Cookies n' Cream Mini-Cupcakes



Beth's 6th grade class had a party today for the end of the school year and of course she volunteered to bring cupcakes. So Sunday night I was informed that she needed cupcakes and these were our end result!

Well actually, that batch will be going to the church...later tonight,  I may make some S'more cupcakes. As for Beth's class, they got this batch...

After Thursday, school will officially be out! Meaning the kids will be home with me alot! Luckily, I've got them signed up for many summer programs, and for the time they don't have that going on we have planned some family outings.







It's Here!!! 3D Solar System Cake!

My daughter, Beth, was given the inevitable project of making a model of the solar system. Since her teacher places alot of importance on creativity, (kudos Mr. Ward, about time a teacher expected them to use creativity) we didn't want to simply use foam balls or buy a kit. Between the two of us we came up with CAKE!!!!

We stayed up late finishing the final touches on the cake and had some much needed bonding time. Just the two of us..and as she says..."with No boys!" So, here ya go, Beth's Milky Way...



Strawberry Swirl Creamcheese Poundcake



This cake was my first order. The cake was ordered 2 days before it was needed. When he ordered he only wanted a half. However, this morning he wanted to go ahead and buy the whole thing. The only problem with that was that we had already cut the other half and distributed it among family and friends. It is delicious by the way. This was the first pound cake I've ever made. I was a little nervous about it but after seeing and tasting the end result, I'm very pleased with it.



Coming Soon....3D Solar System Cake

So my daughter, Beth, has one final project for her 6th grade science class. Build a model of the solar system.



Fortunately her teacher loves creativity! At first, Beth (also know as Punk), wanted to make the model using play-dough. While I was looking over her directions for the project, she gasps in excitement and says "you make cupcakes!" I responded with "yes i do". So her immediate thought was for me to make cupcakes but then she moved on to cake pops. However, she doesn't know how involved cake pops can be.

I suggested making a cake instead and she jumped on the idea. Together we have come up with plan. If all goes as planned, and we all know that rarely happens, it should be a fun and different way to show the solar system.

We are both excited about this project and can't wait to show it off. Making it tonight, however, is not an option since the project is not to be turned in until May 19! So I suppose we will have to wait until then....

Peach Daiquiri Cupcakes

This cupcake was 2 "firsts" for me. It was the first time I didn't follow a recipe down to the letter and the first time I made my on whipped cream frosting.

Initially, I had planned to take pictures throughout the process of making this cupcake. However, I forgot! So we have a before frosting picture and an after frosting picture.

So while I was in Wal-Mart today picking up some ingredients and groceries, I came across Daily's frozen mixed drinks in the frozen section. Since I can't get fresh peaches yet (at least not today, was short on time) I was planning on using a peach schnapps. In order to get schnapps, that would mean a trip to a liquor store. To keep from having to make yet another stop I decided to look for a peachy wine possibly and had no luck. Just as I was about to leave I notice in an end freezer, Daily's Frozen Peach Daiquiri. JACKPOT!!! No extra stops.

Since these cupcakes will be tested by the wonderful people at my church, I will not be using alcohol in the frosting considering it won't be cooked out.

1/2 c butter

1 egg

2 egg yolks

1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 1/2  c all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 c sugar

1/2 c whipping cream

1/2 c Daily,s frozen Peach Daiquiri (I let it sit out until its just slightly slushy)

Note: Butter and eggs should stand at room temperature for at least 30 mins

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix whipping cream and Daiquiri mix and set aside. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together and set aside. Beat butter on medium to high speed until fluffy. Gradually add sugar until combined. Scrape sides of the bowl and proceed by adding egg, egg yolks and vanilla one at the time. Beat each just until combined before adding the next item. Alternately add flour mixture and whipping cream mixture beat each addition just until combined on low speed. Once combined spoon the mixture into baking cups filling each cup to appx. 3/4 full. Bake about 20 mins for standard size cupcakes or 15 mins for mini cupcakes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool in pans for 5 mins and then remove cupcakes from pans and cool completely on wire racks. Makes 12 standard cupcakes or 48 mini cupcakes.

Peachy Whipped Cream Frosting

1 c heavy whipping cream

1/3 c sugar

2/3 c pureed peaches, fresh or canned

Beat whipping cream on medium speed for about five minutes, until soft peaks form. Mix in sugar until combined. Fold in peaches and refrigerate until ready to frost.



Day 1 Learning how to use this site

So this is the first time I've ever blogged! I've made it to basically give me a place to share the things I make and learn. I've recently began baking and have decided I really like it. I love making cupcakes, however I've only made a few to date.

Chocolate Rum Cupcake

with

Chocolate Butter cream 

Lemon Drop Cupcakes

with

Lemon Cream cheese Frosting

Also, the first cupcakes/deserts I will be adding to my blog is a peach cupcake with a peachy whipped cream frosting and a chocolate silk pie!

So for now I'm going to explore the blogging world a little and make my grocery lists for my first to blog desserts...