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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

That's what Christmas is about, Charlie Brown.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I know this is probably weird but I've never been one of the people that get up with the sun on Christmas morning. And it's not because I'm not excited.. I am always excited for Christmas. It's just that I also like sleep... and I enjoy sleeping as long as possible. If it's still dark outside, I don't want to be up.


Anyway, I hope you all have a super, fabulous, amazing, splendid, and Merry Christmas. I'm looking forward to everything this day has to offer.

Remember, while gift giving and receiving is a blast (don't kid yourself and say it's not), it's not the true meaning of Christmas.


"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'" 

Monday, December 24, 2012

When The Night Falls On You and You Don't Know What To Do...

Sometimes I make the subject of my blog entry the line of a song I happen to be singing at the moment. I'll Stand By You  by The Pretenders (Covered by the Glee Cast --- major guilty pleasure when it comes to Glee!)

Anyway, it's Christmas Eve now and things are getting busy! I have last minute things to buy, everything to wrap and family to visit before Mom and I get our usual Christmas Eve night on.

I hope everyone has a super, fantastic, splendid Christmas!

Make sure to hug your kids and everyone else you love. You never know when you won't have them anymore. Don't take anyone or anything for granted because tomorrow may be one day too late.

I love you all! Thank you for reading!

~Merry Christmas~

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Christmas Time. A Time To Share Cupcakes.

We were inspired by classic Christmas songs. I think they turned out very well. All of them but the first two kinds of cupcakes are inspired by the songs. =]

As promised...

Behold:

Gingerbread Cupcakes! How cute are the little cookies on top? (Those are mini cupcakes, btw.) 

These were for a friend's birthday. They're chocolate chocolate chip cupcakes with a vanilla butter cream frosting. Those are chocolate chip cookie stars I cut out for a topper. =]


Rudolph! Red velvet cake with chocolate cream cheese frosting. Isn't he adorable?!

Blue Christmas (blue velvet cupcakes, butter cream frosting and fondant ornaments) and Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree ( Green Velvet, butter cream frosting, fondant Christmas trees, piped musical notes =] )

I seriously love these. They were so cute!


White Christmas! ( White everything, obviously....)


Frosty cupcakes. (White almond cake)

Santa Claus is Comin' To Town! (Candy cane cupcake, red and white swirled butter cream frosting, royal icing Santa hats!) (These were probably my favorite because I love Candy canes!)
Silver Bells (Silver Cupcake, silver butter cream, silver fondant bell)
Silent Night. (Dark chocolate cupcake, dark blue butter cream frosting, fondant star) ( Another favorite. I think it turned out pretty!)








It's Christmas Eve Eve!

As I sit here and listen to Christmas music while watching puppy contemplate what she can chew on next, I thought why not update my blog. I've been neglecting it again. And I apologize.

I've also realized that it's hard to type and sing songs at the same time. I keep typing everything Chris Tomlin is singing to me.

I know I said that I'd keep up with my blog. Try to post something a couple of times a week. But I really have nothing interesting to talk about and I don't want to just ramble on about nothing in particular. I wanted to give you a nice, short update, though. Since I last posted there has been a lot going on. Holiday, sickness, birthdays, puppy rescuing, baking, shopping.

Christmas ( my favorite time of year ) is approaching! In fact, it's Christmas Eve Eve! I am so excited that it's  finally here.

I know a lot of people have family traditions, and we're not any different. On Christmas Eve, it's usually just my mom and I. We order a pizza and watch Christmas movies. And there's usually some last minute gift wrapping to do! I have a feeling that part of the tradition will remain again this year. We're running out of time to get everything done. Does everyone else do the same thing? As the holiday gets closer, you get more hurried and stressed about everything?

On Christmas morning Mom and I open our gifts to each other and then we let our animal's open their gifts. (They usually like the wrapping better than the presents.) We finish up cooking/baking and watch the Christmas Day Parade before going to my grandparent's just up the road. The whole family is there and we're usually there ALL day.

We're supposedly supposed to get rain, ice, and accumulating snow on Christmas night into Wednesday. Looks like it will be hibernation time at my house. We live in the country so it's next to impossible to go anywhere (even out of our driveway) until the sun melts it.



Anyway, since this is a baking blog I'll mention a little about my cupcakes.

I got to make a few of some really nifty, seasonal cupcakes this month. I'll have some pictures up in the next blog. I hope you like the pictures!



~Merry Christmas~

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

10 Things I Hate About You

From the title of this blog entry you might think I'm going to review a '90s teen movie... or that I REALLY dislike someone. But the answer is "no" to both. What the title is referring to is pet peeves. I have a lot.
I seriously thought about making a different blog to talk about things that aren't baking related. But let us be honest.. I have enough trouble keeping up with this one. Two would be impossible!

So without further ado... They will be revealed in no particular order...


Honey Boo Boo's of Southern Illionis - This is pretty late but waaaaay back at our town's homecoming parade, my 4 year old niece and I were right smack dab in between two families that made me think "I don't want to live on this planet anymore." I literally had clowns to the left of me and jokers to the right. I had a feelin' that somethin' wasn't right... To my right were a bunch of teenagers with children and one dirty old man. From what I could tell... each teenager had a child and that old man was the teenagers' father. Maybe. Not entirely sure. Anyway.. they were rude to their own children and they also had the mouth of a sailor. I was seriously appalled. And my niece just looked at me with wide eyes while she was shaking her head. My wonderful 4 year old niece, thankfully, knew that was not any way to act. THEEEEENNNN to my left was the family of the year. I think there were a set of parents who seemed to be in their late 30s maybe. They seemed okay. Then I believe they had a gaggle of teenagers. One boy was sporting the hobo chic look and was running around all over the place. He had to be at least 16 or 17. Then there was a  very pregnant girl and her boyfriend. They already had an adorable little girl (younger than 4), well, until she opened her mouth. She talked just like her mommy and daddy. Cussing up a storm. Again, I was appalled. THEN that's when I noticed something dangling from the mom's fingers. Yep. She was smoking. She then went on to smoke several more while we were sitting there. *points back up to where I said she was very pregnant* I'm not going to go into more details of what I saw that day. The world doesn't need to know that.

Law Enforcers Who Break The Law -  I know everyone has seen a cop speed by without having their lights or sirens blaring... What drives me crazy is when they speed up behind you and then zip on by you. Followed by slowing down to a maddening speed when they're in front of you again. And they're going so slow that they don't have to brake when they turn.... and they don't use a turn signal. I'm beginning to wonder if they do that on purpose just to see if you slam into them. Whose fault would that be? Certainly not the nice policeman. I know it's not that big of a deal... but it really irritates me.

Financial Halfwit -  Picture it.. Southern Illinois. 2012. (Channeling my inner Sophia Patrillo). I'm standing in line with a cart full of things I need for baking when a wild 20 something female cuts in front of me. Since it's not the playground in grade school... I just let her carry on. She didn't have much. Just stuff no one needs. She continues to complain about how poor she is (Remember, she's buying things she wants not needs..) and how she lives on her link card and welfare and such. The poor guy that's behind the cash register shoots me a pleading look. I wrinkle my nose and shrug at him subtly. Apparently we've both had it with this chick. Finally she scoots on out the door and it's my turn. He apologized over and over again and I tell him it's not his fault over and over again. When I pay and walk out the door... guess what is parked right beside me!? A GORGEOUS 2012 Dodge Charger. As I'm wiping up the drool that running down my chin (not really.. maybe..) I see who is standing beside it. You guessed it. It was the lovely lady in front of me in line. In my head, I lost it! I was wanting to share what was running through my mind so badly but I also wanted to go home in one piece. This person who aired out her life story for anyone to hear... This person who lived on other people's money... Was in a brand new car that was at least $30,000. I couldn't form whole thoughts.


I have many more pet peeves but I've been rambling on long enough for one time.

Anyway... onto cupcakes and the holidays!
We have some seriously clever ideas coming up for the Christmas season as well as some monthly specials. I know the monthly specials will include Gingerbread Cupcakes and probably a pumpkin pie cupcake.

What we have planned are Christmas Classics cupcakes! This week (After Thanksgiving) I will be working on "Blue Christmas" cupcakes. You know you're thinking of Elvis singing it now and you're welcome. I'm also hoping to work on "White Christmas" while listening to Bing Crosby. The holiday season officially starts tomorrow! I'm so excited!! Christmas music from Bing Crosby to NSYNC will be playing while I'm in the kitchen!

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! You never know what the future holds so give your family hugs and tell them you love them!





Monday, October 8, 2012

It's So Sassy!

I'm taking a poll. Do you get more nervous making things for strangers or making things for those near and dear to you?

I get a little apprehensive making things for people I know. With people you don't know, you might not ever see them again so there's a good chance that you'll never know if they loved or hated your product. 
But with people you DO know... Well, that's a whole other story. I'm constantly wondering if this is good enough. Or "Ahhhhh! I hope the cupcake liners aren't sticking to the cake!" What's just a tad bit worse than people you know... are people that know the people you know. Those people could talk to your mom, cousin, brother, sister, uncle.. And you might not ever know the reason behind the "Oh, she tried to do her best but her cupcakes are hard as bricks." look. 

I worry all the time about things like that because I just don't have the confidence that it takes  to think what  I do is good. To myself I think that what I do is fabulous... It's what I think others think of me. People tell me I have talent, and I really do believe them. It's just that little low self confidence monster shows up every once in a while.

Despite that, I really am happy doing what I'm doing. I love making treats for a little girl's first birthday, a holiday party, and anything in between. And thank you all for letting me! =)


On to the actual reason I decided to post a blog entry today...

My mom works at a place that has a TON of people. And in that place are units. I am the official birthday cupcake girl for everyone in her unit. If you are in it then you will get cupcakes. I try to come up with something based on what the birthday girl, or boy, wants. Over the weekend someone had a birthday so they got cupcakes today. 
I have to say.. the cupcakes I made for her were the most fun cupcakes I've ever made. Secret ingredient: Nerds. (The candy.. not a guy wearing thick rimmed glasses and a pocket protector.)

Isn't this fun?!

When I'm making a new kind of cupcake I always have to try a bit of it and snap a few pictures. My intention is to blog my pictures but that doesn't happen as often as I like. My pictures rarely turn out like I want them. They're good.. just not great!

Anyway, these taste just like Nerds in cake form. So delicious!

It's so sassy!



I love the rainbow frosting on top!


A magical cupcake!
I hope the birthday girl enjoyed her cupcakes today! I know I sure had a blast making them!

By the way, the icing and the dark layer at the top of the cupcake is flavored with Kool-Aid! =)


Have a wonderful day, everyone!



Friday, October 5, 2012

New Flavors!

It's been a while since I updated the kinds of cupcakes that I offer so I thought I'd do that now. And remember, I'll do any kind you can think up... These are just flavors that seem to be most popular!

Cranberry Oatmeal Raisin        $1.15 each / $13.80 dozen
 Muffin type oatmeal cupcake loaded with raisins and dried cranberries with a delicious maple butter cream frosting.


Banana Nut                                   $1.15 each / $13.80 dozen
 Homemade fresh banana cupcakes packed with walnut pieces. Frosted with creamy cinnamon butter cream frosting and trimmed with ground walnuts.



Diabetic Italian Cream           $1.10 each / $13.20 dozen
 Dense no-sugar cake filled with walnuts and coconut. Frosted with a creamy delicious cream cheese frosting. Garnished with walnuts and toasted coconut.

     

  Italian Cream                       $1.10 each / $13.20 dozen
 Incredibly moist Italian Cream cake. Frosted with creamy delicious cream cheese frosting. Garnished with toasted coconut and a walnut half.



*NEW* Pumpkin Spice Latte                 $1.00 each / $12.00 dozen
Moist delicious pumpkin and espresso cupcake with a sweetened whipped cream frosting. Drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with cinnamon.


Chocolate, Yellow or White           .70 each / $8.40 dozen
Basic cupcakes with yummy butter cream frosting. Chocolate butter cream add .05 per cupcake. Cream cheese icing add .10 per cupcake. White cupcakes and butter cream tinted at no extra  charge.


Strawberry Daiquiri       $1.20 each / $14.40 dozen
Fresh sweet strawberry cupcake laced with rum and topped with a fresh strawberry daiquiri butter cream frosting.
No-Alcohol Strawberry cupcake       $1.05 each / $12.60 dozen


Pink Champagne     $1.00 each / $12.00 dozen
Delicate pink champagne-laced cupcakes with a luxurious pink champagne frosting. Embellished with elegant pink pearls and sprinkled tastefully with pink sugar.
No-Alcohol Pink Cupcakes    .70 each / $8.40 dozen


Amaretto Sour       $1.25 each / $15.00 dozen
Incredible Amaretto cupcake frosted with an amazing sweet and sour citrusy icing. Garnished with a maraschino cherry.


Cookies & Cream         $1.25 each / $15.00 dozen
Indulgent dark chocolate cake with chocolate sandwich cookies added & a creamy white filling. Topped with delicious butter cream frosting & sprinkled with cookie crumbs.


Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookie    $2.25 each / $28.00 dozen
Rich chocolaty chocolate chip cupcake with a homemade chocolate chip cookie baked on the inside. Frosted with cookie dough butter cream frosting & decorated with tiny chocolate chip cookies.


Chocolate Peanut Butter     $1.00 each / $12.00 dozen
Delectable chocolate cake with a peanut butter buckeye filling. Iced with creamy peanut butter cream cheese  frosting & topped with handmade chocolate decorations.


Decadent Snickers       $1.20 each / $14.40 dozen
Decadent moist cupcake filled with a light chocolate mousse filling. Topped with a velvety chocolate butter cream frosting & garnished with Snickers candy topping.


*NEW* Mocha Latte      $1.20 each / $14.40 dozen
A shot of espresso flavors a moist, tempting deep chocolate cake. Smooth and creamy vanilla frosting layered on top. Drizzled with caramel and more chocolate.



*NEW* S'Mores       $1.85 each / $22.20 dozen
Delicious chocolate chip cupcakes on a graham cracker crust with a delightful marshmallow butter cream icing. Topped with a teddy bear graham cracker and chocolate pieces.


*NEW* Caramel Apple         $1.20 each / $14.40 dozen
Fresh Granny Smith apple cake with a homemade creamy caramel frosting. Topped with roasted pecans.



*NEW* Apple Pie     $1.25 each / $15.00 dozen
Moist apple cinnamon cake with a fresh apple pie filling. Frosted with a delicious butter cream & garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon.



Red Velvet        .80 each / $9.60 dozen
Velvety red cupcake with delicious cream cheese icing.


New flavors will be added every month!



Hey, Hi, Hello!

I'm sitting here in front of an open window.. wrapped in a blanket. I just can't bring myself to close the window because today is the definition of Fall. My apple cider candle is burning and I have cupcakes in the oven (SURPRISE!!). My cat is sitting on the windowsill having a staring contest with my dog that is on the front porch. The feline will win because my doggie has the attention span of a baby gnat. Needless to say, I am enjoying this day very much. The only thing missing is some kind of coffee/latte in my hand and Lauren (my niece) singing along with Dora in the next room.

This isn't really a baking related post... other than the fact that I AM baking at the moment. I just wanted to say hello to anyone that may read this. I hope you have a fab day!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Cupcakes and Old Friends

Cupcakes are baking and I have my apple cider candle burning. I'm trying to pretend like it's still Fall outside even though it feels rather warm. Or it could be because I've been hanging out in and around the oven for a majority of the day today. Same goes for tomorrow.

A very long time ago I was best friends with a girl named Jenny. When I think back at how long it's actually been, it makes me wonder where the time has gone. I probably haven't seen her in 10.. maybe even 13 years. Unless you count the occasional bumping into each other at the grocery store.
There was no fallout between Jenny and I, we just grew apart. She works in the same office building as my mom. And I'm now baking cupcakes for her daughter's first birthday party. Never in a million years would I think I'd be doing that.

People grow apart, but cupcakes bring them together again!

I'm just testing out my phone app. =)

I'm not always at my computer.... but my phone is always next to me somewhere. So I might post blog updates from this if I don't get to a computer when I need to. :-) 

Caramel Apple, Candles, Cool Temps, and Elvis!

Apple cinnamon and pumpkin spice candles burning throughout the house puts me in a wonderful mood. Add cool, crisp temperatures outside to the equals the perfect time of year. At least for me. I've already heard people complaining that they're too cold. Seriously? Come on, people. You know who I'm talking about. You were the ones complaining about melting in our hot-as-lava summer. You wanted cooler air and here it is!

As I'm sitting here thinking of how awesome Fall is, I hear the sounds of Elvis' Christmas music wafting in from the next room. It IS FINALLY that time of year again. =)

One of my favorite Fall flavors is caramel apple. And, yes.... I have a cupcake that is the definition of delish. If you want to know how to make the caramel apple cupcake.... continue reading!!

Caramel Apple Cupcakes:

fresh apple cake

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl until blended.
  3. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; add butter to mixture, stirring until blended. Stir in apples.
  4. Place paper baking cups in 2 (12 cup) cupcake pans; spoon batter into cups, filling 2/3 full.
  5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until a cake taster (knife or toothpick) inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks, let cool completely. Makes 24 cupcakes.
Caramel Frosting

1 cup butter
1 (16 oz) package of dark brown sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. light corn syrup
4 cups powdered sugar

  1. Melt butter in a 3-qt saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Stir in evaporated milk, baking soda, and corn syrup; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, and let cool completely (about 1 hour). Transfer to a bowl.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar to the caramel mixture, beating at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Beat at high speed 2 minutes or until cream. Use immediately. Makes 3 cups.

The baking soda in the frosting helps to prevent the caramel from becoming grainy. We don't want frosting that feels like sand, do we? Nope. I didn't think so.

I hope you enjoy the recipe. I made samples (mini cupcakes) and within an hour they were completely gone.

Happy baking!!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I'm not talking specifically about Christmas, but it is included in the most wonderful time of the year. The song says so and I agree. =)

Anyway, we are well into the first week of one of my favorite months: October. The month of cooler weather, Halloween, deep Fall colored manicures, delish smelling Fall candles, and one month closer to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

I always get inspired to bake during the holiday season. This year will be different, though... In a good way! I will be baking even more!

Caramel Apple & Pumpkin Spice Latte cupcakes will be the cupcake specials for the month of October. I'm so incredibly excited for everyone to try these! They will be offered at a discount price all through this month only, but will be available at regular price throughout the rest of the season.

Also, Candy Corn cupcakes will be available this month. They're super fun and cute! Look!
This is not my picture. I don't have any of my own just yet.
November will feature a surprise cupcake. You can be pumpkin will be involved! ;-)

December will include gingerbread cupcakes. I am beyond excited to offer these!

As I mentioned before, these are "cupcakes of the month"... meaning they will be on sale for their specific month. BUT they WILL still be available after the month is over, just at regular price. =)

Remember, if you want something I don't offer on my menu, just contact me 2 weeks before you need them so I can make sure I am able to get the customized just the way you want them!

Be looking for an updated menu in a future blog post!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Fall is here!!!

I'm breaking out of my aversion-to-strangers bubble very slowly. It will take a little bit of work, but this here blog seems to be helping. Of course... this is the internet, so it's a lot easier to be comfortable around people I don't know. I will eventually break out into the world!



We're just DAYS away from it being officially FALL!! Those that know me know fall is my favorite season. Like, ever. Who doesn't like that it's not the temperature of lava outside anymore?!?! The leaves are changing colors.. most of them are various shades of brown because of the extreme drought we were in over the summer. Pumpkin Spice Latte is back at Starbucks! My birthday is in this wonderful season! Depending on the calendar you use, sometimes my birthday falls on the first day of fall! Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! Which brings me to the reason of this post: seasonal cupcakes!


I know September is almost over but I'll still share with you the Cupcakes of the Month!

Apple Pie Cupcake!
Apple cake with apple pie filling and topped with a whipped buttercream.

Caramel Apple Cupcake!
Apple cake with caramel frosting.

Fresh Apples and Cheddar Cupcake!
Apple cake that's topped with cheddar cheese.


We're working on specials for October and November. They might include S'Mores. I think that would be a good idea. And you know November has to include some kind of Pumpkin!

I'm international!

*insert music here* 

I've been in countries and cities I can't pronounce and places on the globe I didn't know existed..

;-)

So... I was looking at the 'stats' of my blog and I am completely shocked that I've gone international. I'm not entirely sure why or how, but I'm certainly not complaining! That's so cool!!

My blog has been read in Russia, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Indonesia, Australia, Spain, and Singapore! I find this unbelievably awesome, just so ya know! Am I Googleable (that's a mouthful!)? Is it because I share my blog on my Facebook page? However it happens, I'm okay with this.

....

....

I just realized that means my phone number has been passed around the world. Ahh, the power of the internet. *insert brief anxiety attack here*

But in all seriousness, this makes me want to do even more on here. 

But like I said in my last entry... I think I'm only going to commit to once a week. If I get more posted then it'll be like a kid on her birthday! Surprise!




Confessions of a Caramel Apple Pop Cupcake

I've been trying my best to get back into the habit of blogging. I think I need to commit myself to one post a week... Instead of everyday. Because, let's be realistic.. My life isn't all that interesting and there's only so many cupcake recipes a person can post without getting repetitive.

While browsing through some of my favorite blogs, Confessions of a Cookbook Queen being my absolute favorite.., I've come to the conclusion that I NEED to make these Caramel Apple Pop cupcakes. These would be great for Halloween parties. Or just a snack. Just FYI: these would have to be for the 21+ crowd. While I'm like, 99.34523355% sure that the alcohol bakes out of them since they are only 15% alcohol... I don't want to take any chances. I don't want people saying, "That cupcake girl gave me cupcakes and now my kids can't stand up straight!".

I've been sooooooo busy the last couple of weeks with my growing cupcake business. I'm proud to say, thanks to Mi Madre, I now have business cards, brochures, and flyers with cupcakes of the month!

And because of this.. I have to get over my anxiety of people I don't know having my phone number. Well, I guess that's not the case. I know the people that order from me aren't shady characters. =) My anxiety comes from my phone number being out there... on the Internet... and in people's pockets... and hanging up on bulletin boards in unknown locations. But, I shall cast that aside! Here's my cell phone number! Call me or text me if you are interested in placing an order.

618-925-1232

I do your everyday cupcakes: Chocolate, white, red velvet, etc...
I do custom cupcakes: Anything your mind dreams up (Within reason, of course!).

Custom orders do require 2 weeks notice because I have to come up with a recipe and make sure everything is doable and perfect  for you before you actually need it.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Strawberry Daiquiri Cupcakes

I know it's been a long time since I've blogged, but I'm back in the game again. This entry is really only going to be pictures of some of the cupcakes I've done since I last posted.

These are non-alcoholic Strawberry Daiquiri. My recipe calls for rum, but this was for an office birthday so I left out the alcohol.

Nowhere  could I find the little paper umbrellas that I wanted to use for these. So, I thought these decorations were cute. (After I was finished with these I found the mini umbrellas everywhere... So now I have a drawer full for future orders)
If you want the recipe, just leave a comment on here and I will post it in another entry. =]

~Happy Baking~

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Keep Calm And Eat These Cupcakes!

Cookies & Cream Cupcake                                                                      $1.25 each/ $15.00 dozen


Indulgent dark chocolate cake with chocolate sandwich cookie added & a creamy white filling. Topped with a delicious butter cream frosting & sprinkled with cookie crumbles.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake                                                              $2.25 each/ $28.00 dozen


Rich chocolaty chocolate chip cake with a homemade chocolate chip cookie baked inside. Frosted with butter cream & decorated with tiny chocolate chip cookies.


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake                                                         $1.00 each/ $12.00 dozen


Delectable chocolate cake with a peanut butter buckeye filling. Frosted with creamy peanut butter cream cheese frosting & topped with handmade chocolate decorations.


Decadent Snickers Cupcake                                                                  $1.20 each/ $14.40 dozen


Decadent moist chocolate cupcake filled with a light chocolate mousse filling. Topped with velvety chocolate butter cream & garnished with Snickers candy topping.


Cranberry Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Cupcake                                        $1.15 each/ $13.80


Muffin type oatmeal cupcake loaded with raisins & dried cranberries with a delicious maple butter cream frosting.


Banana Nut Cupcake                                                                            $1.15 each/ $13.80 dozen


Homemade fresh banana cupcakes packed with walnut pieces. Frosted with creamy cinnamon butter cream & trimmed with ground walnuts.\


Diabetic Italian Cream Cupcake                                                          $1.10 each/ $13.20 dozen


Dense no-sugar cake full of walnuts and coconuts. Frosted with creamy, slightly sweet cream cheese frosting & garnished with walnuts and toasted coconut.


Strawberry Daiquiri Cupcake                                                               $1.20 each/ $14.40 dozen
Non-alcoholic Cupcake                                                                         $1.05 each/ $12.60 dozen


Fresh sweet strawberry cupcake laced with rum (No rum in non-alcoholic). Topped with fresh strawberry daiquiri butter cream frosting.


Pink Champagne Cupcake                                                                   $1.00 each/ $12.00 dozen
Non-alcoholic Cupcake                                                                        $0.70 each/ $8.40   dozen


Delicate pink champagne-lace cupcakes with luxurious pink champagne frosting. Embellished with elegant pink pearls & sprinkled tastefully with pink sugar.






This list is always growing! If you have questions or would like to order call or text me (Kristina) at 618-925-1232 or Veronica at 618-925-0879



Thursday, June 7, 2012

I'm still here!

I know it's been a week since I last posted an entry to my blog. Everything has been a little hectic lately. I have possibly three cupcake recipes to put up on here.

Recipes and pictures coming soon!!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Memorial Day Cupcakes








I was told, at the last minute, that I was to make cupcakes for someone's Memorial Day dinner, and this person didn't have a specific kind they wanted. So I decided on chocolate with buttercream frosting (their favorite). I decided to add a homemade strawberry jam filling. They were a big hit at the dinner. Go me! =)
I followed the directions on a box of Devil's Food Cake mix.. And that's the homemade strawberry jam inside. (Thanks, Mom!)

I needed to add more blue coloring but they still looked good.

I sprinkled them with red sugar.



I sampled one. It was kind of like a chocolate covered strawberry!




Look for more posts! I had so much going on that I'm running behind.

Happy baking!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Homemade Cinnamon Chips

Earlier today I mentioned I was going to try out a couple of recipes for cinnamon chips so I can make the brown sugar cinnamon cookies....Well, I succeeded.

Recipe #1 didn't work out well. It turned out to be more like brittle. I was going to throw it out but I decided to keep it and use it as cupcake toppers.

Recipe #2 worked out well! Only 2 ingredients.

Melt the chocolate.. and add around 4 T of cinnamon (You can use as little or as much as you'd like).

Fill a piping bag or ziplock bag and snip the tip. Pipe small chips onto wax paper.

Let cool and harden for 30 minutes or so.

VoilĂ ! You now have cinnamon chips!
They're very tasty!

Store them in a cool, dry place.

Happy baking!!
*You don't have to use Wilton brand. You can use any kind of white chocolate bark or melting candy. This is just what I had on hand*

A Search For Cinnamon Chips

I decided to make brown sugar cinnamon cookies for the holiday weekend coming up, but I couldn't find cinnamon chips anywhere. People were giving me ideas of where to look and even a recipe to make my own. Well, I've got that batch of  "chips" in the oven, so we'll how that goes. Judging by the look of it, I'm not sure it will work. It certainly smells heavenly! If it works I will post the recipe and pictures later.
If it doesn't work, I found a different recipe on a fellow food lovers blog (click here). The recipe is only 2 ingredients! So that's a plus. Whichever one I decide works for my cookie recipe I'll post on here ASAP! 

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookie


Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies. (Picture from my phone)
















Mom and I are always craving something sweet so I decided I'd head into the kitchen and whip something up. I needed something quick and, hopefully, easy! As I was exploring some of my favorite blogs yesterday I happened to come across this lovely treat. In case the picture isn't good enough for you tell-- It's a stuffed Oreo chocolate chip cookie. Since I didn't have a whole lot of time, I just made enough for four cookies. You might think four cookies isn't enough, but these are about the size of my head. 


I'm thinking about making them for this coming up Memorial Day weekend. I usually do cupcakes, but I don't want my family to burn out. Besides, who doesn't like cookies?!


I will post my own adaption of the recipe this weekend after I've tested it out.


In the meantime, click here for Bridget's recipe!


Happy baking!!

Monday, May 21, 2012

My introduction...

I guess my first post should be an introduction about myself..

My name is Kristina and I'm in my mid twenties and  I love to experiment in the kitchen.  But what I love to do most is bake, cupcakes specifically...
I suppose that's all you really need to know about me, but I know people like to know a lot more about the person behind the blog. So, here goes...

I come from a family that loves to cook and eat. I think we have family get togethers just so we can eat. (Not that I'm complaining. It gives me a reason to experiment with my cooking and baking.)
My mother worked in bakeries doing everything you could imagine. She even did wedding cakes on the side. (I might even post some of her work on here in the future.) I remember always following her around like a puppy when she had a cake order, because I was always so interested in how she did things. Particularly, the decorating. She no longer works in bakeries, and only does cakes for an occasional family member, but to me she's still very talented.

My grandmother, on my dad's side, also had a love of baking. So much so that she would often make pies, cakes and cookies for everyone that held an office in her small home town. She was well loved by everyone. =) Every Christmas, without fail, she would make dozens upon dozens of any kind of sweet you could imagine. That was her gift to people. In her tiny house she had a pantry devoted to baking, and I was always a little jealous of it all.
This past November my grandmother passed away. We think she's baking pies for everyone in Heaven. So, we'll no longer get to enjoy her treats but we have so many memories that the whole  family holds dear.
When she passed, I inherited most of her baking arsenal...  I had already started dabbling in baking more than your everyday cupcakes and cookies, but when I got all of her supplies I was inspired to do more.

And this is where my story begins...