Sweet Giveaway: Choose a Sweet Tee from Fibers

Curious about where I get my secret spy superpowers?

Well, it's actually no secret at all: I'm Powered by Crumb Cake. I consider it probably the world's most perfect food--heavy on the crumb, light on the cake.

And I was delighted to get a chance to tell the world all about it, in t-shirt form, when Fibers.com offered me a totally sweet giveaway opportunity: a free t-shirt for one lucky reader (US only, please) AND one for me, you know, so I could demonstrate the capabilities.

You can either choose to customize your tee, like I did (they have a fun custom-design tool which will help you waste a good half hour of your workday -- I mean, personal at-home time -- on the computer)--or you can choose from an extensive gallery of ready-made tees, which include plenty of sweet-themed tees (several riffs on the "Powered by" theme, such as "Powered by Cupcakes", "Powered by Baklava"...as well as other great tees such as "I (heart) Fondant" and many, many others).

How do you enter? Simply leave a comment below saying what sweet slogan you'd be dying to wear on a tee (whether it's one you've come up with, or one from the Fibers.com catalog!).

The giveaway will close on Sunday, December 26, at 12pm PST.

Sweet Giveaway: Cookbook and Cookies From Tate's

Oh, hey. Remember how like two days ago I did this bake-off, comparing the homemade version of Tate's Bake Shop cookies versus their own mail-order version?

Well, obviously this experiment would be better if you did it yourself, so the fine folks at Tate's are offering up a sweet giveaway!

They're offering a copy of the Tate's Bake Shop Cookbook -- and a filled cookie jar full of their tasty cookies!

It's a fantastic prize package, fun to share with friends or to hoard and enjoy all by yourself (trust me, I won't judge you). Oh, and you should totally follow them on Facebook.

Want to enter yourself in the running? Well (US Residents only, please, since part of the parcel is perishable!), you can do just that by leaving a comment below telling me what kind of chocolate chip cookies you like best: chewy, gooey, or crunchy?

The winner will be chosen at random (and announced shortly thereafter) on next Thursday, December 16 at noon PST!

Sweet Giveaway: A World of Cake by Krystina Castella

Image from A World of Cake by Krystina CastellaConfession: I have sort of a crush on Krystina Castella.

If you're unfamiliar with her work, then you're in for a sweet treat: she's the brains behind such books as Pops!: Icy Treats for Everyone , Booze Cakes: Confections Spiked With Spirits, Wine, and Beer, Crazy About Cupcakes, and most recently (released within a month of one another!) Crazy About Cookies and A World of Cake.

And while there's a lot to love about any book that features recipes for sweet treats, what in my mind really separates Castella from the crowd is her backround as an industrial designer: this is strongly reflected in each of her books, which are beautifully and thoughtfully constructed, both visually and in terms of the actual content. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she's smart as a whip, very clever, and a mean baker to boot.

You know what? The awesomeness that is Krystina Castella is really too much to put into a single post, and so all week I am going to be dedicating posts to her amazing works, including recipes and an interview!

But we'll kick it off with a giveaway, OK? One lucky winner will receive a copy of A World of Cake, which includes over 150 recipes and stories about cakes from all over the world. Not only will you get a ton of delicious recipes, but you might just learn something, too.

How do you enter yourself in the running? Simply leave a comment below stating a cake recipe (it can be international or domestic!) you've been dying to try. Optional: feel free to link to or include a recipe!

The winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, November 30th, at 12pm PST; US entrants only this time, please! The book will be sent directly from the publisher, Storey Publishing.

Sweet Giveaway: Happy Haul-idays With Chronicle Books!

Like, OMG!

Chronicle Books, only the sweetest publisher, like, on the planet, has launched a pretty freaking awesome promotion called Happy Haul-idays. The 411? By posting a wish-list of Chronicle Books valued at up to $500 that I'd like to "haul" in, I get automatically entered into a drawing to win said list. And--awesome overload--if I win, a CakeSpy reader who comments on this post will win the list, too!

So, here's my impeccably chosen list of Chronicle Books. Want to win this list too? Scroll below the list for entry instructions.

Whoopie Pies by Sarah Billingsley and Amy Treadwell

Cake Pops! By Bakerella!

I Love Macarons by Hisako Ogita

Flour by Joanne Chang

Southern Pies by Nancie McDermott

Luscious Coconut Desserts by Lori Long

Chocolate Cakes by Elinor Klivans

All Cakes Considered by Melissa Gray

Gingerbread by Jennifer McGlinn

Field Guide to Candy by Anita Chu

Field Guide to Cookies by Anita Chu

Baking for All Occasions by Flo Braker

Pops! By Krystina Castella

Luscious Creamy Desserts by Lori Longbotham

Killer Pies by Stephanie Anderson

Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by Jill O'Connor

Southern Cakes by Nancie McDermott

Sky High by Alisa Huntsman and Peter Wynne

Tartine by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson

See's Famous Old Time Candies by Margaret Moos Pick

Cupcakes! By Elinor Klivans

Big Fat Cookies by Elinor Klivans

Luscious Chocolate Desserts by Lori Longbotham

Want to win the list too? Comment below with which one you're most excited about. Seriously. I'm, like, so excited for us to both win this. 

Sweet Giveaway: Win an Original Framed CakeSpy Watercolor!

Today, for no particular reason other than the fact that it might sweeten your day, CakeSpy is offering a giveaway.

Totally sweet: you could win a framed and matted original watercolor by CakeSpy! It pictures a sweet scene of treats flying a kite on what looks like a carefree and sugar-filled day (of course, if you can't wait to see if you won, feel free to shop online here).

Want a piece of that sweetness? To enter to win, simply leave a comment on this post to satisfy the spy's curiosity:

What is the last dessert, sweet, or baked good that really knocked your socks off?

A buttery croissant? A decadent chocolate torte? Or perhaps a homespun apple pie? I want to hear all about it. Of course recipes are welcome too! 

This giveaway is open to entrants everywhere (US and abroad). The giveaway will close for entries on Thursday, November 18, at 12pm PST, and a winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

Sweet Giveaway: Win a Copy of Mitford Cookbook by Bestselling Author Jan Karon

Who doesn't love having a sweet new recipe book? 

While you mull that one over, let me introduce a totally sweet giveaway: one lucky reader will receive the gorgeously designed Jan Karon's Mitford Cookbook and Kitchen Reader: Recipes from Mitford Cooks, Favorite Tales from Mitford Books. In case you're not familiar, Jan Karon is the # 1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mitford Series (35 million copies in print). But even more importantly, this book is filled with over 150 delicious Southern recipes, including Esther Bolick’s delicious Orange Marmalade Cake, The Irish Lady Rhubarb Tart, and more! And, since we all love a good backstory, this four-color cookbook features Jan’s personal reminiscences, dozens of beloved scenes from the Mitford books, jokes, cooking tips, and a story never before published in the novels.

How do you put your name in the hat? It's easy. Simply answer in the comments below telling me what your favorite Southern dish is (either sweet OR savory, I am feeling generous!).

Details: The giveaway is open to US entrants only, please--the giveaway will close at Midnight next Friday, October 15.

Sweet Giveaway: Matryoshka M-Cups Giveaway!

Things that are sad: CakeSpy's birthday week is over. And (bad spy) the giveaway schedule had a slight hitch: friday's giveaway never went up! Yikes (must have been too busy eating Birthday Cake French Toast!).

Things that are glad: There's a final giveaway to cap the week and say thank you for the totally sweet memories. 

That's right: here's another giveaway, this time for the lovely and amazing M-Cups by super-creative company FRED! Here's a description:

This set of 6 dry-measure cups nests neatly just like traditional Russian matryoshkas. They accurately measure 1/4, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 3/4 and 1 full cup, and they’re built from heavy-duty, food-safe, long-life engineering plastics. M-Cups are useful, easy to store, and quite charming...so why not doll up YOUR kitchen with a little Russian folklore? Each set is packaged in a full-color printed giftbox.

They're a popular seller at CakeSpy Shop, and now you can win a set for free! How? Simply answer the following pressing cake question below. US and Canadian entrants only this time, please! The giveaway will close next Tuesday, September 7, at 12pm PST. Good luck!

Here's the question:

What is your least favorite dessert, and why?

Sweet Giveaway: Win a CakeSpy Mug and Tote!

Are you still drinking your coffee (or tea, or vodka--whatevs) from a nondescript cup like a jerk? 

Well, it's time to upgrade, by winning the sweetest giveaway prize, like, ever: a CakeSpy mug with a conversation-starting image: a cupcake surrounded by empty cupcake wrappers. 

And, because it's CakeSpy's birthday week blitz, you'll win a matching tote bag!

How do you put your name in the running? It's easy. Simply come up with your cleverest caption for the image shown on the tote and mug--leave it as a comment below.

I'll choose my favorite one (and declare a winner!) on next Thursday, September 2 at 12pm PST! US and Canadian entrants only, please.

Sweet Giveaway: Macaron Art!

Guess what? It's that special time of year when CakeSpy's Head Spy Jessie celebrates her birthday. Booyea!

What does that mean for you, though? Well, if you're in Seattle, it means that there will be free birthday cake every day this week (Tue-Sun) at the CakeSpy Shop! First come first served. 

But even if you're not in Seattle you can enter to win some totally sweet stuff! There will be giveaways all week, starting with this super sweet prize pack, perfect for macaron lovers: a miniature original watercolor CakeSpy painting (the original! Not a print!) of macarons and burger hanging out, and the cutest crochet macaron you've ever seen, made by the lovely and amazing Alicia Kachmar! 

Want to put yourself in the running? Simply put your answer to the important baked-good question below in the comments section below. This giveaway will close on Sunday, August 29 at 12 p.m. PST, and the winner will be contacted shortly after. US and Canada entries only this time, please!

Are macarons "the new cupcake"?

Sweet Giveaway: Win a Handmade Apron by Curry Kay Designs!

Who is the cutest baker in the kitchen?

You, when you wear this adorable handmade apron by Curry Kay Designs!

First, why not get to know the artist? Here's what she has to say about herself:

I am a Connecticut based textile artist and event planner. I have always loved to bake in my free time (especially cookies and cheesecakes), but had difficulty finding textile kitchen accessories that fit my sense of style. Earlier this year I decided to leave my full-time corporate event planning job in order to pursue the perfect apron and dishtowel! I opened my Etsy shop in June with original aprons, dish towels and market totes that feature flattering styles, bright colors, and simple motifs. I especially enjoy creating custom pieces to match my customer's kitchen colors! Curry Kay Designs can be found on Etsy, Facebook, and Twitter.

So how do you put yourself in the running? It's easy: just weigh in on this important cake issue in the below section.

What is your favorite cheesecake flavor? 

Oreo? Key Lime? Strawberry? Thin Mint? Or just plain? Inquiring minds must know.

US entrants only, please. The cake poll will close one week from today, on Tuesday, August 24, at 12pm PST. The winner will be announced shortly after. Can't wait to see if you won? Shop for sweet stuff on the Etsy site!

Cake Poll: Cupcake Tote Giveaway!

Win it!You know what's tote-ally awesome?

Winning a free cupcake tote, as seen in Sex and the City 2, that's what! And the totally sweet folks at Wedding Things, who have plenty of awesome cupcake gear, have kindly offered one up for a giveaway--along with a few packs of designer cupcake liners!

How do you enter yourself in the running? It's tote-ally (stop it, I know!) easy: just put your response to the below pressing cake question in the comments section!

Which is a better combination: chocolate cake with vanilla frosting, or vanilla cake with chocolate frosting?

US or Canadian entrants only, please. The cake poll will close one week from today, on Tuesday, August 17, at 12pm PST. The winner will be announced shortly after. Can't wait to see if you won? Shop for sweet stuff at Wedding Things!

CLOSED: Sweet Giveaway: Win a $100 Gift Card For CSN Stores!

We have Corelle to thank for this giveaway, friends.

Yup--you saw that dishware text link. For that, CSN Stores has kindly offered something that is of much interest to cake lovers and bakers: a $100 gift card good to be redeemed at any of their online stores! After reviewing the products available at their Cookware.com website, I find it worth the link, as all sorts of products of interest to bakers and baked-good enthusiasts are available there, including cake pans, cake plates, pastry molds, and my favorite Emile Henry Pie plates!

Want to be entered in the running? OK! Here's what you do: simply leave a comment on this post stating your opinion on this important baked-good subject: if you had to choose your "last meal" dessert, what would it be?

Chocolate cream pie? A banana split? Pop-tart ice cream sandwiches? An entire birthday cake? Inquiring minds need to know! This giveaway will close and a winner will be announced at 12 p.m. PST next Friday, August 6. Entrants only in the US and Canada this time, please!

 

UPDATE: THE WINNER! 

The randomly chosen winner is MEG, who says that "My last meal dessert would have to be the biggest peanut butter cup in the world." Well chosen, Meg! Congratulations!

Batter Chatter: Interview with Melissa Diamond, My Cake School - Giveaway Closed

People take courses online for all sorts of things--and now, cake is one of the subjects! My Cake School is an online cake decorating school with all sorts of tutorials, message boards, and other goodies (and a new CakeSpy sponsor). Now, without knowing too much detail, I'd go so far as to say that this schooling is far funner (and more delicious) than, say, required Math credits! But how does it all work? I got in touch with owner Melissa Diamond to find out. Here's the interview:

CakeSpy Note: Melissa has also kindly offered a free 1-year membership to My Cake School to one lucky reader! Find the details at the end of the post.

CakeSpy: First things first. Who exactly are you, Melissa Diamond? And what is your relationship with cake?

Melissa Diamond: I am a wife and a mom -- and I LOVE cake decorating.  I started a home-based cake decorating business years ago so that I could work from home--- now, I love to teach!  Cake decorating is so much fun--  anyone can learn!

CS: OK. Now that we've figured that out...what exactly is My Cake School?

MD: MyCakeSchool.com is my new cake decorating website.  I have a cake Blog that is open to everyone, and then other parts of the site that are for members.  Membership is $30 for a year-- With this, you can access my cake decorating video tutorials (over 100 so far). There are Message Boards available for members to share their experiences, ask questions, and request videos!

CS: What are some of the advantages of an online cake school versus taking a course in a physical classroom or kitchen?

MD: I think that both have their advantages---but what I like the most about MyCakeSchool is that you are able to see a close-up view of the skill being demonstrated as many times as you like.  Videos are permanently posted  and available 24 hours a day--so, there are never any scheduling conflicts! Finally, it is so much more affordable! $30 may buy a 4 class course in decorating.....or a cake decorating dvd-- but with my site, you have access for a year to sooo many more videos--there is always something new to see!

CS: What is your first cake memory? 

MD: Hmmmm.. I think that it was my 5th birthday-- My mom made me a cute cake with clowns on top----the giant swirls of buttercream with the plastic clown heads!! Do you know the ones?  They still sell them!

CS: As a professional cake decorator, what are your thoughts on cupcakes?

MD: I love cupcakes!  My favorite kind are just very simply decorated with a big swirl and a cute little topper or sprinkles! Or maybe the ones injected with cream.... or dipped in ganache.....

CS: Please, tell me something that people might not know about you.

MD:  I love decorating to LOUD music!  I can't do this in my videos though!

CS: What cookbook could you simply not live without?

MD: BakeWise: The Hows and Whys of Successful Baking by Shirley Corriher.  Such a great book--she gives you the science behind baking. 

CS: Morbid curiosity time: if you could envision your last meal, what would you have for dessert? 

MD: This is so hard! I'm going with banana pudding!

But wait, there's more! You can experience the magic for yourself at MyCakeSchool.com. And one lucky winner will win a year-long subscription for free! How do you put yourself in the running? Simply leave a comment on this post saying what cookbook you simply could not live without! One winner will be chosen at random--the giveaway will close on Friday, July 31 at 12 pm PST. The winner will be announced shortly after!

 

UPDATE: THE WINNER! We have a winner, friends, and it is Judy R., who says "My favorite cookbook is Confetti Cakes for Kids. Also the cake decorating blogs online". Congratulations, Judy!

CLOSED: Cake Byte and Giveaway: Cupcake Plates by Michelle Miller Now Available at CakeSpy Shop!

Cake plates are awfully pretty...

...but cupcake plates are freaking adorable.

And why not put it on a pedestal? It's like a shrine to the sweetest type of experience there is, the cupcake: a treat you don't have to share with anyone else.

And now, the cutest individual cupcake plates in the world, made by the super-talented Michelle Miller, are available at CakeSpy Shop (both online and in the retail store!).

Giveaway Alert!! One lucky reader will win one of these plates, in a sweet summery light green! Just leave a comment below saying what type of cupcake you'd use first on this pretty little plate.

The giveaway will close next Friday, July 23, at noon, and the winner will be contacted shortly after. US entrants only this time, please!

Shop available colors here, or come visit the store at 415 E. Pine Street, Seattle WA 98122!

CLOSED: United We Bake: A Totally Sweet United Cakes of America Giveaway!

America's about to get sweeter.

That's right, friends--it's time for a totally sweet giveaway!

This time, it's a super-exciting one: three lucky winners are going to win a copy of the delightful new book by Warren Brown (you may know him as the kind-of-a-big-deal owner of the Mid-Atlantic sweet empire CakeLove), United Cakes of America: Recipes Celebrating Every State, in which you'll be treated to many, many delicious cake recipes inspired by different regions of the USA.

How do you get yourself in the running? 

It's easy. Just share your favorite regional cake recipe! It can be from the state or region you're in currently, or perhaps the place you grew up, or maybe just a place that has special meaning for you. Be sure to specify the region and why it has special meaning for you! You can either link to the recipe, or simply copy and paste the entire recipe in the comment section. 

The fine print: the giveaway will be open through next Friday, July 9th, at 12pm PST; the winners will be announced as soon as they have been contacted and their information has been confirmed (usually within a day or so). US residents only this time, please! Oh, and P.S. if you can't wait for a sneak peek of the book, check out some extras (videos, how-tos) here; and check out the recipe for Hartford Election Day Cupcakes I tried from the book here!

CLOSED: Sweet Giveaway: Win a Love n Bake Sampler Pack!

Free stuff is the best--especially when it's sweet and delicious and when it has the potential to make you very, very, happily, fat.

This is all to say: how about a giveaway? Love n Bake, a manufacturer of what I can attest are completely delicious fillings for baking, has kindly offered a sampler pack of some of their most popular products for one lucky winner! It consists of a can each of almond filling, chocolate "schmear" filling (which one would use to make Blackout Crumb bars!), hazelnut praline filling, and almond paste. 

So, first things first. This giveaway is only open in the US--but other than that, entry is open! How do you get yourself in the running? Simply leave a comment letting me know what baking project you'd try first with these sweet fillings (don't worry, you won't be judged on originality--this is just to satisfy this spy's curiosity. Oh, and if you need ideas, get some on the Love n Bake blog). The giveway will close next Friday, June 25, at 12 pm PST, and a winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

So here goes: What sweet recipe would these fillings inspire you to try?

Update: the winner! We have a winner! Katie, who is going to put her prize to good use: "I would use the chocolate on mini chocolate chip cheesecake bites." Nom! Find Katie online here.

(CLOSED) Cake Poll: Totally Sweet Snubbr Cookbook Giveaway!

Who's ready to win something sweet?

(pause for deafening applause)

(realization that on the internet, you can't hear anyone cheer)

OK, so here's the deal. It's a totally sweet giveaway sponsored by Snubbr.com!

What cookbook have you always wanted to try?

We're giving away a 1 free cookbook, any cookbook you want - it could be a baking cookbook, vegan cookbook, whatever (as long as it's under $30) to 1 lucky reader.

How do you enter? Just leave a comment below with the title of the cookbook you covet, and why you want to win it, and next Friday, June 4, at 12 p.m. PST, we'll pick one winner at random and send you the cookbook. US residents only this time, please.

Of course, if you need recommendations for cookbooks, head on over to Snubbr.com (the ones sponsoring this sweet giveaway). It's a new site that is like Yahoo Answers for shopping advice. You just ask them a question like "What's the best cookbook?" and their experts will dish out recommendations for you.

(CLOSED) Sweet Giveaway: Win a $100 Gift Card For CSN Stores!

Track Lighting.

Yeah, you heard me. Track lighting. I know what you're thinking: CakeSpy has sold out for a text link. But hear me out, because I've done it for you, sweet friends. For simply putting that link in this post, CSN Stores has kindly offered something that actually is of interest: a $100 gift card good to be redeemed at any of their online stores! And after reviewing the products available at their Cookware.com website, I find it worth the link, as all sorts of products of interest to bakers and baked-good enthusiasts are available there, including cake pans, cake plates, pastry molds, and my favorite Emile Henry Pie plates!

Want to be entered in the running? OK! Here's what you do: simply leave a comment on this post stating your opinion on this important baked-good subject: what is your favorite morning pastry? 

Muffins? Scones? Cream Cheese Danish? Crumb Cake? CakeSpy wants to know! This giveaway will close and a winner will be announced at 12 p.m. PST on Friday, 5/28. Entrants only in the US and Canada this time, please!

 

UPDATE: WINNER! Our winner is bellasarah28. Congratulations!

Sweet Art, Sweet Prize: A $50 Gift Card Giveaway

 

Are you ready to win a totally sweet prize?

Sweet Cuppin Cakes Bakery & Cupcakery Supplies has once again kindly offered up a $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner! I'm sure you'll have no trouble putting it to good use on cute cupcake and baking accessories: they've got some fantastic cupcake liners, sprinkles and other garnishes, and display items too!

How do you put yourself in the running? It's easy: just submit a drawing of a cupcake, cake, cookie, or pastry.

Nope, you don't have to be a cupcake artiste -- or even very artistic at all, because the winner will be chosen at random, not by merit! (Although we may give a shout-out to some of our favorites!)

It can even be a stick figure cupcake, an MS paint cookie. Or even just supply a link to some favorite dessert-related artwork by someone you love. We just want to see some totally sweet art! Feel free to link to a picture that is on a blog, flickr page or even via Twitter--just be sure to leave a comment telling us where we can find it so your name can be entered!

Since the winner will be receiving a gift card, this one is open to anyone, anywhere; you might want to browse their shop in the meantime to pick out what you'd get, or, you know, just to shop! The cake poll will close at 12 p.m. PST on Wednesday, March 31 (goodbye, March!). Good luck!

Cake Poll: Totally Sweet Jessie Steele Apron Giveaway!

My only regret with this giveaway is that I myself cannot enter--I'm told that this is what they call a "conflict of interest".

Too bad, cos it's a totally sweet prize: a duo of mother-and-daughter aprons by Jessie Steele!

Yup, that's right: one lucky winner (US and Canada entrants only, please) will win not one but two Jessie Steele aprons (a prize worth over $50 USD!) in their popular "Audrey" design--aka, the one with the cute cupcakes! One is sized for adults, and one is sized for children. Undoubtedly even if you don't have children of your own, you won't find it hard to give this pint-sized apron a happy home.

How do you put yourself in the running? It's easy. Just leave a comment below with your response to this pressing cake question:

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only have one dessert with you, what would it be?

The fine print: Simply post your response in the comments section and you will automatically be entered! The cake poll will close at 12pm PST on Tuesday, March 16, and the winner will be announced shortly thereafter. Of course, if you find that you can't wait and simply must purchase these aprons, click here to buy. Good luck!

 

UPDATE: THE WINNER! We have a winner, chosen at random from about 450 entrants: Elizabeth from Jacksonville, FL! What is she gonna make in her Jessie Steele apron? Maybe her "desert island" dessert: "Smores made from my homemade marshmallows and graham crackers to go with my bonfire by the sea". Congratulations to Elizabeth, and come back soon for a new giveaway!