Craving Cupcakes owner Terri Hanson shares a glimpse behind her cupcake business and what drew her become a new vendor at the indoor Maple Grove Farmers Market at the Maple Grove Community Center.

Maple Grove Patch: How would you describe Craving Cupcakes and how did you get started?

Terri Hanson: Craving Cupcakes is a small cupcake business that focuses on creating cupcakes that are worth every single calorie. All cupcakes are baked from scratch. Every ingredient is researched and tested before it makes it into the recipe. For example, the chocolate is Callebaut, considered "best overall" Dutch-processed cocoa in Cook's Magazine. The vanilla is Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Vanilla Bourbon, considered by many as some of the finest vanilla made.

Since I was younger, I've been known for my chocolate cake. It's a secret recipe that's been in my family for years - only myself and two other people know its ingredients. In my family, it wasn't a birthday unless there was chocolate cake. I would get into "trouble" from my dad and brothers if I didn't bring the cake! So I figured if my family loves it so much, maybe others would like it too. And I love baking, specifically baking cake. I tried different recipes and brought them to my and my husband's work. I said the only way they could eat a cupcake was if they gave me their honest opinion. And I got some great feedback! People at work started placing orders and it's been growing every since.

Patch: What type of products do you sell and what are the prices?

Hanson: I focus on cupcakes and they are $2.50 each.

Patch: What is your best selling product?

Hanson: Anything chocolate is a favorite, but I have a customer who faithfully orders vanilla every two to three weeks.

Patch: What is your most unique product?

Hanson: Chocolate cake with made with stout beer, frosted with salted vanilla caramel buttercream.

Patch: What made you decide to share your product at the Maple Grove Farmers Market?

Hanson: I've always been curious to see what kind of reception the cupcakes would receive by the general public. The Maple Grove Indoors Farmer's Market was the perfect launching place.

Patch: What was your impression of the first day at the market?

Hanson: I was thrilled by the amount of traffic and response the cupcakes received. As a newcomer, I didn't know what to expect. But the other vendors gave me advice and were so friendly, they eased my fears. And many visitors commented on how pretty the cupcakes were. I even heard several "phenomenal" responses!

Patch: Is there anything people should know about Craving Cupcakes before coming to the market?

Hanson: They should know that they are getting a cupcake that has been made with the finest ingredients and is nothing like store-bought cupcakes. If someone is going to spend their hard earned money or reward themselves with a little treat, I want to make sure that each cupcake is worth the money or the extra calories.