Cupcakes…
If life had a do-over I would make cake!
I’ve always had a fascination with the creativity, endless design and skill people have when making custom cakes.
I watch Ace of Cakes, Food Network Challenge (when it has to do with cakes…wedding cakes are especially fun to watch!) and I use Flickr (do a search for cupcakes) and Bakerella for inspiration.
I have never attempted to make a fancy cake..I would love to take lessons but time is an issue (as in not having enough hours in the day!)..so I thought I would get into cupcakes instead. They are small (who needs a big cake anyway!) and in my thinking since the surface area is dramatically less than a cake decorating should be a snap!
My first attempt at fancy cupcakes (last October) was a flop mostly, I think, due to the frosting (canned) I used. It just never firmed up so I could not decorate the top in a halloween theme as I wanted.
Bakerella and Cupcakes Take The Cake gave me hope for Easter.
I scoured the Food Network for cupcake/frosting recipes and made both from scratch. I won’t post the cake recipe as I was really disappointed in it. The cupcake was dense and crumbly…I have no idea if it was the recipe or if I did something wrong in the mixing/cooking. I will however post the recipe for the frosting as it set up very nicely! At the moment, for future cupcakes I’m going to stick with box mixes which, for me, always end up nice, light and fluffy!
Below is a picture of our Easter 2009 Cupcakes.
Please don’t laugh..these looked better in person than they do in the picture and I promise next year’s will be better!
Fluff Frosting (from the Food Network)
1/4 c. Whole Milk
2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
10 Tbl. Butter, softened, unsalted
5 c. Confectioners Sugar
1/2 c. Marshmallow Fluff
Pinch of Salt
Whisk the milk and vanilla extract together in a small bowl.
In a larger bowl beat the butter and sugar. Add the milk/vanilla mixture and blend on high until light and fluffy (5-7 min.). Add the marshmallow fluff and salt (and food coloring if applicable) blending on low. Increase speed to high and beat briefly 1-2 minutes.
Yield 3 3/4 c.
Rebecca
Country Meadow Ltd.
Eco-Friendly Shea Butter Spa Products
Gentle on your body…
Gentle on the earth…
