by: Paper Pastries

It’s more like my to-eat list. In a week I’ll be off to San Francisco for about 3 days. I’m trying to figure out how many places I can visit in such a small amount of time. I’ve done some research and had a few recommendations on places I should try and I have listed them. If I have forgotten anything, please add to the list.

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Adobe Photoshop Cook from Lait Noir on Vimeo.

Adobe Photoshop cook shows us how to make butter cookies! Enjoy

I set a goal for myself to try a different Chicago bakery every week. Well this week I cheated and stopped by Rick Bayless’s semi new cafe, Xoco (sho-ko). This wasn’t my first time there, I’ve actually been stopping in since it has opened this past September. I always run in to get an Ultra  fresh cacao bean to cup hot chocolate (chocolate shot + milk) and churros. I walked by yesterday and noticed there was no line outside, so I just had to stop in. Instead of getting my usual I ordered an Authentic hot chocolate (chocolate shot +water) $2.50 and a Mexican chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting $3.25. I was so tempted to order the new homemade mexican vanilla soft serve ice cream, but I resisted. I will be back for that soon though! Well the cupcake was everything you could ask for; extremely most, chocolatey rich with a chocolate mousse filling inside and the light fluffy peanut butter frosting complemented it really well. I highly recommend going to Xoco and trying all their fresh baked goods and food. Warning: the lines are usually very long, so be prepared to wait. Tip: If you are taking it to go, you dont have to wait in line just make your way up to the front and they will help you.

Xoco

449 North Clark St.

Chicago, IL 60654

Doreen Nakama is a gangsta. She sets the bar for cupcake creativity, design, and execution. If you don’t believe me check out the flickr stream for her Los Angeles based business Little Sweeties Cupcakes. According to her, happiness in life is easy. Other than family and cupcakes, “It’s all about Wu-Tang and food.” RESPECT. Ducky and I got to catch up with Doreen and interview her about her flourishing business. more

I stumbled upon BakeitPretty’s tweet the other day about these adorable teacup shaped silicone molds! You can bake and serve your cupcakes right from them! The set includes four baking cups with accompanying saucers. Stay tuned to BakeitPretty, they will be available for purchase on their site soon!

Sugar Sweet Aprons is back with another apron giveaway for our readers. Just in time for Valentine’s Day this apron is full of love for your kitchen. For your chance to win this hand made apron from Sugar Sweet Aprons, leave a comment describing your favorite Valentine Day sweets. We will select a winner at random on Monday, February 8th 2010 at 8PM PST. Good Luck!

*The giveaway is closed. The winner is Edgar! Congrats!