Spencer's Banana Jungle Cupcakes

Recently, I've begun taking custom baking orders from my friends. Small, small steps towards my ultimate dream--a bakery of my very own, but it's a start and a good way to network. Here are some pictures from my first order: cupcakes for Spencer's 1st birthday.

Spencer's mom Anne-Lise approached me a few months ago about the idea of baking the cupcakes. Spencer loves bananas, and I've been hanging on to these adorable lion, tiger, elephant, and zebra picks for more than a few years now, so I decided to do a Banana Jungle theme. (Though sadly not an option, monkey picks would have put it over the top.)

The actual flavor of the cupcakes is banana chocolate chip with vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. The recipe came from a beautiful blog that I follow, Not without Salt. People always ask me about my resources for cupcake wrappers and related flair. I mostly purchase from Bake it Pretty and Fancy Flours. I also frequent a more local store, the Baker's Nook.

The happy birthday boy, a very satisfied customer!

Thanks to my ever supportive friends, more custom projects are in the works (a dessert tray for a dissertation defense, holiday care packages, and *gasp* a wedding!!!) Things are getting quite busy in my kitchen lately, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Making people smile is one of the best reasons I can think of to get flour all over the kitchen.