Green Earth Brewing Company and Just Piped Bakery pair up to make Valentine’s Day a little sweeter with Cupcakes & Brews in Greeley

Green Earth Brewing Company and Just Piped Bakery are teaming up for Cupcakes & Brews on Valentine’s Day. Photo courtesy of Just Piped Bakery.

By Kelly Ragan

When Amanda Jones was growing up, her dad would decorate all her birthday cakes. The one that sticks out most in her memory was the intricate jack-o-lantern cake he made for her 16th birthday – a nod to “pumpkin,” his nickname for her. 

Jones, of Greeley, loved baking with her family for fun for as long as she can remember, but about seven years ago, she launched her own home baking business. 

“Back when I only had six kids,” she joked. She has eight now. 

She found herself always busy making treats for her kids’ classrooms or various birthday parties. Friends often asked her to bake things, too. Eventually her husband, Robert, suggested she start selling them. 

Soon, the business – Just Piped Bakery – took off. 

“Baking is a stress reliever for me,” she said. “Just being able to make things for someone to enjoy, to make their day, their celebrations, their lives a little bit sweeter – it’s a good outlet.” 

About two and a half years ago, she met Scott Pell, owner of Green Earth Brewing Company, 725 10th St. at a fundraiser event. Pell brought the beer, and Jones brought the baked goods. 

Robert, who has spent 20 years in the Air Force, struck up a conversation with Pell when he noticed his Air Force base logo and the Green Earth Brewing Company logo were surprisingly similar. 

Green Earth Brewing Company and Just Piped Bakery have been teaming up for more than two years. Photo courtesy of Just Piped Bakery.

Pell soon invited the two to come check out Green Earth Brewing Company.

“I was like, ‘I really like your beer!’ And he was like, ‘I really like your cupcakes!’” Jones said. 

Jones suggested they do a pairing, but it took Pell some time to agree to it. He thought a pairing of sweets and beer sounded weird. 

But then he tried it. 

“I was astonished at how well the ales paired with the cupcakes,” Pell said. 

Now the two pair up to offer cupcake and beer pairings on Fridays at the brewery. 

On Valentine’s Day (that’s THIS Sunday, folks, in case you forgot), Jones and Pell will team up for a special Cupcakes & Brews event. 

Jones said she’s still making some final dessert decisions, but she has an idea. 

“This Sunday, I’m thinking of doing a spotlight of desserts around the world,” Jones said. “Possibly baklava cupcakes, churro cupcakes, brigadiero fudge cupcakes, maybe tiramisu cupcakes.” 

When Amanda Jones, owner of Just Piped Bakery, first suggested a cupcake and beer pairing, Scott Pell of Green Earth Brewing Company was skeptical. But as soon as he tried the combo, he changed his tune. Photo courtesy of Just Piped Bakery.

It’s perfect, she said, for a year when people haven’t been able to travel or go anywhere.  

It’ll be nice for Green Earth Brewing Company too, Pell said, as COVID-19 restrictions have eased to allow more indoor seating.

Pell, who also works as a school counselor at Winograd K-8 School, got his start as a homebrewer when his wife got him a kit in 1995. His first batch, a raspberry wheat beer, was delicious, he said. 

Pell describes himself as a relentless optimist (for obvious reasons, we love that) even during a year that’s been difficult to get through from a business and education standpoint. 

“I’m surrounded by great people who help me to keep my head up,” Pell said. “Watching the kids at school manage all of this and stay positive, keeping their heads up too -- that encourages me to persist.”  

Details 

• What: Five mini cupcakes and five brews 

• When: Timeslots range from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday  

• Where: Green Earth Brewing Company, 725 10th St. 

• Cost: $20/ticket or $35 for a pair 

• For more information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/valentines-cupcakes-brews-tickets-138361443803