So. A Food Network Competitor is Doing Our Wedding Cake.

And the Food Network fan in me just peed a little.

frosted-bettyI discovered the yumminess of Frosted Betty after Mike had seen their truck at the downtown Farmer’s Market. Adorable white truck with this little retro chick in the logo. Totally my style and, hello? CUPCAKES.

We went to an event and the truck was there. I had a lemon cupcake and it was YUM. Then I saw a little sign on the truck: Opening our new location in The Heights this week.

Y’ALL. We live in The Heights. Her shop is, like, a minute from my house.

So a few days later I wander in. SO. In. Love. Vintage coffee sacks as curtains, exposed brick walls, chalkboard menu, vintage cake plates and old-fashioned candy. Delicious cupcakes and vintage decor all rolled adorable little place right by my house? HEAVEN.

Then I tried a salted caramel cupcake. Y’all. Y’ALL. Silky, buttery, slippery frosting. Sweet, but minus the sugary film and cloying texture of traditional butter cream. Sprinkles of big sea salt chunks clinging to it atop a moist chocolate cupcake.

I died, y’all. I. DIED. It’s amazing. And you should all know my love of cupcakes runs supremely deep. I’ve tried all of the major players in Houston. All tasty in their own rights but, frankly, none that really wowed me. I mean, they were good. I thoroughly enjoyed each bite. But they are traditional flavors and really, just… good. Not mind-blowing, but yummy none the less.

Frosted Betty is different. Nicole pushes the cupcake envelope. She makes flavors like Maple Bacon, Strawberry Balsamic and Dreamsicle. I kept telling everyone that these weren’t ordinary cupcake flavors. These are Cupcake Wars flavors.

After that, I knew I needed to talk to this chick and ask her if she makes cakes. I went in one day and chatted her up a bit. So sweet. Just moved to the neighborhood. Young, talented and yes, she makes cakes, too.

I knew I had to have her make our wedding cake.

A few weeks ago, I brought Sarah and Savannah in after they’d been measured for their bridesmaids dresses. Savannah ordered a almond ricotta raspberry. Holy. Balls. I had a bite and heard angels sing. Insanely moist almond ricotta cake with bits of raspberry topped with a silky raspberry butter cream. I don’t even LIKE raspberry and this is divine. So light yet so decadent. Savannah described it as having “a party in her mouth”.

The next week Nicole made some samples for us and my parents to try. They freaked over them, too.

Nicole and I chatted a bit on Wednesday, and as of right now, our cake will be almond ricotta raspberry along with an assortment of mini cupcakes in various flavors (including salted caramel) and a variety of bite-sized cookies.  DE. LISH.

I was talking to my friend Jennifer tonight.  She loves baking and wondered how old Nicole is because she is basically living her dream. So, I went to my trusty pal Google  to see what I could find.  AND WHAT DID I FIND?! Oh, just the listing on the Food Network site about the episode of Cupcake Wars that Nicole competed in. It aired on Valentine’s day. No big or anything.

EXCEPT THAT IT IS.

I rest my case. I know my food.

This article about her and her father (who is her biggest supporter and works for her) is really touching. I love helping out people who are just starting out and show amazing promise. Nicole is one of those. I’m really thankful to have met her and found her adorable little shop on Studemont.

Hit up Frosted Betty anytime you can. You will thank me. (An almond ricotta raspberry or salted caramel would really show me your thanks.)

-Ali

PS – At the time of the episode, Nicole was 25. She could possibly be 26 at this point. Pretty fantastic for a girl who owns 2 cupcake shops and a food truck, no?