Friday, August 8, 2008

Cake? Good. Bake? Good. Betty? Good.

What's not to love?

She's prepared a little musical snack for yous guys.


I'm obsessed with Cake Bake Betty. Can't ... stop... listening..... (goodie goodie goodie!)

Ocho Ocho Ocho!!


Happy 08.08.08!! We celebrate with Ocho!!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Wedding Checklist

Wedding theme... CHECK!!
STAR WARS WEDDING!!!
This picture is from jwinokur's Flickr account.
I think lieu of Ewok cupcakes I want jedicakes. "Then, only then, a cupcake will you be." - Yoda


UPDATE: No go on the Star Wars theme.   I just found out that there is no a) Vera Wang or b) Manolo Blahnik on the Death Star.  Wedding's off!!

Monday, August 4, 2008

Spawn Of Crazy Cupcakes

Inspired by a recipe in my new Crazy Cupcake book, I made blackberry cupcakes with vanilla frosting.Go ahead, marvel at it's inner beauty. Envy it's elegant beret of vanilla frosting bejeweled with lavender sugar.
The tower of yumminess.

I give you.... (wait for it) ..... the recipe:

Blackberry Cupcakes

1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (separated and at room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup fresh (or frozen) blackberries

**Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
**Beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the vanilla and beat until combined.
**In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
**With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk until combined.
**In a small bowl with clean beaters beat the egg whites on high speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. With a rubber spatula, stir a little of the whites into the batter to lighten it, then fold the remaining whites until combined. Do not overmix.
**Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full. Bake about 15 - 20 minutes. Cool cupcakes in the pan.

Vanilla Frosting

3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

**Gradually add the sugar to the softened butter and cream together with an electric mixer.
**Stir in the vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth and of spreading consistency. Add a little more milk or sugar as needed.

Why, I'm Bats In The Belfry About Cupcakes!

We are very happy to announce the newest addition to my kitchen...

It's "Crazy About Cupcakes" by Krystina Castella

I love all the tiny tips she gives to make any-occation cupcakes. I cannot wait to make Sesame Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Petit Four Cupcakes and Screwdriver Cupcakes. I'll make those for my Mother!! You know, something tasteful for brunch.

Teddy Bear Waffles

"What? That's crazy? It can't be done." - you say.

OH, but it can and it did. I made Hello Kitty waffles and there are three different patterns. Hello Kitty (of course), a bunny head, and a cute teddy bear.

This is Hello Kitty and Bunny face down ready to accept the fate of consumption.

mmm... grapes.