Inching closer to my fellow foodies by aggregating together on EatingRichmond.com has just officially proven to be a very good thing. Veronica, of Veronica’s Test Kitchen, gave out a whole bunch of cupcakes that she’d made for a photo shoot (for her Petite Bouchees baking gig). We were the first to arrive (keepin it real – you know me and free stuff). Jasper was in mid meltdown, post barfing in public (heat and motion sickness) and in need of a nap. But, the stakes were too high to run him straight home. So, we plucked him from the carseat and carried him into Veron’s immaculate house and expansive kitchen.
Frustrated by so many yellow-y pictures taken under incandescent lights in my kitchen, I held Veronica’s cupcakes in the light of the setting sun for a picture. Better, but not good. Clear evidence as to why Veron had an elaborate photography studio set-up for her food-porn session. Do you all find that full sun is the only way to take a decent food picture?
While hanging out and chit-chatting, I drank a delicious espresso expertly brewed by the Hungry Hubby (the same stuff I tasted in my first macaron bite and then went on an out of body journey). We also watched Jasper crawl after Veron’s house cat (one of those fluffy persians who look to be wearing a kabuki mask – made for a pretty funny scene).
We didn’t want to come over empty handed, and Karen demanded a snack of some sort, so we stopped at Bombay Grocery for the best samosas in Richmond (I’m gonna keep saying this until someone tells me different). They were as good as ever, even cold. The two that I gave to Veron and HH were far from a fair trade-off for twelve cupcakes. But, I don’t think they’d had’em before. Since they live in that neck of the woods, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve discovered the surprising fresh veggie selection in the back of the store (think of a condensed Tan-A produce section). Of course, we had to take home some Masala Boondi as well and washed all that spiciness down with their fresh coconut water.
We also met a blog reader, Kathy, as she came to take part in the carnival of confection. She found out about Veron’s baking thanks to the food blogs and is now having a wedding done by Petite Bouchees. Sketchy, another highly skilled blogger/baker, came by as we were leaving; a testament to Veronica’s reputation as an artist in the kitchen.
Thanks for taking some cupcakes off my hands!
Yes, we find that natural light around mid afternoon gives the best light. Morning light is good too but it’s on the wrong side of the house for pictures. The samosas are delicious…you are right in that they are the best in town! I wish I had a video camera…hubby missed the hilarious scene of Jasper crawling after Pashmi…with Pashmi not exactly running away… I think he was curious of Jasper too.
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I forgot to tell you, cupcakes need to be eaten at room temperature(though need to be refrigerated if not consumed within 4 hours)…otherwise the cake will be drier.. I say this because I don’t want you all to be thinking I baked a horrid cupcake
Veronica, you are a wizard with the vanilla. Easily my fave of the bunch. Reminded me of the little macs. I have to say that we probably did undermine the integrity of your cupcakes (leaving them out, etc – I’m blaming the heatwave for all kinds of erratic behavior). But, just over 24 hrs later, they’re all gone, regardless. Glad you liked the samosas. They’re different from the usual, but they make a lasting impression. The lady behind the counter says, “mine don’t need sauce.” Thanks again for spreading those treats around. Your pictures look great.
I am so disappointed I did not get there….my Friday afternoon ran short on me. They are absolutely gorgeous.
jason-I just experimented with a banana cupcake yesterday and definitely the rum-vanilla frosting is its match made in heaven.
Janet – I’m sure there will be more cupcakes made…and more taste testers needed!
The other day, we went to Can Can and got a banana nut muffin to go with our staple almond croissant. Since Can Can became our favorite storefront bakery, I had to know how they would do a plain old banana nut muffin. It was very airy and perfectly balanced: light on the sugar, light on the banana, lots of toasty walnuts, and some kind of earthy quality in the flour came through. The only thing it was missing was some of Veron’s rum-vanilla icing.
It was a pleasure to meet you and Karen Saturday. Jasper is even more adorable in person!
we polished off half our cupcakes on the ride home…we’re jonesin for more!!
Thanks for making your blog such a good read and leading me to Veronica.
Took a couple bags of Boondi to OBX for a little vacation with some friends and after trying it, all four adults (who have considerable food experience) gave it a collective “WTF?”.
Susie: “WTF” has many meanings. Should I interpret this one as dissatisfaction? Was your boondi not greasy, salty, and spicy? You did buy the “masala” flavor, right? They have plain too, and those are much less fun.
We were all sort of flummoxed by it. While the beer magically evaporated, the Boondi sat forlornly on the counter. Yes – it was the masala flavor; I imagine the plain would be reminiscent of Kix.