As soon as Bakery Gingham opens, customers line up.  Though the shop sells cookies and brownies, the heart of the business is the humble cupcake, 10TV's Andrea Cambern reported.

"I love cupcakes.  I think everyone loves cupcakes," said Bakery Gingham's owner, Amanda Ellis.

SPECIAL SECTION:  Female Focus

Ellis started her business at home three years ago, and then opened a German Village shop a year later.  She is now opening a second location in the Short North. The cupcake business is booming not only at her business, but around the U.S.

"The saying is, lipstick and baked goods do well in the hard times, so we're doing well," Ellis said.

Cupcakes were invented by accident in the 19th century, when excess cake batter was poured into pottery molds or teacups, and baked. In the 1950s they became a staple at children's' birthday parties.

In recent years, bakers like Ellis have appealed to adults with fancy decorations and grownup tastes.

"We offer 32 flavors. We rotate those out on a weekly basis," Ellis said.

Her best seller this time of year is a chocolate and peanut butter concoction called the Buckeye Cupcake.

For a look at some of the cupcakes, go to 10-tv-dot-com and click on Female Focus links.

More Information:

• Bakery Gingham Web Site
  

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