When I saw “Delish Gourmet Cupcakes” in the Lake Norman Magazine, I just couldn’t help myself!  I had to jump on this opportunity to review (aka: sample) delicious gourmet cupcakes!  I quickly telephoned Aryn Keogh (owner, entrepreneur) to set up a time.  And let me just preface this story, we were not disappointed!

Aryn began her home-based company just two years ago.  With a desire for “delish” cupcakes and a perfectionist determination, she came out with a winning recipe!  She used a trial and error approach and admits to baking over 2000 cupcakes before committing to this recipe!  Twelve flavors are offered, ranging from a traditional but classy vanilla to a unique coconut!  Aryn’s favorite flavor? Amaretto!  And the one I’m dying to try? Peanut Butter!  She has considered all things when it comes to her cupcakes: flavor, appearance, and even allergies.  I’m sure many of you will be excited to know she offers a gluten-free and sugar-free vegan cupcake!

These cupcakes not only taste delicious, but they are show-stoppers.  One look at the website and you will be captivated!  Aryn takes a hands-on approach to designing cupcakes unique to your special occasion.  Her commitment shone through when she designed special wedding cupcakes just for our visit!  Whatever your theme, she will delicately craft each cupcake perfect for you!  I of course had to know how she learned this art, and where her natural talent comes from.  Her mother is an artist and has truly supported Aryn with her start-up, lending her kitchen space and dreaming up new and fun cupcake toppers!  They find inspiration for their cupcakes in a multitude of places: magazines, nature and the internet.  Speaking of internet…Aryn’s self-taught approach to baking cupcakes and running her own business began on Youtube!  All of those beautiful butterflies, swans and monograms were learned from watching videos and perfected through countless hours of practice and focus.  Many are hand-crafted from fondant and chocolate, but to get the most stunning of toppers, Aryn hand paints edible rice paper designs (seen in the butterfly display on her website).

Recently in the wedding industry we have seen the “cupcake tower” explode into a trend.  Aryn takes this trend to the next level with an attention to detail and a drive to create the perfect look for you.  Each tower is hand-picked or crafted specific to your wedding. The tower seen here can be decorated with paper and designs that fit your wedding look.

Aryn’s dream is to bring her home-based business to a storefront location, a plan that will allow her to sell her delicious creations 24 hours a day!  Until then, all her cupcakes are baked to order from her home in University and hand delivered within an hour’s drive.  She does orders for as little as a dozen and as many as 500!  She doesn’t sacrifice quality for quantity however, and insists on baking through the night before to deliver the freshest, tastiest cupcake to your door!

Check out her website for ordering and delivery.

Signing off,

Tanya & Crystal

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copyright 2010, Tanya Kummerow Events & Crystal Genes Photography, Charlotte NC Wedding Planner, Charlotte NC Wedding Photographer