What would you do if you bought a beautiful cookbook for your friend's (FoodyMom) housewarming present? (Shhhhh...don't tell her.) Wouldn't you want to try it out; give it a test run to make sure that it was worthy of your favorite baking/cooking buddy? I am glad we all agree on this point, because that is what I did...With all of these retro coloured cupcake shops popping up and reality TV cupcake shows airing, it is hard to avoid the newest baking trend. My children are suckers for the pastel colours and candy toppings, however at almost $4 per cupcake, I am likely to go bankrupt if I gave into their every cupcake whim (and mine too).
To take matters into my own hands, I tried a Martha Stewart Cupcake recipe last night out of her Cupcakes cookbook. She makes it look oh so easy to piece together those intricate icing decorations that top her desserts. Of course, I know how to pipe out buttercream roses and perform delicate pastry work with meringue and dark chocolate to make cute little gnome-like mushrooms just by looking at the picture... (insert drip, drip, and more drips of sarcasm here).
In the end I chose an Applesauce-Spiced cupcake recipe with a basic swirled icing topping that even the most novice at-home-baker could perform and still be proud of the finished product. And I must admit, that if I could reach it, I would give myself a few large pats on my back for my efforts. I just hope the family agrees. (You do realize, there is no chocolate in this recipe!) For my next cupcake effort, I might actually try to be a little more adventurous with my decorations, but I think sprinkling cinnamon on top of icing was just the right amount of effort for this girl for her first try.
I think I need a cupcake...
I have to say, the cupcakes were so delish that I think I might try just one more recipe before I give the book away...call it quality assurance!
ReplyDeleteLove it, can't wait to try some out!!
ReplyDeleteYou have created a cupcake making machine!
ReplyDelete