Book. Number. Two.

I'd like to make a very happy, sweet, and sugar-and-love-coated announcement.

The announcement is that I have a book deal.

My second book deal.

That's right: CakeSpy's second book is in the works!

I know, I know. You're still reeling from the awesomeness of book one, published through Sasquatch Books and entitled CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life , which was featured on the Today Show, and which LA Weekly dubbed one of the "best 2011 baking books for those in need of a Martha Stewart Detox".

Gosh, maybe you haven't even bought the book yet. But it's totally ok, because you can still purchase the book here, here, and here. Go ahead and do that now.

But I digress. Back to book #2!

This one, also published through Sasquatch Books, is going to be super-special to me, as it is going to delve into the interesting history and back-stories behind many of my favorite sweet treats. It's going to be totally intellectual. And totally amusing. Perfect for the baked-goods buff, exploring the lure and lore of your favorite treats!

Now, don't start holding your breath for it *quite* yet, as its scheduled publication isn't til 2013 (that's after this year)...but I know you're going to be giving me e-high fives and cyber-hugs and keeping me motivated and on deadline til then! Right? Right?

Thanks again to everyone who has supported me and my work--I couldn't have gotten book deal #2 without YOU!

And the Winner Is...

OK, sweeties. I know you've been just dying to hear the results of our totally sweet "So You Wanna Be a CakeSpy?" contest! 

To remind you, this contest is inspired by my awesome book, CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life (October 2011). And the prizes were incredible--winner receives an all expenses paid trip to Seattle to hang out and eat cake with ME!

And I want you to know why it's taken such a long time to decide.

Because first, there were hundreds of entries. And we (a committee of me, trusted baker friends, and Sasquatch Books staffers) had to narrow it down to just 30 finalists. Man, that was hard!

And then, I opened it up to readers to vote for their favorite in whatever they'd like--facebook likes, Flickr likes, comments on the site, and even in email or Twitter form. Sheesh! Were they ever difficult to count up!

And then, after they were counted up, I said "I simply cannot do this anymore! How can I decide!" and took the pressure off of myself by taking myself out of the final voting process, instead passing on the top 5 based on votes, and had the committee to the final voting for me.

The finalists were judged on creativity, craveability, and overall embodiment of the CakeSpy spirit.

And, without further delay, here are the three winners.

Grand Prize: Neapolitan Blondie Bars by Molly Allen! Per committee input: "not rainbow but multi-hued, and certainly whimsical and rich and delicious in the CakeSpy tradition." Molly wins: The Grand Prize, provided in partnership with Sasquatch Books--a trip for two to CakeSpy headquarters in Seattle and a visit to one of MY favorite bakeries for an afternoon of sweet treats. Other prizes include original signed CakeSpy artwork, CakeSpy goodies such as unicorn socks, and signed copies of CakeSpy Presents.

Prize 2: The "Veruca" by Mary P.! (finalist 28). Per committee input: "Brownie GOOD marshmallow GOOD choc Rice Crispy treat GOOD". Mary wins a copy of my book and a gift certificate to CakeSpy Shop!

Prize 3: Frau Brownies by Linda H.! Per committee input: "I think I just gained 20 pounds. In the best way possible." Linda wins a copy of the book and a gift certificate to CakeSpy Shop!

But even after taking myself out of the voting, I've decided that I simply couldn't ignore the awesome factor and am therefore assigning two more "Honarable Awesome" prizes--each will get a signed copy of the CakeSpy book, AND a pair of cupcake unicorn robot socks! These will go to:

Cookie Time! By Blondie & Brownie

Agent Oink's Funfetti Cake Balls (Finalist 19)

If you're a winner, congratulations! We'll get in contact over the weekend for your deets. Thank you to EVERYONE who entered the contest - you are all truly an inspiration and have made me feel so sweet indeed.

Cake Byte: Cupcake Royale Brings Back the Deathcake Royale!

Image: Cupcake RoyaleIt's that time of year again. That beautiful time of year when Cupcake Royale brings the Deathcake Royale back to the masses, for a limited time only.

As they put it:

DEATHCAKE IS HERE - Seattle's most lovingly lethal cupcake is back – reformulated in a sharable babysize.

In a laboratory explosion of sheer genius, the Cupcake Royale scientists created the cult fave Deathcake Royale: Theo Chocolate decadence fused with Stumptown Espresso Ganache and accessorized with a pinch of fleur de sel.

Personally, while I loved the scale of the big version, the smaller version is still crazy delicious, and probably better for your health. I'll just eat three to make up for the dainty size, ok?

For more, visit the Cupcake Royale website!

CakeSpy's Twinkie Killing Spree Featured on CNN!

You guys. My Twinkie Killing Spree is apparently big news--not only has it been called "mostly stupid" by Eater SF, but it was also featured on CNN! (Am I the only one who sees the humor in that sentence?

Watch the video on CNN by clicking the clip above, or find the link here. I'm also mentioned on their Eatocracy blog! And congratulate me on my entry into Twinkie Pop Culture history!

CakeSpy Book Featured on The Today Show!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Dudes. Dudettes.

My book was totally on the TODAY Show!!!

Really, I've said all the big news--watch the video for yourself by playing the video clip above, or clicking here.

A big huge thanks to Jennifer Pooley for suggesting me for the segment, and to John Searles for choosing my sweet little book!

If you're excited about CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life, well, it's conveniently available at Urban Outfitters, Barnes and Noble, and many other fine retailers. Also don't forget to enter this totally sweet contest to enter to win an all expenses paid trip to Seattle to come eat cake with me!

Sweet December: Cupcake Royale Debuts the Boozy Rumball Cupcake

Don't fall into a holi-daze.

Rather, eat a boozy cake and stay in sweet spirits!

Totally sweet news: Cupcake Royale has debuted a new flavor, the "Boozy Rumball", for December. Described as "a cupcake that takes the edge off...we add a generous pour of Meyer's Dark Rum into our rich and spicy frosting and then roll it in a streusel of walnuts and cinnamon atop our delicious chocolate cake." 

One is inclined, as they advise, to "think of it as holiday's little helper!".

This cupcake will be available daily (while supplies last, of course) all November long at Cupcake Royale locations (where you can also buy my book, CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life , btw). For directions and more info, visitcupcakeroyale.com.

CakeSpy Featured on Joy The Baker's Podcast!

Now here's some exciting news. Joy The Baker has a new podcast, and I've been featured on it!

Please, allow me to introduce it to you by quoting what she said on her website:

I host a new podcast too!  It’s called We’re About to Be Friends.  Every episode I talk to someone that I admire and adore.  I call up people I’m obsessed with, I ask them all the nosey questions I can think of, and by the end of the podcast I hope to call them my friend.

I’ve chatted with Jessie Oleson from Cakespy!

Aarti Sequeira from The Food Netowrk’s Aarti Party is a sparkle pony (that’s totally a good thing!).

And Sara Kate, founding editor of The Kitchn, is a total inspiration.  There’s lots of big personalities and dear hearts in the future so please please please get your listen on… especially if you’re as nosey as me.

We have big guests coming up.  Heck yes… I got to chat with Bakerella!  It was awesome.  I don’t want you to miss this stuff.  Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or subscribe on iTunes to stay up on all of the good!

We also have a new podcast called The Because Show.   Jerilyn, Susan, and Amy are three working moms that don’t talk about work or momming.  It’s straightforward lady talk.  I dig it and I hope you do too!

For the podcast featuring me, click here.

CakeSpy's Book is Going To Be on the Today Show!

Because I kind of feel like showing off at this moment, I'd like to tell you the following:

My book is totally going to be on the TODAY Show.

While I myself will not be eating deep-fried cupcakes on a stick with Matt, Ann, Al, and Natalie, my book, CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life, WILL be appearing as part of a holiday book round-up in a segment by John Searles. The segment has already taped and is scheduled to air on 12/3/11. 

As my bloggy BFF Jennifer Pooley (who is also the one who suggested my book to Mr. Searles! I love this girl.) says:

Thrilled that John Searles fell in love with my favorite spy & her book!  The Today Show holiday gift round up for books taped today and will air on December 3rd. Meanwhile check out this flashback post from November 24, 2010 on “the book I want to give as holiday gifts.” Wishes keep coming true every. single. day.

Thanks to everyone who has supported my book already, and here's to sweet holiday tidings for all! This is truly like Christmas coming early for me.

Cake Byte: Trophy Cupcakes Debuts Candied Yam Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow for November

Image: Trophy CupcakesYou know why November rules? Because that means that Trophy Cupcakes brings out one of their most amazing seasonal specials: the Candied Yam with Toasted Marshmallow cupcake! Here's what they have to say:

Our most beloved Fall tradition is back for it's 4th year, Candied Yam with Toasted Marshmallow! This flavor has a special place in our hearts because Jennifer created the unique recipe with inspiration from her childhood Thanksgiving table...it's also her mom's all time favorite Trophy flavor (thanks mom!). If that weren't enough...this is the flavor that Martha Stewart was most intrigued with when Jennifer baked up samples for her in 2008 and the reason that the Chocolate Graham Cracker with Toasted Marshmallow was on the Martha Stewart Show! Of course it's made with local organic Garnet Yams, toasted pecans, organic cane sugar, local butter and eggs, you know, all the good stuff we are known for.

Om nom nom! Stop by a Trophy Cupcakes location all November long to get your fix; for more information, visit trophycupcakes.com.

Cake Byte: Cupcake Royale Debuts Toasted Candied Yam Cupcakes for November

Image: Cupcake RoyaleSweet, sweet, totally sweet November! Cupcake Royale is bringing in this crisp and cool month with a sweet treat: the Toasted Candied Yam Cupcake!

It's a change: traditionally, they offer a Pumpkin Pie cupcake in November. But times change! As they say on their Facebook page,

Yeah, you've been on top for a long time, Pumpkin Pie, with your delicious pumpkin-y flavor and whipped cream goodness. But that's all about to change, we'd like you to meet Toasted Candied Yam Cupcake! We start with a moist spicy cake and fill it with a cornucopia of tasty ingredients like candied ginger, brown sugar, cinnamon, and of course, roasted and pureed yams. Then we top it with a swirl of light and fluffy cinnamon meringue, torched to a golden perfection. Re-think Thanksgiving; eat a cupcake!

Like, whoa! This cupcake will be available daily (while supplies last, of course) all November long at Cupcake Royale locations (where you can also buy my book, CakeSpy Presents Sweet Treats for a Sugar-Filled Life , btw). For directions and more info, visit cupcakeroyale.com.