Monday, January 31, 2011
Cupcakes in Boxes
One of my favorite things about buying cupcakes at bakeries is the packaging. I buy cupcakes by the dozen, six-pack, three-pack and individually just to see how they will be packaged!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Recipe of the Week - Dark Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Valentine's Day is coming and I have started to think about chocolate...cupcakes of course. This recipe for dark chocolate buttercream will taste great on any cupcake...chocolate, yellow, or vanilla!
Dark Chocolate Buttercream
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 1/4 cups (4 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter - room temperature
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon boiling water
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar - sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds semisweet chocolate - melted and cooled
Combine cocoa and the boiling water, stirring until cocoa has dissolved. Beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to low. Add melted and cooled chocolate, beating until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl if needed. Beat in the cocoa mixture. Frosting can be refrigerated up to 7 days, or frozen up to 1 month (before using, bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth again).
Dark Chocolate Buttercream
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
2 1/4 cups (4 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter - room temperature
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon boiling water
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar - sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds semisweet chocolate - melted and cooled
Combine cocoa and the boiling water, stirring until cocoa has dissolved. Beat butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to low. Add melted and cooled chocolate, beating until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl if needed. Beat in the cocoa mixture. Frosting can be refrigerated up to 7 days, or frozen up to 1 month (before using, bring to room temperature, and beat on low speed until smooth again).
Friday, January 28, 2011
Cupcake Kindle Cover
I was shopping for a new skin for my Kindle...and look what I found! Cupcake Kindle Covers!
available from Amazon
$19.99
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Heart Cupcakes
Those giant Valentine cupcakes yesterday put me in the mood for more heart-themed cupcakes!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Cupcake Hat Winner!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Neff Cupcake Beanie giveaway.
Congratulations to Janet D. from Conroe, TX. Your beanie is on the way!
Congratulations to Janet D. from Conroe, TX. Your beanie is on the way!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Giant Valentine Cupcake
I haven't used my giant cupcake pan in a few months and was thinking about making a giant Valentine's cupcake. Here are some of my favorites!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Recipe of the Week - Triple Chocolate Truffle Cupcakes
My friend Lynn left me a newspaper article on the bulletin board at work this week. It came from the Nevada Appeal (Carson City) and was a recipe for Triple Chocolate Cupcakes which have a chocolate ganache center and are frosted with white chocolate buttercream. Thank you to Amanda Skiba for sharing her recipe and I encourage you to follow her blog Stuff Your Face.
Triple Chocolate Cupcake Recipe
Triple Chocolate Cupcake Recipe
Poison Cupcake via Flickr
Friday, January 21, 2011
Carpe Cupcakes! and the Facebook Dilemma
To Facebook or not to Facebook....that is the question. I saw The Social Network and it was an awesome movie. Carpe Cupcakes! has a Facebook account...it may even be the only Facebook account in existence with no friends. After this post I may get some friend requests, but that is not my intention. My dilemma is why Facebook at all? Is Facebook just a turbo photo-sharing site? Do I really need to know that my friends went to the beach today or bought a new pair of jeans? Is there anything on Facebook that really changes our lives or are we just collecting "numbers" of friends? Are they really friends and if so, how are they friends?
My dilemma is that I started this blog to share cupcake photos and recipes, but the pressure to join a social network is increasing and I am not sure why. I will eat a cupcake and think about that a little more.
My dilemma is that I started this blog to share cupcake photos and recipes, but the pressure to join a social network is increasing and I am not sure why. I will eat a cupcake and think about that a little more.
This photo has nothing to do with
Facebook...I just love the box!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
50th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Speech
On January 20, 1961, President John F. Kennedy delivered his only inaugural address immediately after taking the oath of office. The speech was 13 minutes and 59 seconds long and is considered to be among the best presidential addresses in American history. (full text of the speech)
Notable passages:
"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."
"...the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."
"we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty."
Notable passages:
"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."
"...the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God."
"we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty."
Use patriotic decorations on the cupcakes
you make today!
you make today!
Sherry White
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cupcake Hat Contest - Reminder!
The clock is ticking! Send an email to carpecupcakes@gmail.com to enter ...the deadline is January 25th!
Trader Joe's Vanilla Cake & Muffin Mix
For many years I have been searching for the perfect vanilla cupcake recipe. I have found recipes that had good flavor, nice texture, rise to the right height, and have a pretty appearance, but no recipe so far has had every quality I am looking for. I had been reading good things about Trader Joe's Vanilla Cake & Muffin Mix on several blogs lately so I thought I should try it for myself. I bought a mix and noted there are several variations of the recipe that can be made. I chose to make the cake version (the high altitude recipe of course).
I love Trader Joe's...but I cannot recommend this mix to make cupcakes. It is totally tasteless and has a coarse texture that I don't like for a cupcake. I even added a fresh vanilla bean to the batter, but it still didn't help. I didn't taste any vanilla, even after the addition of the vanilla bean.
I will continue to shop at Trader Joe's...and I will continue my quest for the perfect vanilla cupcake.
I love Trader Joe's...but I cannot recommend this mix to make cupcakes. It is totally tasteless and has a coarse texture that I don't like for a cupcake. I even added a fresh vanilla bean to the batter, but it still didn't help. I didn't taste any vanilla, even after the addition of the vanilla bean.
I will continue to shop at Trader Joe's...and I will continue my quest for the perfect vanilla cupcake.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Experimenting with Minis
My friend Shelly went to Mexico a few weeks ago and brought me some fresh vanilla beans. What else could I do but experiment with vanilla mini cupcakes? I made the cupcakes and some vanilla and chocolate buttercream frosting. I had some decorations left over from a Sprinkles cupcake mix I bought at Williams-Sonoma last fall....instant minis!
Vanilla minis with vanilla buttercream
My version of the black & white cookie
Black & White minis
Monday, January 17, 2011
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January, although his actual birthday is January 15th. I am from Mississippi and have vivid memories of growing up in the late 60s and the civil unrest that was present at that time. I was 11 years old when he was shot in Memphis. I later lived in Memphis and drove by the Lorraine Motel every day on the way to work.
While recognition of this holiday has been reluctant in some areas and some states have chosen alternate names, since 2000 it has been observed in all states. Dr. King led peaceful protests and preached love and understanding. Peace & Love...all you need to add is a cupcake!
While recognition of this holiday has been reluctant in some areas and some states have chosen alternate names, since 2000 it has been observed in all states. Dr. King led peaceful protests and preached love and understanding. Peace & Love...all you need to add is a cupcake!
FunnyTeesGifts via Zazzle
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Recipe of the Week - Raspberry Cupcakes with Champagne Buttercream Frosting (winning recipe from Cupcake Wars)
The only wine I drink is sparkling wine (technically we can't call it champagne unless it comes from the Champagne region in France) and I have experimented with "champagne" in cupcake recipes for quite some time. This recipe is the winning recipe by Andrea Ballus on an episode of the Food Network's Cupcake Wars. Enjoy!
Raspberry Cupcakes with Champagne Buttercream Frosting
Raspberry Cupcakes with Champagne Buttercream Frosting
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Win a Cupcake Hat!
To celebrate National Hat Day (which I am renaming National Cupcake Hat Day), I am giving away a Neff Cupcake Beanie from Neff Headwear. All you have to do is send me an email with a subject that says "I love cupcakes" and you will be entered into a random drawing for this hat. I will put all entries into the cupcake beanie on January 25th and draw out the winning name!
Send your entry to carpecupcakes@gmail.com and good luck!
Send your entry to carpecupcakes@gmail.com and good luck!
National Hat Day
Today is National Hat Day! What does that mean? I don't know, but rumor has it that back in the 40s The Headwear Association started National Hat Day to recognize the seasonal transition of getting rid of old hats and putting on new ones. Some communities have celebrations where they fill coffins with last season's hats and carry them down the street.
Tonight The Headwear Association will have its annual dinner and announce the Hat Person of the Year. This year's nominees are Johnny Depp, Kate Hudson, Gwen Stefani, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Richie and Justin Timberlake. Check their web site tonight for the winner!
So eat a cupcake today while showing off your (cupcake) hat!
Tonight The Headwear Association will have its annual dinner and announce the Hat Person of the Year. This year's nominees are Johnny Depp, Kate Hudson, Gwen Stefani, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Richie and Justin Timberlake. Check their web site tonight for the winner!
So eat a cupcake today while showing off your (cupcake) hat!
cupcake hat
tealwins64 via Flickr
Friday, January 14, 2011
Coffee Bean Cupcakes
I love those chocolate covered espresso beans...so wouldn't they be dee-lish on a cupcake??
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Cupcake Brigade (Carson City, NV)
One of the nurses I work with is a member of the Cupcake Brigade in Carson City. I just found out about this organization today and wanted to feature it. Everybody who reads this blog should check to see if there is anything like this in your school system...and if not, start one!
"When elementary school children celebrate their birthdays, someone in their family generally sends them to school with a batch of cupcakes to share with their classmates. That is not always the case, however, because some families don't have the means to celebrate. That's where Carson City's Cupcake Brigade steps in."
Cupcake Brigade Comes to the Rescue
Nevada Appeal (November 21, 2010)
"When elementary school children celebrate their birthdays, someone in their family generally sends them to school with a batch of cupcakes to share with their classmates. That is not always the case, however, because some families don't have the means to celebrate. That's where Carson City's Cupcake Brigade steps in."
Cupcake Brigade Comes to the Rescue
Nevada Appeal (November 21, 2010)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Magnolia Bakery - new cupcake!
On my trip to NYC last October, I spent an afternoon at Magnolia Bakery. To recap: had some delicious cupcakes and shopped in their general store where cupcake-licious items were purchased. They have unveiled a new cupcake flavor for the new year....Coconut Lemon. Wish I could go back and order one!
401 Bleeker Street
New York, NY
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Cupcake Sandwich Bags
This reusable sandwich bag from Oliveirabags is perfect for cereal, pretzels, fruits, veggies, crackers...and whatever else you can think of!
o 100% Cotton Fabric for Cover
o Ripstop Food Safe Nylon Lining
o Size: 7.25 x 6.25
o Velcro strip covers entire opening
o There are no exposed seams for crumbs to collect in
These bags can be ordered in custom sizes and other prints and fabrics - you don't have to get the cupcake print but why wouldn't you? You can even remove the liner to wash them.
Oliveirabags
o 100% Cotton Fabric for Cover
o Ripstop Food Safe Nylon Lining
o Size: 7.25 x 6.25
o Velcro strip covers entire opening
o There are no exposed seams for crumbs to collect in
These bags can be ordered in custom sizes and other prints and fabrics - you don't have to get the cupcake print but why wouldn't you? You can even remove the liner to wash them.
Oliveirabags
Monday, January 10, 2011
Individual Cupcake Boxes
I like to surprise friends with cupcakes...you never know where a cupcake will turn up! I have always had trouble coming up with a clever way to package them until I found these cupcake boxes on Etsy. You purchase & download the template and make your own!
P.S. They come in other colors besides pink...but pink is my signature color!
P.S. They come in other colors besides pink...but pink is my signature color!
via Etsy
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Recipe of the Week: Hi-Hat Cupcakes
I have been seeing Hi-Hat cupcakes on cupcake blogs...but what exactly are they? A cupcake is frosted with a marshmallow meringue, piled high on top of the cupcake. Then the frosting is dipped and coated with chocolate. If chocolate is wrong...I don't wanna be right!
Happy Birthday Lane!
Wishing my sister-in-law a very happy birthday today....these birthday cupcakes are for you!
holiday_jenny via Flickr
Go Wolf Pack!
The University of Nevada Wolf Pack will play Boston College later today in the Kraft "Fight Hunger" Bowl in San Francisco. Here are some blue cupcakes to wish them luck. Go Pack!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Happy Birthday Elvis
The King of Rock & Roll would have been 76 years old today. When I lived in Memphis, I went to Graceland many times...mostly for the candlelight vigil on the anniversary of his death. On his birthday my friends and I usually toasted each other with jelly donuts, but cupcakes would be just as nice!
Friday, January 7, 2011
2011 Cupcake Calendars
(sorry for no post yesterday...super busy at work)
We are already a week into the new year, so you need to get your cupcake calendars soon. All of these are available on Amazon.com!
We are already a week into the new year, so you need to get your cupcake calendars soon. All of these are available on Amazon.com!
$6.99
$13.99
$13.47
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Cupcake Rain Boots
It's just the time of year when everybody needs rain boots. The purple ones are from Target (only available online - not in stores). There are lots out there to choose from. Send me a link to what you find and I will add them to the blog!
available from Zappos
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Cupcake Bento Box
My nieces love sushi and sometimes they order a bento box - which started me thinking "what exactly is a bento box?" So I looked it up. A bento box is a single-portion take-out or home-cooked meal in Japanese cuisine. Bento means "convenience" and it is common for items to be arranged to look like people, characters or animals. This is a cupcake blog...hence the cupcake bento box.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Orange Cupcakes...continued
Continuing in the orange theme from yesterday's recipe of the week, these cupcakes are gorgeous. No special reason for these cupcakes...they are just beautiful. I love the flowers!
