Missy Fleming's first book is full of frosted treats

Missy Fleming is passionate. Passionate about life, family, friends and cupcakes. The tattooed retro-queen of Auckland baking runs Miss Melicious, a boutique tea shop in Te Atatu, where she has fans lining the pathway to buy her quirky treats. Colleen Thorpe talks to Missy about the release of Miss Melicious Cupcakes

You haven't always cooked cupcakes ... what is your background?

I have a background in fashion and sales and years and years of volunteering in events.

What started your affair with cupcakes?

Living in Melbourne and visiting the markets there. There were always heaps of fabulous cupcakes and I just couldn't get enough of them.

Tell us about Miss Melicious cupcakes (boutique tea shop).

It's a place where people can come to immerse themselves in our quirky world of cupcakes and sweet treats. It's not a normal cafe/tea rooms, we want people to experience the whole thing, being surrounded by our knick-knacks and sweet things.

What is the difference between a cupcake and a muffin?

Butter vs frosting! Muffins are usually eaten with butter or on their own where cupcakes have frosting. Muffins are usually more towards the savoury, even the sweet ones.

What is the one most important thing to remeber when making cupcakes?

Make sure to read the recipe and cream the butter and sugar, make sure you have fun.

What is your favourite cupcake?

Can't ever choose between Boston cream and Watermelon.

Tell us about your tattoos.

They are my life mural. I add to them when time and money allows but they all tell a story.

What is your first memory of food?

Baking scones and cakes with my mum and making play-dough cakes at kindy (and yes, I did try and eat the odd one!).

What was in your school lunch?

Pretty normal really - sandwiches, fruit, yoghurt and juice.

Have you a guilty pleasure?

Shopping - I love shopping, and not just clothes, which are one of my biggest passions. I have to admit as I answer this question I can see six bags of shopping that I haven't even unpacked yet!

What is your secret ingredient?

Vanilla bean paste. The taste is just so different to essence when you are baking.

What three New Zealand foods are top of your list?

St Andrews Lime Curd (I could eat a whole jar on my own), Evil Child Hot Chocolate, Elliott's Kiwi juices.

Tell us three things about yourself that people may not know or may be surprised to learn.

I'm a nail biter.

I love organised fun - especially board games. I love them so much if no one will play with me I will play them on my own.

I am addicted to reality TV shows. I record all of them and watch them into the night, it doesn't matter what the subject is - I love them all.

Miss Melicious Cupcakes

Penguin, $30