As you know, Hong Kong is usually pretty swift in picking up the latest trends and before you know it, they’re everywhere. Just think about the cupcake phenomenon that’s made so many women think they can enter the next Great British Bake-Off (including my dear Mum). Alright, I’m being harsh because most of these ladies are pretty darn good at what they do and at least better than what I can make with flour, butter and sugar. The reality is that all this interest in baking has given rise to many small businesses that started with humble beginnings and are now spoiling us with so many choices, making the wedding dessert bar or wedding favours selection a difficult one. It used to be simple, just one wedding cake (although choosing the style and flavours can be another headache!). Now we’ve got cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, macaroons…the choices are endless.

 

 

However, one things for sure is that we can never get enough. What I find inspiring in so many of these entrepreneurs is their passion. They treat their edible products as art. When I met Dee Burton of Chocolate Kisses Bakery who single-handedly makes cupcakes, sugar cookies and cake pops; her love of baking and making people smile shone through. And I’m not just being nice here. Her background in graphic design and the fact that her father-in-law is a food scientist (and better yet, he specialises in chocolate!) meant that they went through weeks developing the right cake base and fondant so that you can be assured you’re eating something that’s not only pretty to look at but also tastes good. Her two cupcake base winners, in my opinion, are the strawberry, which she uses fresh fruit instead of store-bought puree (shame it’s only available seasonally) and the carrot cake (Dee’s tip to get the kids to eat them is to call them ‘bugs bunny’ cakes). When it comes to the decoration, she can customise to your liking.

 

 

**If you’d like to order from Chocolate Kisses Bakery, please order in advance so it’ll give both you and Dee time to confirm designs.

p.s.  Did I mention that she uses organic flour and a secret substitute (trade secret, I was told) so what you’re eating is healthier?! Don’t you feel less guilty already?

Photo credit: Chocolate Kisses Bakery