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FOOD Entertain Your Inner Baker Mmmm Cupcakes wants to share its sweet secrets with you Words by Marta A. Oppenheimer In the heart of Downtown Miami, there is a place that instructs on how to bake and decorate cupcakes — HEALTHY cupcakes at that (well, as healthy as the little baked wonders can be). Mmmm Cupcakes, a quaint, bright pink and white space hugged between jewelry and clothing stores, awaits future hopeful bakers. Here, cupcake secrets are ready to be revealed. Inside the store is a small table with white chairs, and rows of ribbons. There are dozens of clear containers packed with stars, colorful sprinkles, jawbreakers, crushed Oreos, assorted nuts, edible glitter, sugar balls of every size and color… and these are only a few of the tasty, decorative choices. All senses are enticed at Mmmm Cupcakes. The smell of goods baking is a promise of delicious things to come. Owner and cupcake-baker extraordinaire, Marilyn Perez-Velazquez, is set to teach. Marilyn gives lessons to couples, girlfriends looking for something different to do on girl's night, mom and daughter adventures, and teenage girls ready to create diva cupcakes topped with tiny shoes and pink fondant purses. Marilyn shares her abundant knowledge on baking, piping, frosting (tip size, amount of pressure required) to create the perfect star or flower and demonstrates the fondant skills needed to create cute lady bugs with eyes and antennae. She explains the proper use of tools like cupcake pans, paper-baking cups (the color or print is up to the baker), ready to spread frosting (Marilyn's is homemade), and the basic items needed to decorate pretty cupcakes. Nifty little tips, such as fixing a cupcake's frosted lettering mishap with a toothpick, are also given. Almost all of the ingredients at Mmmm Cupcakes are organic and natural. Marilyn 78 MIAMI LIVING avoids the use of food coloring by employing fresh fruits instead —strawberries give her a rich red, while blueberries are used for a dark purple. There are vegan, gluten-free, and non-dairy options, and the store is kosher certified. There is 30% less sugar in these cupcakes than in the average one. The sugar is not missed. After biting into one of these mini baked treats, you'll find that the taste and texture is as good as the presentation. Add cocktail shots to the already fantastic cupcakes and turn them into sexy party favors. Imagine caramel rum inside little clear test tubes sticking out of almond butter cupcakes or kiwi vodka on vanilla and raspberry. Pour the shot over the cupcake or have it on its own. Just keep in mind that the shots are for real. Bring a couple of boxes to your next holiday gathering to get the party started! The options for the holidays are endless: apple cinnamon cupcakes decorated with peppermint candy canes or red velvet adorned with beautiful fondant poinsettias and red and green sprinkles. Try gingerbread or egg nog. If you can't choose one kind, bring guests an assortment and be the success of the shindig! Not a baker, but still want to sample them? No problem! Marilyn will bake them for you. Request a surprise, or be specific and pick a cupcake theme. Her cupcakes look great, and taste even better. Peanut butter, banana walnut, pumpkin spice, papaya-mango… there are always new flavors to choose. How about a Cupcake Push Pop or a Cupcake Tower? Gift a friend or loved one a class. To place an order today, visit: Mmmmcupcakes.webs.com or call 305-890-9869. Take a bite! Mmmmmmm. ML