Home-made and home-baked

Some of the sweetest smells emanate from a warm oven that houses a baking treat. Salem’s Amy Barr now offers her own fresh cupcakes for sweet tooths wishing to sample a truly home-made dessert.

“The Itsy Bitsy Bakeshop is a licensed domestic bakery, meaning that I bake out of my home,” she said.

Barr’s Itsy Bity Bakeshop cupcakes are only available through special order, but she’s teaming up with La Belle Maison to host a grand opening on August 7 from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. for guests to sample the gourmet cupcake flavors she has to offer.

The bakery, whose virtual home is at http://itsybitsybakeshop.com, whips up colorful creations with equally creative names. Barr makes “Spring Fling” cupcakes which are lavender cake with white chocolate lavender ganache., “Dixie Bell” cakes which are a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, “Lemon-Meringue Better Than Pie” cupcakes which are lemon topped with curd and yes, meringue. Barr also offers classic variations on carrot, chocolate, and cinnamon cake, plus much more.

These decadent desserts cost $23 for a classic dozen or $13 for a mini dozen. Though currently without a storefront a present, Barr hopes to expand her culinary horizon.

“I am working on partnerships, like with La Belle Maison, and hope to have a location where people can stop by and purchase cupcakes directly from a store.”

For more information or to make an order, email orders@itsybitsybakeshop.com or call 503-385-1003.

A sampling of chef prepared farm food fare

The Gordon House brings together the chefs of fine mid-valley restaurants and pairs them with local farms growers to present a culinary extravaganza as part of The Gordon House’s “A Taste of Frank Lloyd Wright” fundraiser.

Northwest-infused, the event is held from 1-4 p.m. on August 2 also features a selection of Oregon beer and wine from Silverton’s Seven Brides Brewery, St. Innocent Winery, Erin Glenn Vineyards, and Willamette Valley Vineyards.

In the midst of a silent auction, a “wall of wine” raffle and live bluegrass music, guests can graze on the meals prepared by local chefs Jeff James of J.James Restaurant, David Rosales of La Capitale Bistro, Pedro Rosales of La Margarita, Jeff & Naomi Nizlek at the Silver Grill, Jessica Ritter & Cecilia Ritter James from the Wild Pear, and Silver Falls Creamery.

Secret recipes may be up for grabs as the chef are present for the tasting. The farm fresh ingredients are also represented by their growers: Elizabeth Miller & Christopher Jenkins of Minto Island Growers, Keith & Sloan AAgaard from Certified Organic Teal Creek Farms, Nikko Farm, McK Ranch natural beef, and Rain Shadow el Rancho.

Tickets for the afternoon affair are $30 per person, $50 per couple and $60 per family. For more information, call 503-874-6006.