Cupcake interview: Montreal's Crazy About Cupcakes

Name: Tanya Bouzaglo
Age: 36
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Occupation: Stay at home mother of two children under the age of 3
URL: www.montrealcupcakes.com

How long have you been baking? Where and when did you develop your cupcake expertise?

The kitchen has always been a place where I felt very comfortable. A close friend of mine asked me if I could make 400 cupcakes for her parent’s anniversary and since that day, I never looked back. That was just over a year ago.

Why and how did you decide to open Crazy About Cupcakes and why did you decide to focus exclusively on cupcakes?

I chose cupcakes because they are fun. They bring out the child in all of us. They are fun to make, to decorate and best of all they are great fun to eat. Who does not enjoy a little cake all to oneself?

What makes your cupcakes unique?

I love to use a variety of flavors, fresh ingredients and toppers. I like to think outside the box when it comes to decorating. I will go the extra mile to create something special for my clients.



You offer many unusual flavors, such as papaya and coconut with ginger-lime cream cheese frosting, blueberry, peach and thyme with cream cheese frosting, and chocolate with banana pastry cream, topped with chocolate ganache, along with a flavor of the month (October’s is white chocolate and pumpkin). Where do you come up with these ideas? What is your process for testing recipes? How many times do you try out a recipe before declaring it done?

In my home I am constantly pushing myself to try creative and innovative recipes. My influences and inspiration come from many different sources. The seasons very much influence my choice of flavors. My friends and family are always first in line to taste my new creations.

Is there any special Montreal-related flavor you offer? Is there a history of cupcakes in Canada or are they seen as a very American dessert?

As you know, we Canadians like our maple. I have a wonderful apple cupcake filled with cream cheese and topped with a caramel/maple glaze. It’s an exquisite combination of flavors.

I can’t speak for the rest of Canada, but here in Montreal it seems like cupcakes are becoming the next best dessert of choice. They are popping up on dessert menus in restaurants, in the last 3 years; we have had 4 shops open in and around the Montreal centre.



You offer mini and regular sizes. How big are each of those?

The mini is a 1-1/4 oz cup and my regular is a 3-1/4 oz cup.

Your cupcakes are made to order for delivery. Is there a minimum order? How far in advance should someone call to place an order?

I have a 1 dozen per flavor minimum when you order. I ask for a minimum of 24 hours notice for most orders.



What’s been the most exciting or fun event you’ve supplied cupcakes for?

I took great pleasure in contributing my efforts with a recent animal fair/fundraiser in my local town. The satisfaction was twofold; I was thrilled to see that my cupcakes were being enjoyed by all, and that the fundraiser was a great success. I have a tremendous respect & love for animals, so this was especially dear to my heart.

Who would your dream client be?

A true kid at heart who loves cupcakes and who can appreciate every single bite.

Do you have any plans to open up a bakery?

I would love to open a shop one day. My ideal shop would be a mix of cupcakes, flowers and various artistic creations from local Montreal artists.

What’s your favorite part of running Crazy About Cupcakes?

I enjoy the whole creative process that it offers me, from the trip to the local market to pick my ingredients to the smells of a batch fresh out of the oven to finish it all off with a touch of creative decorating.

And now for some personal questions…

How often do you eat cupcakes?

As often as I can, without overindulging.

What's the best thing about eating cupcakes?

The smile it puts on my face and the face of others. That is a sweet moment.

What's your favorite type of cupcake?

They are all very special to me, but if I had to choose just one, I very much enjoy the strawberry cupcake with strawberry cream cheese on top. It is heavenly.

How do cupcakes compare/contrast to other baked goods for you?

I like mini cupcakes because you can treat yourself to a variety of flavors.

Is there any innovation you'd like to see made to the cupcake that would improve it for you?

No, I am very happy with the simplicity yet decadence that it offers.

Do you bake your own cupcakes? Or (even better) have someone who bakes them for you?

My hands to my elbows are intertwined with the batter. I bake all my cupcakes myself.

What's your first cupcake-related memory?

My parents are of European & African ethnicity, so we did not grow up having cupcakes in our home. My first memory was of one of my own creations.

What's the most fun you've ever had with a cupcake?

I really had a lot of fun decorating my mini cupcakes for a children’s Halloween party last year. Holiday cupcakes are always fun to decorate.

Do you have anything else to add?

Thank you so much for allowing me this opportunity to share my story with you. I visit your website every day for inspiration.