Simple Expressions Photography

I thought it would be fun to do something a little different for this week’s Food Friday post.  Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting local baker, Dina Crowell of Buttercream Bakehouse.  She made an outrageously delicious Oreo Crush cake for my daughter’s birthday.  Oh. My. Gosh!  Serious yumminess going on there!!  (Is yumminess even a word?   ) Anyway…after emailing with Dina a bit, I decided to ask if I could interview her for my blog.  Luckily she said yes!  Check it out below.  And be sure to check out Dina’s blog as well.  Not only can you order delicious goodies but she also shares some of her fabulous recipes and party styling tips!  Enjoy!

When did you start baking?

I started baking as a child.  Although we had really good cooks in our family, no one actually baked.  I was always drawn to desserts and pastries and everything sweet so I took it upon myself to learn how to bake.  I am so glad that I did.

Tell me about your business and how/why you got started. 

Although I have been baking all my life I only recently turned my passion into a business when I entered my first national cake competition. When I placed second in my division and saw all the amazing works of sugar art at the show I knew I had found my niche and began making plans to pursue a business.  My business is home based for now, but one day I would like to open a shop.   I primarily sell cakes but also offer cupcakes, cookies and brownie pops. I am currently expanding to include wedding cakes, party decorating and tablescapes to my list of services.

How do you balance business and family?

This is a tough one.  I am a perfectionist so even a small cake can be quite time consuming.  I have four kids and one is a preschooler that is still home during most days with me.   It’s very challenging at times but my kids are all excited about the cakes that I make, the cakes they design for their birthdays and the competitions that I enter.  They love to cheer for mom.

What is the most challenging part of your business? 

Keeping up with the trends in the cake world.  The art of sugar craft can never be totally mastered.  There is always a new tool or medium to work with that makes decorating cakes easier and look even more amazing.

What is the most rewarding part of your business? 

Seeing the smiles on my clients faces when they see their cake for the first time.  I even have clients email me pictures of the guest of honor enjoying their cake and I can’t tell you how much that warms my heart.  That is what Buttercream Bakehouse is all about.  Being part of your celebration and making it special is why I’m in business.

What are your most popular flavors and designs?

Everyone loves my Swiss Meringue buttercream.  It’s a lighter, buttery and less sweet buttercream that is silky smooth.  Some people don’t know what it is or prefer the sweet buttercream that is popular on wedding cakes but once they taste my Swiss Meringue Buttercream they become a fan.  My favorite designs are those that are original and simplistic.  I design my cakes with my clients but steer them away from anything too gawdy.  If my name is on it, you’ll be getting an elegant, original design that will be the talk of your party.

What is your favorite flavor? 

I can’t choose just one but my best selling cake is my chocolate.  I love it but also fancy my red velvet and my orange cake.  I love all buttercream flavors so I can’t choose just one but my chocolate buttercream is really unique.  It’s rich and tangy at the same time.

Tell us about the different items you offer and how people can purchase. 

I offer a wide variety of cake and buttercream flavors, eight different amazing cookies (one of which is an oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookie that is to die for) and rich brownie pops that can be custom colored for your party theme.  You can also order paper toppers, wraps and fondant toppers for your cupcakes.  We offer cake or cupcake stand rentals, cookie platters, cookie customization, holiday themed items and soon we’ll be offering dessert shots and cookie favors.  You can find more information and place orders at my website, www.buttercream-bakehouse.com.  This is also my baking blog that is full of creative dessert ideas, baking tips and recipes.  So not only can you order but you can swipe a recipe (one that I even use for my business) print it out and bake some of your own creations at home.

Some random questions 

Favorite food:  Italian
Favorite restaurant:  Carrabbas
Favorite vacation spot:  The Palms Hotel in Miami or Ocean City, Maryland.
Last book you read:  Miete which is a cake cookbook.  Go figure!
Favorite time of year:  Fall/winter
Favorite holiday/special occasion:  I love every holiday but have a soft spot for Christmas.

And the delicious Orea Crush cake that we enjoyed…