Sunday, January 27, 2008

Cute as a Cupcake










I'm in charge of doing a cupcake class for Relief Society (church women's group) in two weeks. While I thought I knew how to make a cupcake, the cupcake craze has launched these buttery little gems to a new level, and I'm overwhelmed with all of the amazing possibilities out there!




So, this is where you come in.....

If anyone out there has a cupcake recipe to die for or a great idea, simple or complex, I'd love to hear about it! I am going to cover decorating and filling the cupcakes also, so any secret concoctions or techniques will be enthusiastically welcomed. (You can email me at jangle.boo@gmail.com) Oh, and if you'd like the recipes I use in my presentation, let me know.

I'll admit, it's kind of fun immersing myself in this devilish and diet-wrecking endeavor, all in the name of culinary art. That's what I'm telling myself it is. The mean little bathroom scale will be lonely for a couple weeks because I have more important work to do! For example, I spent this afternoon perfecting my frosting technique, a la the famous Magnolia Bakery cupcake. (I was going to include a video of the Magnolia frosting technique, but I haven't learned how to put it in the post, so you can click here instead). Really, it's just frosting on a cupcake, but with a little twist it's a bit more than just slathering it all over the top - and slathering is the only method I've known about until this little project. Now, I've found there are piping bags and decorator's tips and a whole slosh of new ideas. And most of them make the whole process easier and more slick to boot. Now there's something to sing about.

So, here's a shout out to cupcakes. Think rich chocolate, think butter yellow, think lemon cream cheese, think fluffy buttercream and sprinkles, think....think....think. Isn't it fun? A little indulgent? Who cares! Think peanut butter-filled with thick chocolate ganache piped on top. Think raspberries, whipped cream, and dust clouds of powdered sugar. And may you have sweet dreams!

8 comments:

Courtney said...

I'd like a lemon cream cheese one, please. Also, one of those very cute, olive green ones with the flower in the middle. Good luck on your project. I'm sorry I haven't a recipe to share. But please post any good recipes on your blog if you will.

About tagging...no one's ever really explained it to me. I think it just means someone tells you you have to answer the little questions (as I did) about yourself. Its perfect for people like me who sometimes needs a little jump start on posting. I don't think you need it, but in case you feel so inclined: You're "tagged"! :) It is fun trying to think of things nobody knows about you. Sadly, Wendy had to remind of both the plane crash as well as getting strangled.

Lauren in GA said...

That was beautifully written and I almost licked the computer screen because they are so, so, beautiful and delicious looking. I will have to think about any cup cake recipes I may have, and e-mail you. Now, I am going to go back and stare at the cupcakes some more...Mmmmmmmm You are so right...this is very important work, indeed!

Uh, hold the phone! I just read the comment above mine...were you in a plane crash and did you get strangled? Oh, dear!

Celia Fae said...

Dear Jan,

Those are the most delicious screen filling items I've ever wanted. So good after all of the Hinckley sadness, now I need some sugar uppers. Send them over.

Haven't got any recipes. I do like hostess' new yellow cupcake with chocolate frosting. Fancy.

Hollyween said...

I "THINK" I want a cupcake now.

I have no delish recipes to share, but will be checking back for everyone else's!
Did Celia just say my post was depressing? RUDE!

Elizabeth said...

Hey this is Jack's sister. I am a fan of the cupcake too. Here us a favorite blog with tons of fun recipes. http://www.cupcakeblog.com/

Anonymous said...

wow, share all of the slathering techniques... I'd love to see them!

Lisa-Marie said...

Oooooh! What a delish post! If I think of any recipes I'll let you know. Otherwise, put me on the list for all the recipes. lisamariejensen@gmail.com

And I want to learn that FANCY frosting trick!

Janell said...

These look soooo good. What time is the class? I want to come-