your business!!

Hey guys,
So I shared my recipes, my suppliers now let me share how to register your business name in Trinidad and Tobago. Have you ever wanted to register your business but the whole process just seems to daunting or stressful??

Ok, so let me break it down for you. You can register your business under three categories-Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies.

Here are the steps to register your business in Trinidad and Tobago.

Step 1 Business Name Reservation
To register a business name your first step is to fill out an Application for Name Approval/Name Reservation Form and submit it to the address of the Companies Registry listed below. The fee for this process is TT$25.00.

The Business Name Act prohibits the registration of identical names, so you can't register a business name that another company is already using.  You can search the business names public record at the Companies Registry. This will tell you if someone is already using the name you have selected and where the business is located.  There are several different search options you may wish to pursue.  Each name search costs TT$20.00.

Companies Registry
Registration House
72-74 South Quay
Port of Spain
Trinidad, West Indies
Tel. (868) 624-1660
Opening hours:  8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays


Step 2  Registering your Business Name
If you plan to operate as a sole proprietor or a limited liability company, you will need to complete and file the Registration of a Business Name form.  This form is to be submitted to the Companies Registry with the applicable fees.

For a Limited Liability Company (LLC), once you have a name reserved you will have to file Articles of Incorporation.

Just follow my instructions above and or you can visit the link below ⇓
https://www.ttconnect.gov.tt

The link above has all the forms in soft copy which is helpful.

I hope this information was helpful to anyone like myself walking the entrepreneur road!!

Until next time
Your Trini Baker :)

Where to get Supplies??- Utensils & Equipment

Hey guys,
So when starting your business like I did 3 years go ( Little Miss Cupcake Bakery), click on the link right here ⇒ https://www.facebook.com/littlemisscupcakeb/  :) I had to source my equipment from several places and there wasn't anyone really sharing info about it. So I am happy to share this information to anyone who may want to start their food business and looking for equipment and utensils.

Ocaziao
So this place is like Disneyland for bakers. They have two locations- POS and St. James. They have everything ranging from Sprinkles to Fondant to Cake boxes to Cake Boards to everythinggggg!!! You name it.... and they have it! They staff are friendly and very accommodating. I just 💖 this store.
You can click the link below for their facebook page.⇓
 https://www.facebook.com/Ocaziao-193873234051066/


Advanced Commercial Limited
 Advance Commercial is located corner Chootoo lane and Churchill Roosevelt Highway. They have equipment for both home and commercial use. They also have varying baking pans and baking sheets upstairs along with alot of other items. Check out their website below. ⇓
http://www.advancecommercialtt.com/

I hope this info is helpful as well.

Until next time....
Your Trini Baker.

Where to get supplies??- Ingredients

Hey guys,
Some of you may be in the same position like myself where you would like to open a business and are wondering where to source ingredients. The grocery may an option or a bulk type business like Pricesmart however I believe that going straight to the source is always the best option.

My "go-to" companies especially for bakery/cafe type items are Vemco Ltd and Hadco Ltd.  So let me break them down for you one by one.

Vemco Limited. 

Vemco is one of the larger distributors on the island and carries several categories/brands for any potential or existing baker. They carry Dawn ( which is a Food Service Bakery brand) KerryGold Butter and Milk, Cafe Brasil Coffee, Bruggeman Yeast, Quaker Oats, Swiss Pasta, Condiments and Peanut Butter. I use KerryGold butter in all my pastries and cakes.They are situated in Diego Martin.

Hadco Limited

Hadco Limited is also a large distributor located in San Juan, Barataria. They carry Rich's ( which is also a Food Service Bakery brand) among many other brands that you would need for your establishment.

There's a link below ⇓ to there website for further info and their contact.

http://www.hadcoltd.com/

I hope this information is helpful as ingredients costs is a major factor in your overall operational costs and sourcing good quality items at reasonable prices is vital to your operation.

Until next time....
Your Trini Baker.

Equipment Rentals

Hey Guys,
What's the latest trend with events, birthday parties or even weddings? Let me tell you...... Interactive stations. What I'm talking about  are chocolate fountains, popcorn machines, cotton candy machines, Hot dog machines, you name it.....people are doing it!

Here at little Miss Cupcake Bakery, we also have equipment that we rent for events. I think it is the novelty of it.....or that fact that persons have the ability to choose and build their own desserts.


Chocolate Fountain
Our Package comes with 2 fruits ( Strawberries, Bananas, Grapes, Pineapple- your choice)
 and 3 biscuits.
Duration: 3 hours

Pop Corn Machine
We provide everything for this rental- Machine, Popcorn, Bags and an attendant to serve the popcorn. This really smells great when popping and children love seeing and hearing the kernels pop.
Duration: 3 hours

Snow Cone Machine
This can be used for either a child's birthday party or even a bachelorette party with alcoholic snow cones. Who wouldn't enjoy a Pina Colada snowcone?
Again we provide everything for this rental- Machine, ice, syrup and an attendant to serve the popcorn.
Duration: 3 hours

So if you are interested in renting these items, please feel free to contact us via Facebook- Little Miss Cupcake Bakery, Instagram- little_misscupcakebakery or via email little_misscupcake@hotmail.com.

Until next time
Your Trini Baker

Recipe- Gluten Free, No Flour Brownies

Hey Guys,
So even though at Little Miss Cupcake Bakery (Like my page on Facebook) we do decedent cakes and desserts, we also cater for those that are trying to watch their weight or anyone that is health conscious but still wants to indulge and have an alternative dessert.

You can have a fudgey, decadent chocolate brownie minus dairy, flour, gluten and sugar. And it tastes great too! These brownies taste, look and have the mouth feel of  regular brownies but less calories and no flour! Yes, it’s true!

So I'm willing to share this recipe with you because it's just awesome!

Ingredients.
1 1/4 cups sugar-free chocolate chips
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
2 eggs
1/3 cup olive oil or coconut oil, melted
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon instant coffee
1 tablespoon powdered stevia

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line an 8 by 8 baking dish with parchment paper.
3. Spray parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray.
4. Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
5. Pour onto parchment paper in baking dish.
6. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out perfectly clean.
7. Cool on wire wrack for 10 minutes 
8. Slice and Enjoy!

So, try the recipe and enjoy a guilt-free dessert that's good for your waist line and yummy at the same time.

Until next time.

Your Trini Baker

Recipe- Cassava Pone

Hey Guys,
Does anyone love pone like my best friend Alana does? What is pone you ask? Pone is a gel like baked dessert made from the root vegetables. It can be made with carrots, pumpkin or cassava. I usually make cassava pone.

Even though you don't see it in many bakeries anymore, I think it's a good addition to any menu as it brings a sense of long time goodness.

So let me share my recipe with you.

Ingredients
1 ¼ cups brown sugar
1 lb. raw cassava grated
1 cup milk
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp, ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 pack dried coconut flakes
2 cups hot water
1 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp. melted butter
1/2 cup raisins


Directions

1. Pre-Heat the oven at 375F
2. Combine cassava with milk, sugar and spices.
3. Add raisins, coconut, hot water and melted butter.
4. Add more sugar if necessary, pour into greased dish.
5. Bake at 375 F for 45 – 50 minutes
6. Cool and cut into slices.
7. Enjoy!!!

Please try my recipe and let me know what your think.

You can follow my facebook page- Little Miss Cupcake Bakery or follow me on Instagram - little_misscupcakebakery.

Until next time
Your Trini Baker :)

Recipe- Sweet Bread

Hey guys,
So since I am from Trinidad, I will like to share some of our Trinidadian desserts. Who knows sweet bread ( That's a question for my non-trini audience btw)? Growing up in Trinidad, you couldn't escape the smell of home-made sweet bread from your Granny's or Mummy's kitchen.

So what is sweet bread? It's exactly what it sounds like- Sweet bread. It can be sliced and eaten with butter or cheese, so simply eaten by itself- it's so good! And there's no real season to eat or make it either.

Allow me to share my recipe with you. 😌

Ingredients
4 1⁄2 cups flour
4 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 1⁄4 cups granulated sugar
1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit
1 cup raisins or 1 cup sultana
3 cups coconut, grated (not dried or sweetened)
1⁄4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
1⁄4 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
2 eggs, well-beaten
1⁄2 cup evaporated milk- I use Nestle Carnation Milk
2 teaspoons almond essence
1⁄2 lb butter (melted)- I use KerryGold Butter

Directions

1. Mix and sift flour, baking powder and salt four times.
2. Add sugar and fruit; blend evenly.
3. Add coconut, cinnamon and grated nutmeg and stir well.
4. In another bowl combine the whipped eggs, milk, essence and cooled melted butter. Mix well.
5. Make a well in the flour mixture.
6. Pour the egg mixture into the well and stir with a spoon. Batter will be heavy and mixture will be fairly stiff.
7. DO NOT KNEAD or bread will be tough. Mix entirely by spoon, assisted by a knife.
8. Pile into 2 non-stick or greased loaf tins.
9. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.

OPTIONAL: When done, glaze with mixture of 1 tablespoon sugar and one tablespoon water. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and Return to the oven for 3 -4 minutes.

I hope you try this recipe and have a taste of Trinidad.

Remember, you can Like my page on Facebook: Little Miss Cupcake Bakery or follow me on Instagram : Little_misscupcakebakery.

Until next time
Your Trini Baker

Recipe-Creme Brulee

Hey guys,
So my favorite dessert is Creme Brulee. It's a five ingredient recipe that if made correctly is just ultimate heaven. So I envision that at my cafe, (Little Miss Cupcake Bakery) :) Creme Brulee would definitely be on the menu. Total yummm!!

Ok, I'm going to share my recipe with you all.

Ingredients
6 egg yolks
6 tablespoons white sugar, divided
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Beat egg yolks, 4 tablespoons white sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until thick and creamy.

• Pour cream into a saucepan and stir over low heat until it almost comes to boil. Remove the cream from heat immediately. Stir cream into the egg yolk mixture; beat until combined.
• Pour cream mixture into the top pan of a double boiler. Stir over simmering water until mixture lightly coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes. Remove mixture from heat immediately and pour into a shallow heat-proof dish.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
• Preheat oven to broil.
• In a small bowl combine remaining 2 tablespoons white sugar and brown sugar. Sift this mixture evenly over custard. Place dish under broiler until sugar melts, about 2 minutes. Watch carefully so as not to burn.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool. Refrigerate until custard is set again.

Guys, I really hope you try this recipe and enjoy the yummyness of this dessert!

Until next time!

Your Trini Baker :)

Recipe- Donuts

Hey guys,
Who loves Donuts?? Me, meeeee 🙌. I often have "Donut Days" which is always a hit. Let me share my recipe with you. These are fried donuts and not baked. Now I know some people may enjoy the healthy option of baked donuts but I say if you are going to indulge, do it the right way!

So my donuts are fried and then dunked into either chocolate, vanilla, coconut or caramel topping and then sprinkled with anything like coconut flakes, sprinkles, nuts :)

Ingredients
2 tablespoons white vinegar
3/8 cup milk
2 tablespoons shortening
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 quart oil for deep frying

Directions

1. Stir the vinegar into the milk, and let stand for a few minutes until thick.
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well blended. Sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the sugar mixture alternating with the vinegar and milk. Roll dough out on a floured surface to 1/3 inch thickness. Cut into doughnuts using a donut cutter. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
3. Heat the oil in a large deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry doughnuts in the hot oil until golden, turning over once. Drain on paper towels. 
4. Dip donuts in Chocolate or Vanilla Topping or Dust with confectioners' sugar while they are still warm, and serve immediately.

You can follow my Facebook page Little Miss Cupcake Bakery or on Instagram little_misscupcakebakery to order your Donuts for any event.

I hope you enjoyed this post and try out the recipe!

Until Next time

Your Trini Baker

Recipe-Ganache

Hey Guys,
So someone asked me to post my recipe for Ganache. So what is Ganache? To me Ganache is liquid gold (hehehe)! Seriously though, ganache is a glaze, icing, sauce, or filling for pastries made from chocolate and cream. It is made by heating cream, then pouring it over chopped chocolate of any kind.

At Little Miss Cupcake Bakery, I use ganache for several applications- on drip cakes, cupcakes, donuts, just everything that needs a little love! So how do you get your ganache to the right consistency? I am sharing my recipe with you and I hope you try it and tell me what you think!

Ingredients
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Place the chocolate into a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watching very carefully because if it boils for a few seconds, it will boil out of the pot. When the cream has come to a boil, pour over the chocolate chips, and whisk until smooth. 
2. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over a cake. Start at the center of the cake and work outward. For a fluffy frosting or chocolate filling, allow it to cool until thick, then whip with a whisk until light and fluffy.

 Look at that ganache just dripping of that cake. As I mentioned before, it's liquid gold :)

I hope this recipe helps!

Until next time.....

Your Trini Baker

Recipe- Lemon Meringue Pie

Hey Guys,
Who doesn't love a good Lemon Meringue Pie. Growing up in the Trinidad, I enjoyed many citrus fruits like oranges, portugal, grapefruits, tangerines, lemon etc. We make alot of desserts and treats made from these fruits. I remember my grandmother making Lemon Meringue Pies which were both sweet and tangy at the same time. Yummmm!

I would share her recipe with you but Shhhh......it's just between us! :). I get several requests for these pies from my customers and it is a top seller. Like my page on Facebook guys- Little Miss Cupcake Bakery if you would like to order one of these tasty pies!

Ingredients
CRUST
1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
3 tablespoons cold water
FILLING:
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups water
3 egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/3 cup lemon juice
MERINGUE:
1/2 cup sugar, divided
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
4 egg whites
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add 3 tablespoons cold water, tossing with a fork until dough forms a ball.
2. Roll out pastry to fit a 9-in. pie plate. Transfer pastry to pie plate. Trim to 1/2 in. beyond edge of plate; flute edges. Bake at 425° for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. For filling, in a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt. Gradually stir in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.
4. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter and lemon peel. Gradually stir in lemon juice just until combined. Pour into the crust.
5. For meringue, in a saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in cold water. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is clear. Transfer to a bowl; cool.
6. In a large bowl, beat egg whites and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in the remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat in cornstarch mixture on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over hot filling, sealing edges to crust.
7. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Happy Baking guys!

Until the next time....

Your Trini Baker

Recipe- Macarons

Hey guys,
So there's this new craze for Macarons but what are they really?? Macarons are  a sweet meringue-based confection made with egg white, icing sugar, granulated sugar, almond powder or ground almond, and food colouring. Simple right? I find them to be dainty wafer like cookies great for a baby shower, wedding, tea party or really any event where they can be appreciated for their beauty.

So here's a recipe that I use for my Macaron orders.

Ingredients
1 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup almond flour
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/4 cup superfine sugar
2 to 3 drops gel food coloring (see below)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla, almond or mint extract

Directions
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F using the convection setting. Line 3 baking sheets with silicone mats. Measure the confectioners' sugar and almond flour by spooning them into measuring cups and leveling with a knife. Transfer to a bowl; whisk to combine.

Sift the sugar-almond flour mixture, a little at a time, through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing with a rubber spatula to pass through as much as possible. It will take a while, and up to 2 tablespoons of coarse almond flour may be left; just toss it.

Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt with a mixer on medium speed until frothy. Increase the speed to medium high; gradually add the superfine sugar and beat until stiff and shiny, about 5 more minutes.

Transfer the beaten egg whites to the bowl with the almond flour mixture. Draw a rubber spatula halfway through the mixture and fold until incorporated, giving the bowl a quarter turn with each fold.

Add the food coloring and extract (see below). Continue folding and turning, scraping down the bowl, until the batter is smooth and falls off the spatula in a thin flat ribbon, 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip. Holding the bag vertically and close to the baking sheet, pipe 1 1/4-inch circles (24 per sheet). Firmly tap the baking sheets twice against the counter to release any air bubbles.

Let the cookies sit at room temperature until the tops are no longer sticky to the touch, 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the humidity. Slip another baking sheet under the first batch (a double baking sheet protects the cookies from the heat).

Bake the first batch until the cookies are shiny and rise 1/8 inch to form a "foot," about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat, using a double sheet for each batch. Peel the cookies off the mats and sandwich with a thin layer of filling (see below).

Almond-Raspberry:

Tint the batter with 2 drops neon pink gel food coloring; flavor with almond extract. Fill with seedless raspberry jam (you'll need about 3/4 cup).

Mint-White Chocolate:

Tint the batter with 2 drops mint green gel food coloring; flavor with mint extract. For the filling, microwave 3 ounces chopped white chocolate, 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon mint extract and 1 drop mint green gel food coloring.

Blueberry Cheesecake:

Tint the batter with 3 drops royal blue gel food coloring; flavor with vanilla extract. For the filling, mix 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons blueberry jam.

Lavendar-Honey:

Tint the batter with 2 drops violet gel food coloring; flavor with almond or vanilla extract. For the filling, mix 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese, 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon ground dried lavender.

Here are my finished macarons! Just perfect!

Hope this recipe helps anyone who wants to try their hands at Macaron making. :)

Until next time

Your Trini Baker

Recipe- Decadent Chocolate Cake

Hey guys,
Who doesn't loveee a good slice of moist chocolate cake with a good frosting and a ganache just drizzling down the sides. Yummm!!

So today I am going to share a recipe with you all. I use this for all my chocolate cake orders and well as any occasion at home.

Ingredients
2 cups white sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
 1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
5 1/3 cups confectioners' sugar
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 9 inch cake pans.
• Use the first set of ingredients to make the cake. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, mix for 3 minutes with an electric mixer. Stir in the boiling water by hand. Pour evenly into the two prepared pans.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to cool completely.
• To make the frosting, use the second set of ingredients. Cream butter until light and fluffy. Stir in the cocoa and confectioners' sugar alternately with the milk and vanilla. Beat to a spreading consistency.
• Split the layers of cooled cake horizontally, cover the top of each layer with frosting, then stack them onto a serving plate. Frost the outside of the cake.

I added ganache and strawberries to mine just to make it more decadent!

Hope this recipe helps all the at home bakers. If you want to order a cake like the picture above, feel free to like my page- Little Miss Cupcake Bakery on facebook and send me a message. I would love to bake for you!

Until my next post, Happy baking!

**Your Trini Baker **

Recipe Cupcakes

Hey Guys,
Let's talk about cupcakes. As I said earlier in a previous post, I think cupcakes are just the perfect amount of cake and frosting. They are just bite size pieces of heaven :)

Plus it's the latest trend. And I mean for all occasions- Birthdays, Weddings, Product Launches, Office Parties.....I mean everything. So making a good cupcake is vital for any aspiring baker and ultimately bakery.

At Little Miss Cupcake Bakery ( again, go like the page on Facebook!), we offer a range of flavours for every palette.
We offer:
Chocolate Overload ( Chocolate Cupcakes, Chocolate Frosting and Chocolate Ganache)
* Chocolate Cupcake and Raspberry Frosting
* Chocolate Cupcake with Pistachio Frosting
* Chocolate Cupcake with Mint Frosting and Ganache
* Snickers Cupcakes ( chocolate Cupcake with Peanut butter frosting and caramel)
* Carrot/ Sweet potato cupcake with Cream cheese frosting
* Carrot cupcake with Cream Cheese frosting
* Pineapple Cupcake with Strawberry Frosting
* Virgin Pina Colada
* Red Velvet cupcakes with Marshmallow frosting.
* Red Velvet cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting
* Almond Cherry Cupcakes with Almond frosting
* Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry or Strawberry Frosting
*Tiramisu
* Cookies and Cream Cupcakes
* Cinnamon Roll 
* Salted Caramel Cupcakes
* Rum Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
* Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes
* Champagne Cupcakes
* Chocolate Stoute Cupcakes with Kahlua Frosting

They all sound yummy right?? 

I will share with you my recipe for a good Vanilla Cupcake. The recipe for the Buttercream frosting is in the previous post.

Recipe: Vanilla Cupcakes   Yield 24 Cupcakes
2 cups flour
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 cup butter, softened
3⁄4 cup sugar 
2 eggs
1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla essence 

Directions
Preheat oven to 375f or 190c; line muffin cups with papers.
Cream butter and sugar till light and fluffy. beat in eggs one at a time.
Add flour (mixed with baking powder and salt) alternating with milk beat well; stir in vanilla.

Divide evenly among pans and bake for 18 minutes. Let cool in pans.

Look at some of my cupcakes below 

Your Trini Baker :)

Recipe- Frosting

Hey Guys,
So I just wanted to share some recipes with you. Some of you may be an aspiring baker like myself and a good recipe is always a treat to find.

Today I'm going to share my recipe for Buttercream frosting. Buttercream frosting is the one constant in baking and frosting cakes. It's important to have a good tasting as well as a resilient buttercream that can withstand both cold and hot temperatures.

Buttercream Recipe
1 cup Unsalted Butter
1/3 cup Cookeen
4 cups Icing Sugar
1 tbsp Essence
3-4 tbsp Whipping Cream

Method
Mix Butter, Cookeen and Extract in a mixing bowl.
Add powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time
Add milk 1tbsp at a time and mix until you have reached the consistency you desire.

Yield: frosting for 24 cupcakes. Any variation in colour or flavour, just add food colouring or essence!

Any left over frosting can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge.

Happy Baking!

Your Trini Baker :)

Menu Selection

Hey Guys,
So I finally did it. I resigned and effective today 6th March 2017, I am now fully focused on turning my dream of owning a café into a reality (yayy me!)

Let's talk menu. My vision for the Café is of course bakery items- both sweet and savoury like cupcakes, mini tartlets, macaroons, éclairs, cakes slices , full cakes, Panna cotta, Crème Brule, Crème Caramel, Donuts etc. as well as Puffs, Beef Pies, Sandwiches, Pizza Slices. I am also looking at fun exciting food and juice items.

With regards to the food items and juices, I would be offering light menu items. See below:

Salads and Appetizers

• Caesar Salad- With and Without Chicken
• 7 Bean Salad
• Quinoa Salad
• Fried Wings ( BBQ, Honey Jack Daniels, Pineapple, Sweet & Sour)
• Fried Calamari

Sandwiches, Wraps and Pasta

• Alfredo Pasta (Chicken or Shrimp)
• Spaghetti with Tomato cream sauce
• Spaghetti and Meat balls
• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wrap
• Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad wrap
• Vegetarian wrap
• Caramelized Onion, Mushroom and Swiss Melt Sandwich
• Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
• Turkey Bacon Grilled cheese sandwich

So these are some of the items that I have in mind for the café. I am going to try out some recipes, add some pictures and share with you.

Leave a note, tell me what you think of it? Should I add more or delete some?

Until the next blog- your Trini Baker :)

Introduction

😊😊Hi everyone. welcome to my blog. I am just a girl from Trinidad with a love for Baking. My love affair started when I was a child. I would always be in the kitchen with my mother who had a knack for cooking. From an early age, she taught me different techniques in Trinidadian inspired dishes.

As a teenager, I attended Holy Name Convent Secondary school and my favourite subject was Food and Nutrition. Here I learnt the technical side of Food and graduated with a Distinction.

As expected, I went the traditional route. I started to work then I went onto my first degree. I secured a managerial job at a local distribution company. All in all, I should have been satisfied- I have a good marriage, a great career, I am well paid....but something was missing!

A few years ago, after a stressful day at the office, I decided to bake a few cupcakes as a form of stress relief and OMG!! I totally forgot that I loved baking. Seeing simple ingredients turn into works of art. Not to mention, they taste great as well.

So here I am now....  3years later and I am at the crossroads of whether I should leave a safe and secure job or follow my passion and open a bakery with a store front- *decisions, decisions*. I have a thriving Cake business -Little Miss Cupcake Bakery ( yes, visit and like my page on Facebook ) where I bake Cupcakes, Frosted or Fondant Cakes, Wedding Cakes and dessert from orders from home.

I am so happy that you are here to go through this journey with me. I will blog about recipes, funding, locations, marketing, suppliers and so much more! So stayed tuned :)