Duck-cake, Anyone?

Macaroons, hand pies — just a couple of the "in" desserts now heralded by people who claim cupcakes are a thing of the past. But rather than closing the (cook)book on the dessert, Karen Tack and Alan Richardson have written one full of reasons why people keep reaching for those personal-size pieces of Heaven. While their first book helped catapult the dessert to cult status, their newest venture, What's New, Cupcake?b>, has more ideas for unique, party-worthy creations, with no special equipment or Martha Stewart-level skills required. Utilizing simple grocery-store ingredients, like donut holes and canned frosting, Tack and Richardson transform cupcakes into rubber ducks, robots and even Chinese take-out. Head to Left Bank Books' Central West End Store (399 North Euclid Avenue; 314-367-6731 or www.left-bank.com) at 7 p.m. for a book discussion and signing, in addition to cupcake demonstrations. Samples will also be provided, and, really, what more do you need to know? Admission is free.
Tue., April 27, 2010