The Reading Terminal Market wasn't too far from where I stayed on my short work trip to Philadelphia this Summer. I made it point to walk there and explore all it has to offer in the down time that I had and I am so happy that I did.
 |
| photo by Nikki DeMartini |
 |
inside Reading Terminal Market
photo by Nikki DeMartini
|
Located at 12th and Arch Street in a Historic Landmark Building, it's one of America's largest and oldest public markets. It offers a wide selection of locally grown produce, meats, poultry, seafood, cheeses, confections and baked goods. It reminded me of Pike Place Market in Seattle and the Farmer's Market in LA, with all of the sights, smells and people swarming about.
 |
Flying Monkey inside Reading Terminal Market
photo by Nikki DeMartini
|
After getting a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich for lunch (I was in Philly, it was a must!) I perused around in hopes of finding some cupcakes. It didn't take long before I stumbled upon Flying Monkey Bakery. And, the first thing that caught my eye was the pretty purple frosting on their Chocolate Lavender Cupcake.
The friendly guy behind the counter was quick to help me package one up in a single cupcake "clam shell" being that I got my order to go. I felt I would probably need the sweet relief and relaxing benefits of Lavender at some point during my work endeavor that was ahead of me. Afraid that the frosting would melt outside of the safety of air conditioning, I hurried back to the hotel and promptly put the cupcake in the fridge.
 |
Chocolate Lavender Cupcake from Flying Monkey in Philadelphia
photo by Nikki DeMartini
|
All of the baked goods from Flying Monkey are baked from scratch in small batches using real butter, sugar and eggs. So sticking the Chocolate Lavender Cupcake in the mini fridge probably wasn't the best idea because a fresh cupcake tastes best at room temp. But I'm telling you, it was hot, capital HOT.
 |
Chocolate Lavender Cupcake from Flying Monkey
photo by Nikki DeMartini
|
When my alarm buzzed until my eyes opened at a painful 4:30am, after not nearly enough sleep, the only thing that got me out if bed and moving was that cupcake. I love a cupcake with my morning cup of coffee but there was no time to wait, or waste. I unwrapped the purple delight and, quiet honestly, shoved it into my mouth while simultaneously getting ready. My hazy thought process was that I needed the sugar rush.
The perfectly smooth dollop of fresh Swiss Meringue buttercream frosting was made stiff and cool from being refrigerated overnight. It's lavender fragrance wafted over my senses as I ate it. The chocolate cake was just chocolatey enough. With two dominate flavors like chocolate and lavender, anything more would have been too much. There was definitely more frosting than cake, every frosting junkie's dream.
 |
Chocolate Lavender Cupcake from Flying Monkey
photo by Nikki DeMartini
|
I enjoy this flavor pairing because Lavender always seems to be paired with safer flavors like vanilla or more complimentary flavors like honey. Though this cupcake looks very decadent and rich, it wasn't: the subtleness of both flavors and the semi-sweet frosting serve the Chocolate Lavender Cupcake from Flying Monkey well.
The intended sugar rush lasted a couple of hours, getting me through the roughest part of my early morning. The Chocolate Lavender Cupcake from Flying Monkey is a great little cupcake and it was a sweet start to a tough day.
No comments:
Post a Comment