In my August 9 posting, I wrote about Bethesda-Chevy Chase graduate Maria Forline (class of ’02), who was planning to open a bakery in Kensington. Two Saturdays ago was the grand opening of Itsy Bitsy Bakery at 10419 Armory Ave., and while the space (and Forline) are indeed small, the 26-year-old is turning out assertive, unique-tasting confections.
Made with mostly all-organic ingredients, the cake and cupcakes have a dense crumb; my teenage daughter really liked that, but the strawberry shortcake verged on heavy to me. I loved the rich, molasses-like kick to the pumpkin chocolate chip muffin, however, which Forline attributes to the flavorful organic brown sugar. Also thumbs up to the mini pecan pie and cranberry and white chocolate oatmeal cookie, both are worth every single calorie.
Poor Forline has been working from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the start-up; let’s hope she gets a break soon. At least until she starts baking Halloween cookies.
