Sometimes I see a recipe for gorgeous cake and think: I have everything in the pantry to make that cake, so I might just do that. But I don't, because I might eat the whole thing in a few days.

Instead, I make a trip to the Cake Lady Café and buy a few cupcakes. Sometimes I buy more and give them away...after I've eaten one. Or two.

Now there are two Cake Lady shops, the original in New London and in Niantic. All the cupcakes are made in the New London shop. The batter could be chocolate, vanilla, marble, or red velvet. Actually, one could get one of 15 flavors, with nearly two dozen fillings, and frosted with a dozen butter cream icing, whipped cream, or cream cheese options. If you order ahead of time, the sky just might be the limit. And, if you want tiny cupcakes, you can get those at the East Lyme store in a transparent plastic tray holding 12 or 13 minis.

I've tried most of the varieties over the years. They are moist and flavorful. I can eat two of the big ones easily. And, you can buy a whole cake to take to someone else's house for dinner.

The Cake Lady Express • 860-739-6320

190 Flanders Road, Niantic

The Cake Lady Café • 860-437-8666

256A South Frontage Road, New London

www.thecakeladycafe.com