Free Bakers on Board by Sheryl Berk

delicious and moist. Of course, an aesthetically pleasing cupcake is great, but if it’s dry and tasteless, then what’s the point? The perfect cupcake should be sweet and buttery and light as a feather, topped with delicious, flavorful cream. Any artistic decorations are just a plus!
    Carrie: You’re known for your amazing cake decorating, and your cupcakes are works of art as well. What’s the coolest cupcake topper you’ve ever done?
    Vinny: Recently, a friend of mine launched a new baby product called Baby Soothe, an infant massaging device, and she hired me to re-create it in sugar on top of cupcakes for her launch party. Over the years I’ve done many different cupcake toppers, but this one I certainly enjoyed. I think her product looked better in sugar than in real life! I was thrilled to help a good friend out.
    Carrie: What are your fave flavors of cupcakes? What are the most popular ones you sell?
    Vinny: In all honesty, I love them all! I have the biggest sweet tooth and couldn’t turn down any flavor. If I had to pick just one, it would have to be something chocolate. Chocolate anything ! I’ll admit I am a total chocoholic! As far as the most popular, my Oreo cupcakes are killer. They’re the number one cake and cupcake flavor requested.
    Carrie: How did you first start baking and decorating cakes? Who taught you?
    Vinny: I’ve always had a passion for baking and desserts, ever since I can remember. My first mentor was Carol Frazzetta of Carol’s Cafe on Staten Island. I started taking classes at her restaurant when I was just fourteen! From there she hired me to be a pastry sous chef in her kitchen. I would assist her in baking desserts for the restaurant. I really developed a solid foundation for desserts with her. She taught me so much and really inspired me to become who I am today. As far as cakes go, I am really a self-taught designer. Although I attended culinary school, I just learned the basics there. I remember always watching Food Network Challenge from a young age and learning by trial and error from that. Somehow it worked!
    Carrie: You started out really young as a pastry chef with your own biz. What advice do you have for kids who want to grow up to own their own bakeries?
    Vinny: My advice to all young kids aspiring to be a pastry chef is do it ! Don’t let any obstacles come in your way and stop you. I’ve had many trials and tribulations over the years, and I never let anything get in the way of my passion. From fighting my parents to go to culinary school to opening up my first business. I persevered and pushed until I reached my goals! I love what I do and wouldn’t want my life any other way! Chase your dreams and turn them into a reality.

Many thanks to all our family and friends who make “Cupcake” possible:
    The Kahns, Berks, and Saperstones, as always, for their love and support. Daddy and Maddie: love you to the moon and back!
    Our supersweet agents, Katherine Latshaw and Frank Weimann from Folio Lit; our great team at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky: Steve Geck, Kate Prosswimmer, Alex Yeadon, Elizabeth Boyer.
    All of our Cupcake Club fans who come to every signing, preorder, and race to bookstores the day the next book is out, and share their enthusiasm for the series with us! Hugs and sprinkles!