It's been less than five years since sisters Katherine Kallinis and Sophie Kallinis (now Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne) opened their first Georgetown Cupcake in a petite, small-framed house. From that first unexpected success, the sisters leapt to other triumphs: a best-selling book (The Cupcake Diaries) and a hit TV show (DC Cupcakes, now in its third TLC season). The second volume of their Cupcake Diaries series delivers batch after batch of sweet confections for special occasions and, let's admit, sheer self-indulgence. Why be guilty? It is a pleasure.
Sisters, owners of Georgetown Cupcake, stars of TLC’s DC Cupcake, and authors, Berman and LaMontagne hit the cookbook pages again (their previous title is The Cupcake Diaries), presenting a selection of their bakery’s famed cupcake recipes as well as essays about their childhood, Greek heritage, and family, and rites of passage, including their weddings. Writings are tied to recipes, and an upbeat, friendly tone permeates the title. Chapters are broken down into “Life Celebrations,” “Holidays,” “Everyday Parties,” “Outdoor Get-Togethers,” and “DC Cupcakes’ Biggest Bashes, making readers privy to behind-the-scenes info on the TV show. Entertaining tips—such as how to use a backward time line to plan for a holiday meal and how to set a proper table are interspersed, as well as Sister’s Secret tip boxes, covering everything from setting up a happy birthday cupcake bar to using edible flowers. Recipes include a range of special occasion cupcakes—Tie-Dye Monster cupcakes for Halloween, and cotton candy cupcakes topped with cotton candy-stuffed fondant pillows for sleepovers—other sweets, such as Georgetown cupcake chocolate peppermint bark and Katherine’s Passover macaroons, as well as savory tea sandwiches (cucumber and cream cheese). The sisters also pay homage to their Greek background with recipes for Tiganites (sweet pancake medallions), Greek Vasilopita (New Year’s cake), and “Babee’s Greek Walnut Spice Cupcakes,” a recipe from their grandmother. (Dec.)
There’s a reason people stand in line for hours at their favorite cupcake shops. But why bother, when you can learn the sisters’ secrets to baking and decorating cupcakes (and other goodies) just like the pros?” — USA Today
Praise for Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne: “Moist, tasty, and expertly iced, the popular cupcake creations of sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne of Georgetown Cupcake are baked works of art.” — Better Homes & Gardens
“Katherine and Sophie make masterpieces in the kitchen, creating cupcake works of art that are not only beautiful, but over-the-top delicious. I always try to incorporate them into all my events. Their cupcakes are unique and deliciously divine!” — Sharon Stacks, star event planner and lifestyle expert
“I can’t say enough good things about this cupcakery.” — Frank Bruni, New York Times
Praise for Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne: “Moist, tasty, and expertly iced, the popular cupcake creations of sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne of Georgetown Cupcake are baked works of art.
Katherine and Sophie make masterpieces in the kitchen, creating cupcake works of art that are not only beautiful, but over-the-top delicious. I always try to incorporate them into all my events. Their cupcakes are unique and deliciously divine!
There’s a reason people stand in line for hours at their favorite cupcake shops. But why bother, when you can learn the sisters’ secrets to baking and decorating cupcakes (and other goodies) just like the pros?
I can’t say enough good things about this cupcakery.
There’s a reason people stand in line for hours at their favorite cupcake shops. But why bother, when you can learn the sisters’ secrets to baking and decorating cupcakes (and other goodies) just like the pros?
Praise for Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne: “Moist, tasty, and expertly iced, the popular cupcake creations of sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne of Georgetown Cupcake are baked works of art.
