Monday, February 8, 2010

To the recent anonymous commenter on this blog

I recently wrote this post about my experience making Martha Stewart's Coconut Cupcakes.

To the recent anonymous commenter on this post: you are very harsh! Here is what they said:

"They cupcakes look divine, and if you have a Kitchenaid (or other stand mixer), there is no excuse not to make 7 minute frosting. I read that the next time you make the cupcakes you'll use imitation vanilla flavouring rather than vanilla extract! I suggest if you're going to use artificial vanilla, just buy a cake mix.Also, you pointed out that you didn't like the 7 minute frosting because it actually takes 15 minutes. Well, it takes 7 minutes to cook and of course prep time is more. But if you don't like it, then go with the frosting in a can, because if you're using fake vanilla, why bother with the real frosting! I just think if you're going to make Martha Stewart's cupcakes, you may want to use the real stuff. It's not Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines - it's Martha Stewart for heaven's sake!"

I'm not really sure why you would post anonymously anyway, unless you just wanted to be rude and not be held accountable.

Using artificial is a taste preference to me, and using it is not the same as using a cake mix (at least not to me anyway).

And I'm sorry that you didn't like my opinion of the frosting, but, to each his own!

The purpose of my blog (and the Martha Stewart cupcake challenge itself) is to share one's experiences with each recipe. Not to criticize someone for using artificial vanilla and telling them that they may as well use frosting out of a can!

I guess when I openly blog about my baking experiences, I open myself up to comments like these, and I chose to approve the comment, despite it's rudeness. Who knows, maybe I shouldn't be so sensitive. Thoughts?

12 comments:

Paige said...

I always say that when people share their own rude opinions they say far more about themselves than they do about you. They're your cupcakes, make em however you want!

And, just a side note, I don't like 7 minute icing. I don't think it's worth it. So there. LOL

Unknown said...

I'd be very annoyed too - it's one thing to make suggestions, but another to demean your choices. Imitation vanilla is not my thing, but at least I get that it's a flavor in and of itself - and if that's what you like, go for it! I commend you for being honest about your likes/dislikes about a recipe (even the sainted Martha's recipe) and what you do differently.

Nina said...

Well to whomever the commenter is, people use artificial for all sorts of reasons. For example, I use artificial because of money costs. It's a lot cheaper on my budget thereby giving me more money to make more thing and be able to go out every so often. Is that the only problem the person has? Artificial vanilla extract?

I wonder if that commenter knows that most cupcake shops use cake mix. There aren't made from scratch.

Unknown said...

Wow that was unnecessary! Everyone has their own taste preferences, budgets, time constraints, etc. The great thing about something as creative as cooking and baking is that you can always tweak something to make it your own. I haven’t gotten snarky comments on my blog yet but it seems like as bloggers, we should expect it at this point, and that’s kinda sad. If you wouldn’t say it to someone’s face, why would you say it at all? Whatever happened to “if you can’t say anything nice then STFU”? And obviously this person wouldn’t say it to your face or else he/she would not have posted anonymously! Anyway, keep doing what makes you happy! The haters can go stuff it!

Anonymous said...

Actually, we have the same first name. I just don't have a blogger account so I had to hit the anonymous button.

The post wasn't meant to be rude at all, but it was meant to point out that if Martha Stewart read how you made her recipe, she would say the same things as I did, seriously, probably word for word.

I totally agree that you should experience things the way you want.

Julia Child refused to speak to Julie Powell when Ms. Powell was featured in the NYTimes regarding her blog about cooking all the recipes in Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Ms. Child felt that Ms. Powell wasn't respectful of the process.

That's the point I'm making. If you're going to make the recipes of a baking doyenne like Martha Stewart, then be respectful.

As for imitation extracts, they're chemicals. I suggest you try another extract, like almond, or even try vanilla beans or put vanilla bean pods in sugar and then use the sugar. It'll cut down on the vanilla taste.

And to the commenter who said most cupcake shops use cake mixes, I didn't know that. But I don't buy cupcakes. I make them myself from scratch, not because I'm a baking snob, but because I then know all the ingredients that go into the finished product i.e. sodium levels, etc.

So again, wasn't mean to be rude, but did want to point out that respect the source of the recipes.

I've watched Ms. Stewart for years and read all her cookbooks and raed her editorials in her magazine, and I know she would appreciate if you used real ingredients.

zakkalife said...

Jennifer,

I agree with Paige, I think the nasty comment speaks more about them than you. I've had people leave nasty comments on my site as well. I just delete them and try to move on. Don't let it bother you.

Jennifer said...

Paige, Jess, Nina, Denise, and Kawaii Crafter, thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it.

The anonymous person commented again, although I must say, I am not doing this challenge to BE JUST LIKE MARTHA! I just enjoy her ideas and creations, and I am just having a good time baking along with lots of talented folks. I'm not aiming for stardom or anything like that. And I like to share my experiences while baking, just as much as I like reading the comments and trials of my fellow bakers.

(I have since turned off my anonymous comments!)

Cathy said...

Wow, I am really sorry you had to go through that. Everyone has their own way of doing things. It does not make anyone right or wrong. Keep doing what you do. As long as you have fun doing it and love it, that is all that matters.

Alyssa said...

I say who cares - it's your blog and your experiences - that's what makes it 'your' blog.

Following recipes to a 'T' is boring at times anyway! LOL

Keep it up!

BTW I love that shirt!

betty geek said...

To THE ANONYMOUS COMMENTER:

Hey, if you're going to pick on Jennifer, feel free to pick on me, too.

Because, really, so far, most of Martha's Cupcake recipes have been disappointing to me. And I am the organizer and coordinator of this cupcake club.

If Martha thinks any of us are being disrespectful by subbing out ingredients or not using the "real thing", she should consider the fact that people out there have reasons for doing so.

In most of my posts, for example, I often improvise. Am I thus disrespecting Martha? Uhhh, no.

Creativty and having fun is ENCOURAGED with this baking group.

Applause to Jennifer for being creative and taking a stand.

Unknown said...

Having had the opportunity to taste Jennifer's cupcakes on numerous occasions (more times than I can count!). I don't care if Martha Stewart says you HAVE to use and do everything in her recipe to the letter! Jenn's Cupcakes are FANTASTIC!! So moist and delicious and always pretty! And when it comes down to it that's all that matters!!
Love you!

TeaLady said...

That anonymous post was completely uncalled for. All of us have our little likes/dislikes. I personally don't care for 7minute frosting either, but hey, you cannot win them all. Some of my cuppys don't turn out and I blog about it anyway. That's what the blogosphere is all a bout.

BACK OFF, anonymous!! We don't care!!