tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27878683996882297692024-03-13T04:26:09.731-07:00The Idiot's Guide to Cupcakescupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-11104126045672105072010-05-02T10:18:00.001-07:002010-05-02T10:35:37.085-07:00Mistakes can still have happy endings<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My friend Amy invited me to borrow her kitchen for a little "away from home" baking. So I looked in the book for a simple recipe that didn't require frosting. And alas, I discovered the Blondie Cupcakes! Super simple to make, no fuss, and no frosting. PERFECT! So I went to the local <a href="http://www.hy-vee.com/">Hy-vee</a> (greatest place on earth) and got my ingredients.<div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cupcakes</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 teaspoon baking powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3/4 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup packed light-brown sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 large eggs, room temperature</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/3 cup butterscotch chips</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup unsalted cashews, coarsely chopped (3 ounces) </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/4 cup toffee bits</div><div><br /></div><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4vY14-cbactNUJHbo2eRrRtJmpJF4-aXyFGqWHaYkLPOtvbYPRhZEfLHs0N6in1lL3BJg_WDsy_rpze6awtx2Yl3MCh0hdOq-MUlsejzGFMn-7gsWMjER0SrnWyHP_HTOaIKuOj3pP0/s1600/IMG_1032.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4vY14-cbactNUJHbo2eRrRtJmpJF4-aXyFGqWHaYkLPOtvbYPRhZEfLHs0N6in1lL3BJg_WDsy_rpze6awtx2Yl3MCh0hdOq-MUlsejzGFMn-7gsWMjER0SrnWyHP_HTOaIKuOj3pP0/s320/IMG_1032.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466724644236305954" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Yay for fun ingredients! Wait... what? Peanut butter chips? DANG IT! Yes, it's true. I was on the phone with my mother, and was very distracted, and grabbed peanut butter chips instead of butterscotch. Okay. So sue me. The cupcakes still tasted great and the world didn't explode, so I think all is going to be okay.</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX0AzQ3ecIjOQzzbLLkNpdOB727E-30nXTPLz1NDm1wUPaDGhtl2oD7xD2FJCQ2fIAiLqo-YYoD2HPvQ-CRaHK8qywHmkFFaU65P2wmOmY2FqJjjLEjyUG6ejK1n-KmTY22gRM9OWb3U/s1600/IMG_1033.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX0AzQ3ecIjOQzzbLLkNpdOB727E-30nXTPLz1NDm1wUPaDGhtl2oD7xD2FJCQ2fIAiLqo-YYoD2HPvQ-CRaHK8qywHmkFFaU65P2wmOmY2FqJjjLEjyUG6ejK1n-KmTY22gRM9OWb3U/s320/IMG_1033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466725426954817250" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Also, the batter looked a bit thick. So I added a couple of tablespoons of milk to wet it down a bit. We then got more cupcakes than the recipe said we would, but who is going to throw a fit about TOO MANY cupcakes? I thought not. They still were amazing. I'm a huge recipe changer today... sorry guys. They were still awesome, so I'm not too worried about it. I promise. </center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7IE6NVkquUIlZjCqb6sMwWjEemNzhFCaIRvO9MT7sdwwiLn9JsLArW52zTpFRBId__2KYV6n5ey5MkgzfB7LwC48Y35067lI6tWpJygBLREJS4cphM9ym3A5FsQP3Ep3NkbnrfClNKE/s1600/IMG_1034.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7IE6NVkquUIlZjCqb6sMwWjEemNzhFCaIRvO9MT7sdwwiLn9JsLArW52zTpFRBId__2KYV6n5ey5MkgzfB7LwC48Y35067lI6tWpJygBLREJS4cphM9ym3A5FsQP3Ep3NkbnrfClNKE/s320/IMG_1034.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466726109055728978" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>Fresh out of the oven! The baking time was less than what the recipe says, be forewarned.</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9aFfiIWgq5KBhxOPJ4nbKvqJhJ5cR8VgQIUjFJkO9fB4_gAxMpBvjjuB7rmACSXUBMy01jsEYFk4jqU5ScvmGVb9dWrir7hPJODYSjaYYtDLIpTQG3Y220T_GNrvhF5aLTgQS_XTk-A/s1600/IMG_1035.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9aFfiIWgq5KBhxOPJ4nbKvqJhJ5cR8VgQIUjFJkO9fB4_gAxMpBvjjuB7rmACSXUBMy01jsEYFk4jqU5ScvmGVb9dWrir7hPJODYSjaYYtDLIpTQG3Y220T_GNrvhF5aLTgQS_XTk-A/s320/IMG_1035.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466726447384976210" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>Doesn't that look sweet?</center><center><br /></center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWI_h6qle-gE4ZExTsgmWs2DD-JDx7Qg3FYmqYnf2c48mEs8hLEpwAblaIJvmAqYQrVg9ZNmBNg1erR7JaasaWOt_BNDbwkCHyX943kW5g9SQHNO8Tu6T0chB-wJ7gsSk4VIDbnpgpEaE/s1600/IMG_1036.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWI_h6qle-gE4ZExTsgmWs2DD-JDx7Qg3FYmqYnf2c48mEs8hLEpwAblaIJvmAqYQrVg9ZNmBNg1erR7JaasaWOt_BNDbwkCHyX943kW5g9SQHNO8Tu6T0chB-wJ7gsSk4VIDbnpgpEaE/s320/IMG_1036.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466726726872608482" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: center;">These cupcakes are wonderful, because of the different chips and nuts in them. I loved the cashews. Great idea!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2gIPFdegYF4S_uorH00BLCak3CftbW2ClEpZB2_4wZkd2DHbCTp8356eCpws3EX32NBfPGHz_T9WRa0II633sbALzk8Wv1z7A5Q7iD-vbYhmHdWesKTqIv8EvqgseK5HJK0i-BBMIJc/s1600/IMG_1037.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge2gIPFdegYF4S_uorH00BLCak3CftbW2ClEpZB2_4wZkd2DHbCTp8356eCpws3EX32NBfPGHz_T9WRa0II633sbALzk8Wv1z7A5Q7iD-vbYhmHdWesKTqIv8EvqgseK5HJK0i-BBMIJc/s320/IMG_1037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466727156390749906" /></a><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Amy definitely approved. These cupcakes are super sweet and super simple. THESE are the ones to make when you have to bake for a bunch of people. They are a great idea. However, if people don't like nuts, I can't guarantee that they'll be huge fans. Take these to meetings, functions, school parties, potlucks. They are a real winner. Happy baking!</center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-82660100973017779552010-05-01T07:51:00.000-07:002010-05-01T08:11:27.017-07:00Yogurt makes everything better!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lemon-Yogurt cupcakes with Raspberry Jam are elegant and simple to the pallet. It's really interesting how you don't need super crazy flavors to make a tasty cupcake. The lemon is powerful and almost makes you pucker, and the raspberry is sweet and really kick the cupcakes up to another level. You can't taste the yogurt in the batter, but it makes the cupcakes tender and moist. However it was still really easy to slice then when adding the raspberry jam. They appear fancy, but take no time at all. I love recipes like this!<div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cupcakes</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature plus more for tins</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for tins</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 teaspoon baking soda</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 teaspoons baking powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3/4 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3 large eggs separated, room temperature </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/4 cups granulated sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 4 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice (FRESH!)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3/4 cup plain whole-milk yogurt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup seedless raspberry jam or preserves</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Confectioners' sugar, for dusting</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I don't think I can emphasize enough how much of a difference FRESH lemon juice and zest make. These are the two ingredients that make these cupcakes, so do it right. It takes no time at all, and is so worth it. </div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC7PPjl9F_i2yxH1lPmBqa1ROoOjt9wyNykl3hTHn4HpSLZJI-HHdx-1yomgJiR67s80alPXwHL6yBq5VCggoZjFXjaxzonMrhIDB6QE8_AHuFUzcyvENlg3RjbC7925o-jzzke7G4jk/s1600/IMG_0962.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzC7PPjl9F_i2yxH1lPmBqa1ROoOjt9wyNykl3hTHn4HpSLZJI-HHdx-1yomgJiR67s80alPXwHL6yBq5VCggoZjFXjaxzonMrhIDB6QE8_AHuFUzcyvENlg3RjbC7925o-jzzke7G4jk/s320/IMG_0962.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466316587175676898" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>YUM. And that turns into THIS!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIupIj1WYYnMdv4-KzmGnd4_PfKc6ns9I8uyxKOXGOnakV8LaMVH_MHSbRf8Jk4VGO1wnDotE6sYimxoHT3FyOygwO9UjDk1-uD-4jyK7ALbQ4J7GGQJ_SaWmj7qzrkenIN3-cgQmWTkk/s1600/IMG_0967.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIupIj1WYYnMdv4-KzmGnd4_PfKc6ns9I8uyxKOXGOnakV8LaMVH_MHSbRf8Jk4VGO1wnDotE6sYimxoHT3FyOygwO9UjDk1-uD-4jyK7ALbQ4J7GGQJ_SaWmj7qzrkenIN3-cgQmWTkk/s320/IMG_0967.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466317025809279938" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Well... I guess I'm missing a few steps. First, the slicing.</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrxuPNh62O2HkTobTWalxxS6STtPm-W9AaCq7Ki0yovn5kSSSkBpsFCSnwDJm5eAVp0wEbzPACoGDxF5faOfIt9Fud__mzgixFiDN545zuUliFUsT3CaeAUZcv1_PdyTQfXsLZDowFy8/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrxuPNh62O2HkTobTWalxxS6STtPm-W9AaCq7Ki0yovn5kSSSkBpsFCSnwDJm5eAVp0wEbzPACoGDxF5faOfIt9Fud__mzgixFiDN545zuUliFUsT3CaeAUZcv1_PdyTQfXsLZDowFy8/s320/IMG_0963.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466317401083702194" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>Then the Raspberry-ing.</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsHEtUt894B8epol_khu4lOqj5j7FWTdbSprfKzuwIrhYO-KlEZAZqYqx6ZtsmZQ4_hgBzvDG2FIs4M9HOsBoFMmYDyaUG5rSqJjweydmAUK60Zxp4Li-D22mPDpzOEKLDCXLmxrFpPc/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsHEtUt894B8epol_khu4lOqj5j7FWTdbSprfKzuwIrhYO-KlEZAZqYqx6ZtsmZQ4_hgBzvDG2FIs4M9HOsBoFMmYDyaUG5rSqJjweydmAUK60Zxp4Li-D22mPDpzOEKLDCXLmxrFpPc/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466317747366752386" /></a></center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTBVwyMDrR_fxSoZxIFQ8Hwy9rAdAm3h3_ROtlSGnEd7C-lMHxQOXI9hnPySNouKeb4R_6TEbEu45JA5UZXziEe-A5VwXou5G-pjXmfOD7S28qNki33YhedU1pXeMv8uLTiZ4xBvpnN0/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTBVwyMDrR_fxSoZxIFQ8Hwy9rAdAm3h3_ROtlSGnEd7C-lMHxQOXI9hnPySNouKeb4R_6TEbEu45JA5UZXziEe-A5VwXou5G-pjXmfOD7S28qNki33YhedU1pXeMv8uLTiZ4xBvpnN0/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466317993037020610" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>After fruit comes the dusting!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiSSlH3euHtik313yNOxOWG1sgSZcSt8UqHqxzXlIJJbwg5WWDNDowaPeCsObx4S-Aw5U-7UwU2S6LDluPr8jLW_8kuVH120sv1t6LwlkYZKJ5Bmh8u-4IMDbW6XophXP_o35y5N7TqQ/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiSSlH3euHtik313yNOxOWG1sgSZcSt8UqHqxzXlIJJbwg5WWDNDowaPeCsObx4S-Aw5U-7UwU2S6LDluPr8jLW_8kuVH120sv1t6LwlkYZKJ5Bmh8u-4IMDbW6XophXP_o35y5N7TqQ/s320/IMG_0972.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466318296677083762" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>Of course the last step is the delicious-ing!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8zxtrEJ77bO3am1g6SLzI8NVcZLUWryER_d77la7Gd0yuXPyc2iCdFqz5WN992gRvZpAtMP2hhYd6NrdZfWlzquLBFSRd6qtqvvgRucHJ2W3VOuVGbJtMx0GxbYTz8moM7AHo6dc14k/s1600/IMG_0975.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8zxtrEJ77bO3am1g6SLzI8NVcZLUWryER_d77la7Gd0yuXPyc2iCdFqz5WN992gRvZpAtMP2hhYd6NrdZfWlzquLBFSRd6qtqvvgRucHJ2W3VOuVGbJtMx0GxbYTz8moM7AHo6dc14k/s320/IMG_0975.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466318606364957314" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Don't they look all fancy with their sugar dusted tops and raspberry layers!?</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkysv_xVWbbVIdm0InRBFOgJWUAGeG5SUGIAtaH1pJB_lQT-3U7tpTTxT2ETipjVPtHgYyB_1pMz8_9936C8zerSOAgyVlDZJowjWH75XR9HEmdgISqdwt77hPPYxRnvCJZsWaVyapCk/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkysv_xVWbbVIdm0InRBFOgJWUAGeG5SUGIAtaH1pJB_lQT-3U7tpTTxT2ETipjVPtHgYyB_1pMz8_9936C8zerSOAgyVlDZJowjWH75XR9HEmdgISqdwt77hPPYxRnvCJZsWaVyapCk/s320/IMG_0977.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466318937076374514" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>These little guys were a total hit. They were simple flavors dressed up with pretty layers and a delicate presentation. They were a little time consuming with all the slicing and the spreading, so I don't know that I would recommend making these in mass quantities. However, I think they would be very lovely at your next tea party or coffee break. They really let people know that you went the extra mile to make something look almost as wonderful as it tastes! Happy baking.</center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-21350896252798180182010-04-28T09:26:00.000-07:002010-04-28T10:03:10.724-07:00Birthday Celebrations<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My boyfriend, Kevin, recently celebrated his birthday. Of course every one knows there is no better way to a man's heart than through his stomach. Since he was the young fellow who started me on this extravagant adventure of baking my way through The Book, I felt that it was necessary to make him cupcakes for such a special event! He has told me that if he was stranded on a desert island and could only have one thing to eat, it would be peanut butter. This strange love for peanut butter made it very simple to pick which recipe to make for him. Peanut Butter filled Chocolate cupcakes were the perfect choice for my fella. They were delicious and easy. It's a win-win situation! <div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Chocolate Cupcakes</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2/3 cup all purpose flour</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>4 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3/4 cups granulated sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3 large eggs</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Peanut Butter Filling</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3/4 cup smooth peanut butter</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So basically this recipe starts out with some yummy ingredients...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOjzjKz_Us8GGhyphenhyphenrSOaq9_mKb-5w0GkSV_Si5Fp4bvb5CYqBJW8NBj-r5GRCnGcDJJaFmckDGgdQriFN2XJKJtfGAp2xjTdMIMNPUanL22p1WzGciTkmWMEALTrxtEzQx7iR8VYUzxok/s1600/IMG_0978.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOjzjKz_Us8GGhyphenhyphenrSOaq9_mKb-5w0GkSV_Si5Fp4bvb5CYqBJW8NBj-r5GRCnGcDJJaFmckDGgdQriFN2XJKJtfGAp2xjTdMIMNPUanL22p1WzGciTkmWMEALTrxtEzQx7iR8VYUzxok/s320/IMG_0978.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465231165819553442" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>Which then melt together and become even more yummy.</center><center><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizThGLKvgeQ_1Q4eQTXmJ2t446mcIYhgVnAgfTYFnSS6rFofxOGA2HOjsbSPxZkeGfwYdalsFICYCHTm0ZDKj72eieFT61wYmRLQGMOSX5O2UvGnEPbrSUFYcU63YL9einmzwjXAvaW3o/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizThGLKvgeQ_1Q4eQTXmJ2t446mcIYhgVnAgfTYFnSS6rFofxOGA2HOjsbSPxZkeGfwYdalsFICYCHTm0ZDKj72eieFT61wYmRLQGMOSX5O2UvGnEPbrSUFYcU63YL9einmzwjXAvaW3o/s320/IMG_0979.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465231579610588930" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>So then, you take all that yummy and add some sweet to it...</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuAUl6xsGEbWd5FNnH8QfFfPP-qyf0Xy-P6zo37lmczX1Ly6q8OsazSC3x-X3EV-jcqt0VwuFPdHx7wEk8gA6jRcae_G13L4lO1mGzmAofXdO32ACdSOjatD4w5Sg8fGadViG8zoFMbI/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuAUl6xsGEbWd5FNnH8QfFfPP-qyf0Xy-P6zo37lmczX1Ly6q8OsazSC3x-X3EV-jcqt0VwuFPdHx7wEk8gA6jRcae_G13L4lO1mGzmAofXdO32ACdSOjatD4w5Sg8fGadViG8zoFMbI/s320/IMG_0992.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465231969166170994" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>And maybe add a couple of friends to keep all that deliciousness company.</center><center><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvEN7ou1rxjtxAqThyphenhyphen3LeZMQFDhcxXSp2uHYQRqhmVH10Bh0LIVa0jNEqx64j2gW0EptKi3boITp9vlRjAERkZk1HHKr0ZMoLabHelj765nF1s75ihQHig1gprS9fSM04dPmb0OptVPU/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvEN7ou1rxjtxAqThyphenhyphen3LeZMQFDhcxXSp2uHYQRqhmVH10Bh0LIVa0jNEqx64j2gW0EptKi3boITp9vlRjAERkZk1HHKr0ZMoLabHelj765nF1s75ihQHig1gprS9fSM04dPmb0OptVPU/s320/IMG_1001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465232441363257090" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Of course you need something equally as yummy to fill those cupcakes of deliciousness... let's try PEANUT BUTTER!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RqjF1FMOMY95pYbL1yE2iQsslkHsxL2uNEogifE-9l-M2APYx9xFmuC3KYNu4pE9CDTtVqN9T6IiERzQHnSd4bOOrsmXxDTZ1Lhu9rMaga1bfJ-j6esh3FjCK77xVPXsLjKL8ejmRZI/s1600/IMG_1017.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RqjF1FMOMY95pYbL1yE2iQsslkHsxL2uNEogifE-9l-M2APYx9xFmuC3KYNu4pE9CDTtVqN9T6IiERzQHnSd4bOOrsmXxDTZ1Lhu9rMaga1bfJ-j6esh3FjCK77xVPXsLjKL8ejmRZI/s320/IMG_1017.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465233025539309970" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Add a touch of Martha Magic and you've got some pretty rocking cupcakes!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PI0F6Zwlt9jVQnOWKlafwkztJjzEwc_bkfGw2FgAX1mNxIIK-dfjYhzF-cYlWpNrxs_zsgOPrSzxzmI6DYSsV3s58YyQplYN_wrgD5Pr5ChOwHh-rguU21EwWr2-tAfAOl8RFCd5efs/s1600/IMG_1026.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PI0F6Zwlt9jVQnOWKlafwkztJjzEwc_bkfGw2FgAX1mNxIIK-dfjYhzF-cYlWpNrxs_zsgOPrSzxzmI6DYSsV3s58YyQplYN_wrgD5Pr5ChOwHh-rguU21EwWr2-tAfAOl8RFCd5efs/s320/IMG_1026.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465233326394281090" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>They are messy, yet wonderful. I think these were the perfect treat for Kevin. But, now for the official taste test...</center><center><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJV1csv824Qpgz61R4wQ4UbOaBALifsyuGIYL6WIMR8sd7LWo1Xe-u0w0sMxrABjevo2tWlFEugACdOxgXWtYkqlWpjzwlH6lIEwBCnbXrNgv1IU5uWJrDOI2EPAYB-HUIm3segfP3qc/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJV1csv824Qpgz61R4wQ4UbOaBALifsyuGIYL6WIMR8sd7LWo1Xe-u0w0sMxrABjevo2tWlFEugACdOxgXWtYkqlWpjzwlH6lIEwBCnbXrNgv1IU5uWJrDOI2EPAYB-HUIm3segfP3qc/s320/IMG_0961.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465233839975972018" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Well? Do they pass?</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5U4TxJQ2mxHzPuSmy4ywjFnXSeuv0Op9bPbu82JHm-tLC0K-0CW1lsqmEIHbG7XdiwaDuTEpRJuHfSn5Y0-QQG3iWowas7pCqpl4CU6XRmcRXCgHj4ZvgC3EsYFiPp5cVHvsdAAEJh0g/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5U4TxJQ2mxHzPuSmy4ywjFnXSeuv0Op9bPbu82JHm-tLC0K-0CW1lsqmEIHbG7XdiwaDuTEpRJuHfSn5Y0-QQG3iWowas7pCqpl4CU6XRmcRXCgHj4ZvgC3EsYFiPp5cVHvsdAAEJh0g/s320/IMG_0960.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465234141954730130" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I think that's a yes! These cupcakes are fun and perfect for any peanut butter lover, like Kevin! It's really fun to share these little cupcakes for special occasions. I think his birthday was just a little more special because of them! So go home and make some cupcakes for your special birthday boy or girl. They will be a hit not only because of how tasty they are, but because people appreciate the time and effort you put in to make them feel special! Enjoy your tasty treats and special days!</center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-84790407599765145662010-04-19T19:16:00.000-07:002010-04-19T19:32:11.227-07:00Chilly Cheesecakes... tasty!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I had a baking adventure with my friend Jolene a few weeks back. It was quite a bit of fun. there is nothing like baking with friends. Pick a simple recipe, have a little fun, and get a little messy! It's the best way to do it. We made Cookies and Cream cheesecakes. I know what you're thinking, and it's true, they're not cupcakes. But they are baked in cupcake tins, so I think it qualifies. Definitely. These little guys are super simple and super easy. The worst part of it is they have to set in the fridge for at least four hours. Once you take them out of the oven, you want to have a bite. Unfortunately, with this recipe, that isn't possible. But trust me. They are worth the wait. <div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cheesecakes</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>42 cream-filled chocolate sandwich cookies, such as oreos, 30 left whole and 12 coarsely chopped</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup sour cream</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>pinch of salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I think the cutest thing about these cheesecakes are the crusts. When you bite into the cheesecake, you can see the whole oreo cookie at the bottom. They are the coolest thing. The really nice thing about this recipe, was that it was really simple, which made it easy to enjoy myself with Jolene. </div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPEjcdbuDJfTM65pwzh_KBaEQN7YbZHPruxQfKuNCNRaKIsFMYp_OtNEcFhskgUSTyEScA0Icnf6q5hij4cpaSmRcERh23eHqIcG9Sv6IhFLqkeuNTRrniOuLJpPfPKy7-sBGbbJwOE0/s1600/IMG_0841.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPEjcdbuDJfTM65pwzh_KBaEQN7YbZHPruxQfKuNCNRaKIsFMYp_OtNEcFhskgUSTyEScA0Icnf6q5hij4cpaSmRcERh23eHqIcG9Sv6IhFLqkeuNTRrniOuLJpPfPKy7-sBGbbJwOE0/s320/IMG_0841.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462039550206195298" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>There she is, helping me with the most important step of these cheesecakes, adding the crushed oreos. I think she had a lot of fun making these with me. </center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5_DRkAopk0H-Tx-HR-KeScehWiXHuGTXQP9NXxCsQV4ZbhS5ykWrjNLtdjTPd76FgvUYSs9JhBhOu5CAF0Sk5l8IqVJ0ZakNxesLv4CbcKivPSQgzh5LfmlyjOUlDxmA83Ku_LtDBJc/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5_DRkAopk0H-Tx-HR-KeScehWiXHuGTXQP9NXxCsQV4ZbhS5ykWrjNLtdjTPd76FgvUYSs9JhBhOu5CAF0Sk5l8IqVJ0ZakNxesLv4CbcKivPSQgzh5LfmlyjOUlDxmA83Ku_LtDBJc/s320/IMG_0845.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462039981949582818" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>I know I had fun. And who wouldn't? These things are delish!</center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5nAz2mcHDMdF4k79B8y3GoVoNLQOF_LQl9KhVZbACXOYDeUFLZXY3kuUvluzKLcMpU9gQuSbOpro3_lhQP59Kvnlbe72KQfLm4bwyqn8_Ng7fJlwh4FEtskUVoZrdCFSdS7v9KK3brY/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5nAz2mcHDMdF4k79B8y3GoVoNLQOF_LQl9KhVZbACXOYDeUFLZXY3kuUvluzKLcMpU9gQuSbOpro3_lhQP59Kvnlbe72KQfLm4bwyqn8_Ng7fJlwh4FEtskUVoZrdCFSdS7v9KK3brY/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462040279862592914" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My mom has dinner parties all the time. She is always trying to think of time saving dessert tricks that are simple and delicious. I told her to make these cheesecakes ahead of time. That way, all she has to do is pull them out of the fridge and there is her dessert. If you want to fancy it up a bit, add unique cupcake liners. Your guests will love them. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNiVIKeu1KCi5ySJdr5U395RqleT1KjaKumnoAA_7DDXHxVgyh4wVweUL0vwzw_ym__xJii0MOPbIImlWXMvawkExYp4IKBxYv0coDRm0P0T3KLZ6q2gpkiUVKjGNtKo59_K1Y3ZsPDE/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNiVIKeu1KCi5ySJdr5U395RqleT1KjaKumnoAA_7DDXHxVgyh4wVweUL0vwzw_ym__xJii0MOPbIImlWXMvawkExYp4IKBxYv0coDRm0P0T3KLZ6q2gpkiUVKjGNtKo59_K1Y3ZsPDE/s320/IMG_0877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462041032493814402" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And I bet they'll love them even more when they bite into an oreo cookie crust and moist, wonderful cheesecake. These adorable cheesecake cupcakes are a sophisticated way to remind your dinner guests of childhood, while catering to their sweet tooth! Happy dessert serving, you savvy hostess! </div>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-5939329996724498842010-04-11T13:04:00.000-07:002010-04-11T13:28:04.786-07:00Sweet and Simple<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It's springtime. And with springtime comes warm weather, outdoor activities, and above all, FRUIT! I love fruit, especially during the spring. The fruit stand in our town just started opening up again and selling fresh fruit and vegetables. My mom and I went and while we were there, they had a great deal. You could buy an entire flat of strawberries for $15! What a deal. And so we did just that. Bought an entire flat of strawberries...<div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4WzwajhFy79jkNIdN8yJVPqd6AlwWnmdlK5E7KcJb4EIuzX6JCJWCsZjrNrCdz2iNUyyIWdo9O4jqNKcteMAkUOw8GF2tiKw_ME4qUjY9f3hhjR04fq7LVVjRtWe-ERCt1Dk8_DG7oE/s1600/IMG_0878.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4WzwajhFy79jkNIdN8yJVPqd6AlwWnmdlK5E7KcJb4EIuzX6JCJWCsZjrNrCdz2iNUyyIWdo9O4jqNKcteMAkUOw8GF2tiKw_ME4qUjY9f3hhjR04fq7LVVjRtWe-ERCt1Dk8_DG7oE/s320/IMG_0878.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458974205138349154" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Don't they look beautiful? And of course, the minute I saw this many strawberries, all I could think about was Martha's Strawberry Cupcakes. So I made them. And they were amazing. You know, you can buy the box mix strawberry cake. And up until this point, I thought that was a pretty good deal. You didn't really have to do much, and the product was quite tasty. But now that I've had strawberry cupcakes made from fresh strawberries, there is no going back. EVER.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Ingredients:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cupcakes</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup cake flour (not self rising)</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tablespoon baking powder</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 teaspoon salt</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature </center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 1/4 cups sugar</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 teaspoons pure canilla extract</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3 large whole eggs plus 1 egg white</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup milk</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 cups finely chopped fresh strawberries (about 20), plus about 10 more for garnish</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Strawberry Meringue Buttercream </center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (8 ounces) rinsed, hulled, and coarsely chopped</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>4 large egg whites</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/4 cups sugar</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons, room temperature </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Now I'm not going to lie to you. By the time I was done making these cupcakes, I was sick and tired of looking at strawberries. There was a lot of washing and picking out and drying and cutting and slicing and chopping these little suckers. But don't let me turn you off of them. They were so worth it. Every last strawberry counts in this recipe! And, the even better part, is once you've gotten all of your strawberries cut up, the rest is simple. You're basically making a vanilla cake batter and vanilla frosting and then just adding strawberries to it to make it mind blowing. No biggie, right? And man, did they turn out amazing!</center></div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_sfyWR_iQKupRnDqX43roC4DgYIf5Nw7PsTA-1MIjyOgdJxwiXISNo5AgXP1aSief7DeSY_Q_UjD8AVgLasKKT7-_9OMl42kLqYH0q-9Vo1H-vbi2oobpVz3WzKPGyWgco930qif6sc/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_sfyWR_iQKupRnDqX43roC4DgYIf5Nw7PsTA-1MIjyOgdJxwiXISNo5AgXP1aSief7DeSY_Q_UjD8AVgLasKKT7-_9OMl42kLqYH0q-9Vo1H-vbi2oobpVz3WzKPGyWgco930qif6sc/s320/IMG_0921.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458977056490338306" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Simple as pie, or in this case, strawberry cake.</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWo9_jo_FXKUjVPuwujIG5CWe9f0O5VgP2ASfqa7ZvocKQpbMbz8uqz9wn5o_MdkaGNKjstlC4N6MZqU0ZM7U-g3vdkRJQ-nngz19S5iLC0DHOIz0i66r8fCRTmZW5xHwgeQaY18PyVM/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWo9_jo_FXKUjVPuwujIG5CWe9f0O5VgP2ASfqa7ZvocKQpbMbz8uqz9wn5o_MdkaGNKjstlC4N6MZqU0ZM7U-g3vdkRJQ-nngz19S5iLC0DHOIz0i66r8fCRTmZW5xHwgeQaY18PyVM/s320/IMG_0914.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458977479879038050" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Just pipe on the frosting, and you're good to go!</center><center><br /></center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9trNKAZ4RKjJQdv4EPysqNFsWsJqi1ysW7hBuWXlJjVriPoYB_qhnF1-elnG39UwzvsBQ1RPJVmEt3nRM7KCvU70QzWLDbICmLts2DP_VeLZGwCRUi3Xk9wEj2v145BMCfikaf2uq3JQ/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9trNKAZ4RKjJQdv4EPysqNFsWsJqi1ysW7hBuWXlJjVriPoYB_qhnF1-elnG39UwzvsBQ1RPJVmEt3nRM7KCvU70QzWLDbICmLts2DP_VeLZGwCRUi3Xk9wEj2v145BMCfikaf2uq3JQ/s320/IMG_0923.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458977773462880898" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtoi5Fw7Rko40wF_lvQHmTH7FjIGFIeieYzQymgxGnjO5l2Tk5nVoKo9eJD4njOgJPt6Sgmrzp1sUCdowmtlcbLlf3UJg9dAOPtYacZ1f3emIjZ70Ooq9Xu5cuh37J7Db4P9gNEVHjHc/s1600/IMG_0925.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtoi5Fw7Rko40wF_lvQHmTH7FjIGFIeieYzQymgxGnjO5l2Tk5nVoKo9eJD4njOgJPt6Sgmrzp1sUCdowmtlcbLlf3UJg9dAOPtYacZ1f3emIjZ70Ooq9Xu5cuh37J7Db4P9gNEVHjHc/s320/IMG_0925.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458977957405441538" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I really think that using a pastry bag to pipe the frosting onto the cupcake adds something to it. Taking the time to make your cupcakes look pretty, even if they're as simple as strawberries, really makes them go the extra mile. I mean, they taste great, whether you take the time to make them look nice, but I really enjoy seeing the fruits of my labor pay off when I have beautiful cupcakes to give away to all of my friends and family. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_uu11JNtmpyz9ykH5aURz7BwkrQ4pfmVuApvBrC_V-a5rLJtDhVOuzYWNUKX4GovL-CwinFPcHHYXGjZSa4GUovWCvPRsRDRIzWpxrYPwe-PFBh6aQ50MVr3NOVY2i_Ov3oODvLHQ6k/s1600/IMG_0926.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_uu11JNtmpyz9ykH5aURz7BwkrQ4pfmVuApvBrC_V-a5rLJtDhVOuzYWNUKX4GovL-CwinFPcHHYXGjZSa4GUovWCvPRsRDRIzWpxrYPwe-PFBh6aQ50MVr3NOVY2i_Ov3oODvLHQ6k/s320/IMG_0926.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458978907185739826" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Speaking of family, there is my Dad getting in on the cupcake action. He seemed to think they were pretty tasty! I hope you do too! Just remember, as sick and tired as you might get of looking at those strawberries, the final product is so worth it, it's ridiculous! Happy baking.</center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-59671525117550016192010-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:002010-04-09T11:43:08.913-07:00Perfume on a cupcake... TASTY!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Today's post is about one of the most unique recipes in The Book. Lavender- Iced Brownie cupcakes may sound weird and even gross, but they weren't either of those things. They were... different. I don't know that I could actually describe it, you'll just have to taste for yourself. It was pretty fun to make, though, let me tell you. Why was it fun? Because I got to crystallize flowers, dye my icing purple, and eat brownie cupcakes. I don't think it gets much better than that! The icing gave me a bit of trouble, not because adding the lavender was difficult, but because Martha didn't put enough milk in the original recipe and that frustrated me because I hate altering recipes the first time I try them. <div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Brownie Cupcakes</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup (one stick) plus 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/3 cups sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 large eggs, room temperature </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 teaspoon vanilla extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lavender Icing</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/3 cup milk (I added 2 teaspoons to this... I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but it made a HUGE difference!!)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 teaspoon dried lavender (you can find this at most health food stores)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3 cups confectioner's sugar, sifted</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Violet gel-paste food coloring</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Crystallized Flowers</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 large egg white </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 teaspoon water</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>pesticide-free edible flowers, such as pansies and violas, stems removed</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>super fine sugar for sprinkling</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>If anything, make the brownie cupcakes ahead of time. That way, they are cool when you go to make the icing, because you have to use the icing immediately after you make it, or it sets and would be no good. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The greatest ingredients on earth:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_g8waWmnZWkKy70Wd4MxAaAJ3GIW0Kug0MX44U66H8NkQcIkx6pBZ0c-DwsLM-NpZyLKZBloRZTclyzrPU8iAMCf2IRJFfzSYRLEIERNs8IdZ27rMkM4Y5_vV2bZ2gr9-lBEDqGFVhA/s1600/IMG_0868.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_g8waWmnZWkKy70Wd4MxAaAJ3GIW0Kug0MX44U66H8NkQcIkx6pBZ0c-DwsLM-NpZyLKZBloRZTclyzrPU8iAMCf2IRJFfzSYRLEIERNs8IdZ27rMkM4Y5_vV2bZ2gr9-lBEDqGFVhA/s320/IMG_0868.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458205855181185298" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>chocolate and butter. yummmm...</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'm not kidding when I tell you that my mouth watered so much while making these cupcakes! The ingredients are so yummy. And who doesn't have a little bit of fun melting butter and chocolate in the double boiler? That might have been my favorite part! I'm weird. Get over it. Anyway, these cupcakes were really simple. The most labor intensive part was mixing in the semi warm chocolate mixture.</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZorUvHIaHBsTg5-2FD150OIXKTGnWVMzU5wVuYpi_mfN_1ASI1jQOYISqSbq9mQS3mFkhGcW8ovJar4UYSEV_slQYg7XBZ9AVf_EYCHDzT3gpKQI34wVLPdKnobv-zAkeqGRU6z2yIA/s1600/IMG_0872.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZorUvHIaHBsTg5-2FD150OIXKTGnWVMzU5wVuYpi_mfN_1ASI1jQOYISqSbq9mQS3mFkhGcW8ovJar4UYSEV_slQYg7XBZ9AVf_EYCHDzT3gpKQI34wVLPdKnobv-zAkeqGRU6z2yIA/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458206706997729138" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>It doesn't seem to be stressing me out too badly, now does it?</center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So after you've made the cupcakes and you're waiting for them to cool, you should make your crystallized flowers. They are really simple, and make these cupcakes look extra fancy! I don't know that I would actually eat them... because... it's a flower, people. But they sure look fancy. And if Martha can do it, I can too. Martha says to delicately paint on the egg white mixture with a paintbrush, but that didn't really help, so I just ended up dipping the flowers in to it instead, and that seemed to work out just fine. We didn't have SUPER FINE sugar, so we just used regular sugar. I might look for ultra fine next time I decide to make these cupcakes. It was a little clumpy. But they turned out beautiful in spite of it!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzUlbo16qlnXwoQAcA9DtpgCpX23uS4LVeRf9J7slVVK5WL7VGIan0AS4hnNERFSkXfeHmEOBW_R2P20sVJ_qHS-OKAqv45KhsJk013YClYKOUaue18vbecnZub0Q_UcAuFg8dvx-rLo/s1600/IMG_0883.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzUlbo16qlnXwoQAcA9DtpgCpX23uS4LVeRf9J7slVVK5WL7VGIan0AS4hnNERFSkXfeHmEOBW_R2P20sVJ_qHS-OKAqv45KhsJk013YClYKOUaue18vbecnZub0Q_UcAuFg8dvx-rLo/s320/IMG_0883.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458207916531026242" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The final step to these cupcakes is the lavender icing. The one element that gives them that unique twist. The icing is really easy to whip up. You would think that you would have to do something very labor intensive and difficult to end up with purple lavender icing, but really you just boil and steep the lavender and add some food coloring! Now, in these pictures, the icing looks blue, but I promise you, they were purple cupcakes! </center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZlwmGhHMr6mSECVvNaidG3yvrwewhdSZBvIePP7mbbHb1788WeMCV0NUCIjJsOd7MwzOTUpceTKZCb6vew6vfTgQaobrb5pHcvxYSOykfruaLz2RjEfCBncebsos7ETiB_YaQA-t-EY/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZlwmGhHMr6mSECVvNaidG3yvrwewhdSZBvIePP7mbbHb1788WeMCV0NUCIjJsOd7MwzOTUpceTKZCb6vew6vfTgQaobrb5pHcvxYSOykfruaLz2RjEfCBncebsos7ETiB_YaQA-t-EY/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458208643137469634" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Look how fancy they are with their cute little flowers! </center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bOPO5odGJmspS56NdOFf8R9Jk8R71EXHomtTjR6h9pYD43ZqFktcTgfpWCa_qcF5Iif7ii6Bmzi30EiNMmSgoZWeVIbPWlPxQ30GLezCehUDTR6ZPgbcRvpqk5SEgLipNL_22IVqmkQ/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bOPO5odGJmspS56NdOFf8R9Jk8R71EXHomtTjR6h9pYD43ZqFktcTgfpWCa_qcF5Iif7ii6Bmzi30EiNMmSgoZWeVIbPWlPxQ30GLezCehUDTR6ZPgbcRvpqk5SEgLipNL_22IVqmkQ/s320/IMG_0895.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458209023814605618" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>Maybe I put too much purple in them and that's why they look blue?</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV0Es-Su5nTK4d-vscs26eVrZkuf5gCoRjGbrM9i1hQVSrC6hWL3X8cXEJG-2uxJsJ3oJXCId5oe6JTOmskhDmtj1wD_hT7BnS4JGESoYPcqHM3QrFFh2_-2ChlyYAlr_p4wjQ6WF8Tc/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWV0Es-Su5nTK4d-vscs26eVrZkuf5gCoRjGbrM9i1hQVSrC6hWL3X8cXEJG-2uxJsJ3oJXCId5oe6JTOmskhDmtj1wD_hT7BnS4JGESoYPcqHM3QrFFh2_-2ChlyYAlr_p4wjQ6WF8Tc/s320/IMG_0896.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458209352827566114" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>The contrast between the dark of the chocolate brownie and the purple of the lavender icing made these little guys very intriguing. </center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifp41PFfuXG2w4x-opqa6NKrM5I6FrBmJTpw3hMZjx5LmpBcuRP68vfJDGio7JfQo7d8b-Chy-u9lalLS-NaymC7TudkScSsHlPc2u7hFmMzpt8m4l3nOz-yvQZ4gRjWBjRJcjj49B4Ss/s1600/IMG_0898.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifp41PFfuXG2w4x-opqa6NKrM5I6FrBmJTpw3hMZjx5LmpBcuRP68vfJDGio7JfQo7d8b-Chy-u9lalLS-NaymC7TudkScSsHlPc2u7hFmMzpt8m4l3nOz-yvQZ4gRjWBjRJcjj49B4Ss/s320/IMG_0898.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458209791690270370" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It also made them very tasty! So go ahead, be adventurous and make some of these delightful cupcakes. Share them with your friends. They'll swoon. I promise. ENJOY!!</center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-73560597943648264262010-04-01T18:35:00.000-07:002010-04-09T10:55:28.595-07:00So is it a cookie or a cupcake?<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Today's recipe was Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with seven minute frosting. And the question is: is it more like a cookie or a cupcake. Well, I'll tell you. It's a cupcake, however they taste exactly like a snickerdoodle (at least I think they do, you may beg to differ). These little guys were as easy as it gets. No double boiler, no melting chocolate, no tempering. Nothing. Well, at least the cupcake part was easy. I had a bit of difficulty with the frosting, but we'll get to that in a minute. <div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cupcakes</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tablespoon baking powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, plus 1/2 teaspoon for dusting</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 3/4 cups sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for dusting</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>4 large eggs, room temperature</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/4 cups milk</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Seven-Minute Frosting</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2/3 cup water</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>6 large egg whites, room temperature </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So the cupcakes were easy. Just mix your dry ingredients in one bowl, your wet ingredients in another and then combine, alternating flour mixture and milk. Simple as... well, simple as snickerdoodle cupcakes. Honestly the most difficult part of this whole experiment was the frosting. Problem A- I didn't follow the directions... I don't recommend doing that. My boyfriend's mother told me that it was easier to make this frosting in the double boiler, because it makes the frosting fluffier. But that's not what The Book says to do. So next time, note to self, follow The Book. Problem B- If you are going to use a double boiler (which I don't recommend) make sure it is big enough for all the frosting. Because there is a lot of it. Anyway, long story short, this frosting kicked my butt. FAIL.</div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUsAFyS8s4470CUcCeHUg51YNDLmeT9SK5jXxL9SY9DbgE-1ox2lupBbacigsjGzCOoZ2NOgrv6g_sHavqU4YaZ6ZmfodBtwZ4GiOHdqFOpVTxadc_ThZBZM2lgcQfFSvDIgk3USDgVQ/s1600/IMG_0865.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUsAFyS8s4470CUcCeHUg51YNDLmeT9SK5jXxL9SY9DbgE-1ox2lupBbacigsjGzCOoZ2NOgrv6g_sHavqU4YaZ6ZmfodBtwZ4GiOHdqFOpVTxadc_ThZBZM2lgcQfFSvDIgk3USDgVQ/s320/IMG_0865.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455353864277884706" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>But at least they turned out nicely!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhfxZu25Q3QlJzWrFlkkcJDQ9b_IlrwJS61r5UYK7JzGR_ihx-0XrFTJT6jwA5krJJg193vyAepc6jkLfMx2WMp3NlHYGOtAlGR4bRjA4yKZUR7NWEwg8DAH9ZybIuXVj_mu_4Rp1srQ/s1600/IMG_0866.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhfxZu25Q3QlJzWrFlkkcJDQ9b_IlrwJS61r5UYK7JzGR_ihx-0XrFTJT6jwA5krJJg193vyAepc6jkLfMx2WMp3NlHYGOtAlGR4bRjA4yKZUR7NWEwg8DAH9ZybIuXVj_mu_4Rp1srQ/s320/IMG_0866.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455354339583518082" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>See, just sprinkle a little bit of cinnamon-sugar on the top, and no one will ever know that the seven minute frosting kicked your butt like no other recipe had before.</center><center><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJObrQ0WPi5-rclJhzt8dxwoyFSV7MXu-iEB5h4tUuX34SOwNgaeYJu-qGT_O5ziLiBuj6k8JJkoktjVaPLiYTIKWAhScO-3InhYFoxxCT-P95YYAjJc94EE2zXOB6-uRWLl693C99J4/s1600/IMG_0867.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJObrQ0WPi5-rclJhzt8dxwoyFSV7MXu-iEB5h4tUuX34SOwNgaeYJu-qGT_O5ziLiBuj6k8JJkoktjVaPLiYTIKWAhScO-3InhYFoxxCT-P95YYAjJc94EE2zXOB6-uRWLl693C99J4/s320/IMG_0867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455354920961983362" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center>And boy are they tasty!</center><center><br /></center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUGz4rGG99k1tBMBE72-IXmuAa_z8nJ0aXtMtxaRO9VYocF-rirudLHqFkIFWM5R_jXNYhbjbWj17CAcnseREqS8_nKy7Hktp_x-1U0oUnuS5ptq1Fq4Cg300z9uJv438fMBaPjaqSLk/s1600/IMG_0863.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUGz4rGG99k1tBMBE72-IXmuAa_z8nJ0aXtMtxaRO9VYocF-rirudLHqFkIFWM5R_jXNYhbjbWj17CAcnseREqS8_nKy7Hktp_x-1U0oUnuS5ptq1Fq4Cg300z9uJv438fMBaPjaqSLk/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455355511396108578" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So go and share these with your friends. I know they'll appreciate it. Because who doesn't enjoy a little comfort food? I know I'm always game for a little slice of childhood wrapped up in cupcake paper.</center><div><br /></div><!-- TAG Petitchef --><br /><!-- TAG Petitchef -->cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-19692737385299050572010-03-31T18:59:00.000-07:002010-03-31T19:29:15.200-07:00It has fruit on it, so it must be good for you!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I know it's been a while, but I don't have a kitchen at school, so really the only time I get to bake is when I come home, so just get over it. Today's recipe was Orange-Vanilla Bean cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream and topped with homemade candied orange slices. This sounds like a very Martha-esque recipe, and trust me it is. But I think it was well worth the time and effort. The cupcakes themselves were actually kind of dense, almost like pound cake. But not quite THAT dense. However, the buttercream frosting was the lightest most amazing frosting I've ever had, and I will never make any other kind of buttercream again. TRUTH.<div><br /></div><div>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Cupcakes:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/4 teaspoon baking soda</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/4 teaspoon baking powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3/4 cup heavy cream (I added a bit more, probably 1/4 cup more)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest, plus 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (FRESH FRESH FRESH!!!)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup (i stick) unsalted butter, room temperature </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 vanilla beans, halved length-wise, <a href="http://beyondwonderful.com/how_to/preparing/vanilla_bean_scrape.htm">seeds scraped</a> and reserved </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 large eggs</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Swiss Meringue Buttercream:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>5 large egg whites</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 pinch of salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons, room temperature (yes... an entire pound of butter makes the fluffiest lightest buttercream frosting I've ever enjoyed... I don't get it either)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Candied Orange Slices:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 small navel oranges</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup water </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>INGREDIENT NOTE ABOUT CANDIED ORANGES: I doubled the water and sugar and put the oranges in a wider pot. The doubling of these ingredients allowed me to candy more slices at a time, and since they took forever, I recommend doing that.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So yes. It's a lot of ingredients, a lot of elements to one cupcake, and A WHOLE LOT OF BUTTER, but in the end, they look super fancy and are quite tasty. Honestly, the most difficult part of this whole endeavor, was the buttercream frosting. It takes a lot of time beating in the mixer before it begins to look fluffy and, well, like frosting. I must admit I got really frustrated with that stinking buttercream. But boy, did it rock on those cupcakes. Martha wanted me to level off the tops of each cupcake so that the orange can lay flat on the top of it but I said HELLS TO THE NO to that. I'm not about to spend all day making cupcakes just to cut half of it away. So my solution to all of this was simple. First I spread a thin layer of frosting on the top of the cupcake, just to give my piping a base. Then I piped little beads over top of the whole cupcakes, like so:</div><div><br /></div><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjFunpNNcG8NwO-wVdYY4obu1THLMtth6V0oaa0JEqc8AA_SY-V02PlqtZNSQuoyjbc9BxYKEnPZ3bFs0wSimxMiAQr5llPMxzYQYjA0qoUiZOUFyFWF5FMm8p6nq5rSReePnH0O8KUk/s1600/IMG_0854.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjFunpNNcG8NwO-wVdYY4obu1THLMtth6V0oaa0JEqc8AA_SY-V02PlqtZNSQuoyjbc9BxYKEnPZ3bFs0wSimxMiAQr5llPMxzYQYjA0qoUiZOUFyFWF5FMm8p6nq5rSReePnH0O8KUk/s320/IMG_0854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454988059672495730" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>and then they looked like this!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTExRKdU3fFlzhQewTFoIpd_TRukTNBZJw-PmLO75AN8GShoBmoUMz9jXzomoSlC7GM6841BXdHXK6la4uo23ZfrlR2PzmFH2ntkeN4vvxKE51F8-h4U5QdXnsv8m4YEMfzN4CChRhj8/s1600/IMG_0855.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTExRKdU3fFlzhQewTFoIpd_TRukTNBZJw-PmLO75AN8GShoBmoUMz9jXzomoSlC7GM6841BXdHXK6la4uo23ZfrlR2PzmFH2ntkeN4vvxKE51F8-h4U5QdXnsv8m4YEMfzN4CChRhj8/s320/IMG_0855.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454988604617261026" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>ADORABLE!!! I honestly couldn't get over them. Then you just add your little candied orange slices, and you are good to go. You have even fancier cakes than Martha herself!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGlMkRByzBdhOPTG9k7ceXuu2RcIGmwRjF_AbLN6NMS-m4PaLLazmqIivjAUXaQUj7B9fJTw8J1_Z67kvH6AtjUKIQEeic8oqPfMwY9O51l_2I7tfNDIpUjELazZe1lr_IQ67QMnupiw/s1600/IMG_0862.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGlMkRByzBdhOPTG9k7ceXuu2RcIGmwRjF_AbLN6NMS-m4PaLLazmqIivjAUXaQUj7B9fJTw8J1_Z67kvH6AtjUKIQEeic8oqPfMwY9O51l_2I7tfNDIpUjELazZe1lr_IQ67QMnupiw/s320/IMG_0862.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454989282578107042" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>And they are quite delicious too, let me tell ya!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIky7R0OJQJSM1-AqhoOXvVgvID8Zkh4ryJ4MhvL5Qr1b_zFtyvrA1WOyCVtp9uvchtfMIxyb6UP31pC1CaJ__GkykYY_Cm5B0NuqPG8e4F8UPToGIsF2VGWIvwwjo62YvJ9EtQB-j3MI/s1600/IMG_0859.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIky7R0OJQJSM1-AqhoOXvVgvID8Zkh4ryJ4MhvL5Qr1b_zFtyvrA1WOyCVtp9uvchtfMIxyb6UP31pC1CaJ__GkykYY_Cm5B0NuqPG8e4F8UPToGIsF2VGWIvwwjo62YvJ9EtQB-j3MI/s320/IMG_0859.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454989872096930098" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So yes, they are a bit time consuming, but if you're giving them away, they sure do bring in the compliments! Everyone I handed them too couldn't help but "ooooh" and "ahhhh" at these little cakes. So enjoy the cakes, and take pride in your hard work.</center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-65711121435977446842010-03-19T12:57:00.000-07:002010-04-09T10:57:52.708-07:00Brownies? Cupcakes?<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I never ever thought to put brownies in cupcake tins to make little individual brownies. But dern, that wasn't a bad idea at all! Props to Martha on this one. The recipe is made from scratch (obviously, it's Martha people!! HELLO!) but you could totally do this with brownie mix if you don't have the ingredients or the time. Mint-Filled Brownie Cupcakes are full of surprised. As Martha puts it, "Each of these chewy brownie cupcakes has a secret center: a chocolate-covered peppermint patty.To ensure they have a dense, fudgy texture, be careful not to overbake." I don't think I could have put it better myself. These cupcakes aren't light and fluffy like the other cupcakes that I've baked so far, but they are just as delectable! <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (we just used semisweet chocolate chips. Who doesn't just have those laying around in their pantry?)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3/4 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3 large eggs </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 cup all purpose flour</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch- process coca powder, sifted</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>12 small (1 1/2 inch) chocolate-covered peppermint patties, such as mini york peppermint patties (We had heart shaped ones left over from valentines day that had little pink centers. They added a cute factor to my cupcakes!)</div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT5m-gB3LqmPIofc8iKbmax-iHTmDO76GoS59Eum7TS37qdPDruji27VCFJ3958B9a17ov47h1iMIjswVs1xqe4C9WjxBDuQ50nZ1VIV6u_KC0etF9ptuqi7IOaRKkEDECpFHko8brhY/s1600-h/IMG_0811.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCT5m-gB3LqmPIofc8iKbmax-iHTmDO76GoS59Eum7TS37qdPDruji27VCFJ3958B9a17ov47h1iMIjswVs1xqe4C9WjxBDuQ50nZ1VIV6u_KC0etF9ptuqi7IOaRKkEDECpFHko8brhY/s320/IMG_0811.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450439713121814658" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This was the most intense part. Martha says to just wisk eggs into the hot melted chocolate, but I was really nervous that the eggs would start to scramble. Helpful tip: I am going to <a href="http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/21882551/tempering-eggs.htm">temper</a> my eggs next time. That way, I won't get so stressed out about it. The rest of the recipe was a simple brownie batter. So first we put a tablespoon of batter in each cupcake cup. Then we added the "mint filling" peppermint patties.</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nJh7O_CIvA8X2nrhIG7Jct8uv0DxkLLEc0126lxZO9GqJuXcVZQCsyyUm96P2XTxHjsvNhGbYOpokiND55ONtiPB03SvT2FewsS3g2toNA0NoEHS-xWzVfV3QkhbnegXJJjkQN8OcYk/s1600-h/IMG_0815.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nJh7O_CIvA8X2nrhIG7Jct8uv0DxkLLEc0126lxZO9GqJuXcVZQCsyyUm96P2XTxHjsvNhGbYOpokiND55ONtiPB03SvT2FewsS3g2toNA0NoEHS-xWzVfV3QkhbnegXJJjkQN8OcYk/s320/IMG_0815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450445503357446770" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>How adorable is that? And then, you fill the cups with the rest of the batter and get THESE!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiY7Om3vTi5K6XP05ucghoyQlwU-k-_BUmRq86qpdpVEWIDCPsaJhZsqQCWaaggzrPB6gVx_vcYtINe47o_8c0otUfL1hTLHmfUnhA5R2vdU0ez_VmhSDTM4FYqdiOODx5zLBGajXL-w/s1600-h/IMG_0825.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxiY7Om3vTi5K6XP05ucghoyQlwU-k-_BUmRq86qpdpVEWIDCPsaJhZsqQCWaaggzrPB6gVx_vcYtINe47o_8c0otUfL1hTLHmfUnhA5R2vdU0ez_VmhSDTM4FYqdiOODx5zLBGajXL-w/s320/IMG_0825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450445992727624466" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>How awesome do those look? You really don't even need a frosting on them, because the tops of brownies totally look like that. In fact, I think frosting or any kind of embellishment would be TOO much for these rich little goodies. They really turned out well. Here is a single one:</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3agAfeFIZa6MLTYNJh5jmQr40Ksti15_Qf5bJDD3Gnvhd3RuBpyd-xPQzQNgBves0KmoZqrhoytL1CzQ8c0_9maMB6Xf6sNkld1Fj89NGOsrs-4bmd29tcAbNt0l1uUUKewbwB3SsZDE/s1600-h/IMG_0826.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3agAfeFIZa6MLTYNJh5jmQr40Ksti15_Qf5bJDD3Gnvhd3RuBpyd-xPQzQNgBves0KmoZqrhoytL1CzQ8c0_9maMB6Xf6sNkld1Fj89NGOsrs-4bmd29tcAbNt0l1uUUKewbwB3SsZDE/s320/IMG_0826.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450447731861001858" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>Let me tell you. Milk is a must have for these cupcakes!</center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygIWldCv7IXYIc8mSH_c8sug6xJvbO3hEroQgobuHjaMPcrUOoWXs4mTMk4xfe5D6rAT3fx4mq-XUZVaSn7EZxTpPC8WRYW0RQyjRiIDjo3ykIomrM0AhUzSxa54XlAMGQN2YSv2AfMc/s1600-h/IMG_0828.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygIWldCv7IXYIc8mSH_c8sug6xJvbO3hEroQgobuHjaMPcrUOoWXs4mTMk4xfe5D6rAT3fx4mq-XUZVaSn7EZxTpPC8WRYW0RQyjRiIDjo3ykIomrM0AhUzSxa54XlAMGQN2YSv2AfMc/s320/IMG_0828.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450448185814631858" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Like I said earlier, we used heart shaped peppermint patties and they had a slightly pink center. I think this added more character to my cupcakes. I think that these would be just as delicious with a regular brownie mix. They were super simple. My only two notes of caution: temper your eggs and don't over bake!! Enjoy.</center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-18786914930339589472010-03-18T18:40:00.000-07:002010-03-18T19:55:57.319-07:00LEMONS!<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>To begin this post, I feel like I must admit that I do not like lemons. I DO NOT LIKE LEMONS. Lemons and I do not mesh very well. However, that being said, Martha's Meyer Lemon cupcakes and I are best friends. Unfortunately, we couldn't find Meyer lemons (sorry Martha), so really they were just lemon cupcakes. But they were delicious none the less. They were a little time intensive but over all, quite simple. Make the lemon curd in advance though. If anything, do that. The longer it sets up, the better it is. The cupcakes themselves are quite simple to make (Shocking! I have a feeling I'm going to be saying that for every recipe I make).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted (I always feel like sifting is optional)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 tablespoons finely grated Meyer lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon juice (OMG FRESH IS THE WAY TO GO! FYI!!!)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt (we just used sea salt... it was big.)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 3/4 cups (3 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>3 cups granulated sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>7 large eggs, room temperature</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Lemon Curd Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 whole eggs plus 8 egg yolks</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>1 cup sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces room temperature </div><div><br /></div><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftrc2ckl0RaR5AZ1EnF48Mmhgft56BHSlxY5Kr54Nbh3pi6VexlavpzjR7FA59G-JfWolucASSOgbwdDmiaOENzlY_SKB5lS88ojNud225eDFpX0r1QxJOIqCj_Ri8vbjcGIyAf31VNc/s1600-h/IMG_0823.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjftrc2ckl0RaR5AZ1EnF48Mmhgft56BHSlxY5Kr54Nbh3pi6VexlavpzjR7FA59G-JfWolucASSOgbwdDmiaOENzlY_SKB5lS88ojNud225eDFpX0r1QxJOIqCj_Ri8vbjcGIyAf31VNc/s320/IMG_0823.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450166216969831890" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>They are so cute, especially with some confectioners sugar sprinkled over the top. Martha tells you to just put your pipping tip into the cupcake to fill it and then add a dollop of curd to the top. I had a better idea, and used an apple corer to make little holes in the tops of the cakes. That way, you don't get a bunch of cupcake stuck in your pipping tip. They looked so funny with little pieces missing!</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G2TGdHg1NAuyw04PJ4KxYxR05hqk9r61xKo5tyA2aC5Je22zekzsD36vfdlAPuYSXkem5xO6tH5ti2amwuDBSVqrc6B7joFLgaYq44p4AJ2FVSrTfL2zfYAlH1CwrRSKmAnLds1p464/s1600-h/IMG_0804.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5G2TGdHg1NAuyw04PJ4KxYxR05hqk9r61xKo5tyA2aC5Je22zekzsD36vfdlAPuYSXkem5xO6tH5ti2amwuDBSVqrc6B7joFLgaYq44p4AJ2FVSrTfL2zfYAlH1CwrRSKmAnLds1p464/s320/IMG_0804.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450167916226599554" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>They're funny looking, right?</center><center><br /></center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXWyQybmgMMtE4Mvxo0AGNfeQFq6XBqcaSptGM8A3Fe0VAN3HXzvPsdNwA62beqT0sF-8Qatjakh9G945brbQZcR2QuJHEvLieaw_Wxe3Yd2C0fib1aenTFJxBvOZl2qAKHd269aKtCc/s1600-h/IMG_0820.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXWyQybmgMMtE4Mvxo0AGNfeQFq6XBqcaSptGM8A3Fe0VAN3HXzvPsdNwA62beqT0sF-8Qatjakh9G945brbQZcR2QuJHEvLieaw_Wxe3Yd2C0fib1aenTFJxBvOZl2qAKHd269aKtCc/s320/IMG_0820.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450170768938845186" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center>And now they look DELISH!</center><center><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NmnH7s_Tow0VOJ3kaubs_LCIoasNasdCQFOsnOGI-Q3SFEeAFVZbcGSpOd-euwfFEvHmixCk3i7q6shyp02MUBxliYOCQV0AGjQFIR9Y9KYF93hJhSgrvs1bIeuNDg4xefUFjeCmXHk/s1600-h/IMG_0824.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NmnH7s_Tow0VOJ3kaubs_LCIoasNasdCQFOsnOGI-Q3SFEeAFVZbcGSpOd-euwfFEvHmixCk3i7q6shyp02MUBxliYOCQV0AGjQFIR9Y9KYF93hJhSgrvs1bIeuNDg4xefUFjeCmXHk/s320/IMG_0824.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450171061670256002" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And trust me, they were! I highly recommend them. The curd was a little too lemony for me, but everything else was super. The cupcakes tasted like poppyseed muffins without the seeds. Martha says that this recipe makes 42 cakes, but we didn't get quite that many. I think if you doubled the recipe, it would be perfect for parties or get-togethers. Everyone will be so impressed with you and think that you spent hours and hours in the kitchen, slaving away. I love making people think that, especially when I didn't take any time at all on them. Is that lying? No. It's letting people believe whatever they want to believe. And making yourself look like a CUPCAKE QUEEN! Enjoy your cakes, your highness.</center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-52993345325918150142010-03-16T11:33:00.000-07:002010-03-16T12:21:30.116-07:00Can you say YUMMY!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It helps a lot that all of the recipes in The Book are decadent, moist, and super yummy. The first recipe we tried was Martha's Coconut-Pecan cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache. I know, it sounds like a heavy first attempt, but it was so rewarding.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>The Ingredients:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>1 cup firmly packed sweetened shredded coconut</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>3/4 cup pecans (about 3 ounces) toasted and cooled</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>2 cups sugar</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>1 tablespoon baking powder (and no, thats not a mis-type. 1 whole tablespoon)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>3/4 teaspoon salt</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>1/4 cup creamed coconut (or 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>1 tablespoon pure coconut extract</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>4 large eggs, room temperature</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>2 cups unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted for garnish</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>For the Chocolate Ganache</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>6 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>2/3 cup heavy cream</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>1 tablespoon light corn syrup</div><div><br /></div><div>So basically, all of those different ingredients come together to form delicious little dollops of goodness that look like THIS:</div><div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6l7l-nGmp7ZPuujjj300uEUlc6FnCcaYRQjS4sJFL9mew_T4Dha69PgDR_gTrgxXXVla5bLBqvkHwxyPj_-FKlX-c7AHDZQfTcPCiVSTfEiEy2JarxbvCC6NzC9Qk7oix3RIlbAFJB0/s1600-h/IMG_0802.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6l7l-nGmp7ZPuujjj300uEUlc6FnCcaYRQjS4sJFL9mew_T4Dha69PgDR_gTrgxXXVla5bLBqvkHwxyPj_-FKlX-c7AHDZQfTcPCiVSTfEiEy2JarxbvCC6NzC9Qk7oix3RIlbAFJB0/s320/IMG_0802.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449305512910622338" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></center><center style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span>Now, doesn't that look delish? well it was, as you can see here...</center></div></div><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mHwl_cT4bFA9nD9ob7J6mBr575U7BaFEuDMDt_-97dHVTj64TZd9JjsCr-4UocvyaU7i3QQ6KJnsW17nzmaAVbzzGRJXYFAsgZPdnSCo0lwm5t0G4lDVvyWvzQbYGRFPTBtEAAPeOXU/s1600-h/IMG_0803.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mHwl_cT4bFA9nD9ob7J6mBr575U7BaFEuDMDt_-97dHVTj64TZd9JjsCr-4UocvyaU7i3QQ6KJnsW17nzmaAVbzzGRJXYFAsgZPdnSCo0lwm5t0G4lDVvyWvzQbYGRFPTBtEAAPeOXU/s320/IMG_0803.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449306293030358946" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Plus, these things were super easy. They were light and fluffy, but super rich and decadent at the same time. One of the things that makes this recipe super light is putting the pecans and the shredded coconut in the food processor and make sure they are both finely ground. This gives the rich flavors, without the big chunks. Also, another big thing: TOAST THE PECANS! It only takes a minute, and oh my gosh, it makes all of the difference. The rich nutty flavor is so complimentary to the coconut. Because we live in a small town, we couldn't find the creamed coconut. It was no big deal, butter is wonderful, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. </center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxXiwret3JmtjBfkTIm0J5jOu-8IMSjhMs2E7ZBES6ehdeT0T0Iv1zZagydJU7wyvxLBZ-pBwcT28l9gxvWMwNuzJZjYHRVy28hMl5MX2Oy-hV48y0EmrE4MCKa1xzM8LhLse44w9KwE/s1600-h/IMG_0800.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxXiwret3JmtjBfkTIm0J5jOu-8IMSjhMs2E7ZBES6ehdeT0T0Iv1zZagydJU7wyvxLBZ-pBwcT28l9gxvWMwNuzJZjYHRVy28hMl5MX2Oy-hV48y0EmrE4MCKa1xzM8LhLse44w9KwE/s320/IMG_0800.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449310624518105762" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Don't they look wonderful? The ganache is so shiny and wonderful, and the toasted coconut flakes really make them look classy. So I had never made ganache before, and honestly, I was a bit nervous about it. DON'T BE! It is the easiest thing in the world (well, eating these cupcakes was the easiest thing in the world, so I guess making the ganache was the second easiest thing). See, look. Do I look too stressed out about it?</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXh_hXaWV-9eyD8MGvSw1rzuaAedbVDgNVJhew4c1i_no9pp1hkWb5Owwm06onPr0r0ncDzNsTV-Y3u8eeKgMzWujHgcCO1fohEGMfkrMQOYH1zOE5kVw9tG8nrJ9xb2zCAvHAmsCsRY/s1600-h/IMG_0809.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXh_hXaWV-9eyD8MGvSw1rzuaAedbVDgNVJhew4c1i_no9pp1hkWb5Owwm06onPr0r0ncDzNsTV-Y3u8eeKgMzWujHgcCO1fohEGMfkrMQOYH1zOE5kVw9tG8nrJ9xb2zCAvHAmsCsRY/s320/IMG_0809.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449312663316610818" /></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: center;">I definitely look intense. But not stressed out. </center><br /><center><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGmb8l0WMs6LG9kDmB4lxdpRHIBOMa9rwJ7h6pIb71P0tK8OYAbMo5S9OCuFzpGIfT5MxgBevlcyicKqtOoHnlM__xm-owb9NubaWjnpmWDfc7xyMpo2pH-CGP6RonpNwUt3H3yKTs4Y/s1600-h/IMG_0818.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGmb8l0WMs6LG9kDmB4lxdpRHIBOMa9rwJ7h6pIb71P0tK8OYAbMo5S9OCuFzpGIfT5MxgBevlcyicKqtOoHnlM__xm-owb9NubaWjnpmWDfc7xyMpo2pH-CGP6RonpNwUt3H3yKTs4Y/s320/IMG_0818.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449313389473196226" /></a><br /></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I couldn't help myself. Teehee. Well, there you have it, folks. Great cupcakes, super easy, super fun. Give it a try. I promise, you won't be disappointed. </center>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-64340967891253721642010-03-14T17:50:00.000-07:002010-03-14T18:15:08.046-07:00First weekend of baking= SUCCESS!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This weekend was the first weekend of baking for this idiotic project that I have made up. I went home to visit mi madre and all we did was make cupcakes. It was WONDERFUL. We literally spent 30 minutes contemplating which recipes to make first from The Book. My oh my, was it wonderful.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>But, I have a few complaints. First. I realized that if I'm not careful, I'm going to gain 50 pounds due to Martha's wonderful ability to turn pounds and pounds of butter, sugar, eggs, and other artery clogging goodies into light and fluffy mounds of goodness. I'm going to die early because of this, Martha, I hope you're happy with yourself. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My second complaint is the fact that if you don't have a <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a> or something close to one, it is very difficult to find some of the obscure ingredients that are used in the more unique recipes. And, seeing how my family lives in a small town, if Walmart doesn't carry it, you can pretty much bet that you aren't going to find it for another 100 miles (aka the closest city that has specialty food stores). I have two solutions to this problem; MOM- move somewhere cooler or SMALL TOWN- get big. I have a feeling that none of my solutions will be used to ease my baking pains. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>My third and last complaint is that I was unaware that my body was going to sustain injury during such a seemingly simple process. NOTE TO EVERYONE OUT THERE: OVENS PRODUCE HEAT. DO NOT TOUCH THEM DIRECTLY. THE OUTCOME IS NOT PRETTY. I am currently sporting not one, not two, but three super attractive burn marks on my hands. Oven mitts? psssh, those are for LAME-Os! At least, that was my thinking until recently. My recent google history consists of "Oven Mitt Patterns" and "Bulldog Puppies" but thats only because I'm a fan of puppies (don't judge me! secretly you like them too, just admit it and move on with your life). </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So, airing of grievances aside, I had a great time baking. Who would have thought that such a simple thing as a cupcake could be so heart warming? Ask mom, she'll tell you that the bonding that occurs over a mixer with flour FLYING out of it (because I put WAY too much in the first time... Ooops...) is far greater than the bonding that occurs over whatever it is boys do. Fishing? Hunting? Do either of those activities produce small, hot, blobs of heavenly goodness? No. Besides, my mom likes passing the "baking baton" down to me. I mean, it's about flippin time! Her mom loved to bake, she loves to bake, and finally the bug has bitten and you can't pay me enough to get me out of the kitchen (unless it's over $20. I am a starving college student, people). She is enjoying the learning process, by making fun of my awkward ways of doing things. Whatever, that's what moms are for. I'm completely okay with it.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Well, tomorrow is approaching entirely too soon, so I had better sign off for tonight. What's that you ask? Yes, yes, I'll tell you all about what we made, but tomorrow, okay? We even took pictures. Mom and I might have gotten a little picture crazy, but hey, who doesn't want to see all of the amazingness that we baked up this weekend? Exactly. Tomorrow. They'll be here. </div>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787868399688229769.post-89119864072023894192010-03-13T21:42:00.000-08:002010-03-13T22:01:54.921-08:00Introductions are always awkward<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I kind of feel like the first post of a blog is a lot like the first day of school. You have to play that stupid "game" where everyone goes in a circle and has to say what their name is, what they are majoring in, and a random or "interesting" fact about themselves. I am always annoyed by what other people deem "interesting". "Hi, my name is Cindy, I'm a communications major, and an interesting fact about me is that I own two cats!" Congratulations, Cindy... you and 37.5 million people in this country own cats. That's not interesting at all. Well, I am always awkward when it comes to this game. For the longest time, I never could figure out what my interesting fact was, so that people wouldn't judge me like I just judged Cindy McMeow over there. Then finally one day it hit me. Hi, my name is Alexandra, I'm a theatre major, and I like cupcakes. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When it comes down to it, EVERYONE likes cupcakes, but I seem to be the only person in my classes that will fess up to enjoying the sweet three bite concoctions that were brought to school on birthdays in the third grade. Oh man, do I miss those days. No one ever bakes for fun or to share anymore. Well, being a college student, it seems that no one bakes EVER, but I feel that's because there are no satisfactory kitchens within a 100 mile radius of my campus. <div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So here I am, trying to live up to the high blogging standards that I seem to have given myself due to all of the other high quality baking blogs that are out there (thanks a lot <a href="http://www.bakerella.com/">bakerella</a>!) I may not be as original as she, but I know how to bake, and really when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter who's recipe it was, it matters how freaking good that little cupcake tastes.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Attention cupcake idiots around the world, I'm here for you. I myself have made cupcakes from scratch a total of like... 3 times. Which is why I have decided to go totally <a href="http://blogs.salon.com/0001399/2002/08/25.html">Julia Powell</a> on you and try to make every cupcake recipe out of the only book that I deem capable of teaching me everything there is to know about cupcakes; <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307460444?ie=UTF8&tag=martstew-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307460444">Cupcakes by Martha Stewart</a>. Wish me luck, and let the baking begin!</div></div>cupcakeidiothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01344505416454340491noreply@blogger.com1