Cupcake Spotlight (June 2011)

Is it a cookie? Is it a cupcake? It's a mix between the two.  I started making these about 15 years ago.  I loved a store at our local mall called Original Cookie (who since has been taken over by Mrs. Field's).  They had these little delectable cookies filled with frosting.  Every time I would go the mall, I would buy one.  The only thing was, they were super expensive.

This began my quest to making my own version.  After several attempts, I came up with the process.  It's not hard, but does involve a few steps.  Also, I discovered using Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough does work best.  Homemade doughs tend to be too soft, and wind up burning the edges before the center gets cooked. 

I thought these would be perfect to make for 4th of July.  They travel well to parties and picnics, and are always a crowd pleaser. Decorate them with festive sprinkles and you are guaranteed to be a hit.

Enjoy!

Click here for recipe.
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Cupcake Spotlight (March 2011)

When I think of St. Patrick's Day, I don't think of green beer and corn beef cabbage.  I think of leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold.  This months feature is inspired by the wonderful images of rainbows.  Now I can't claim to have invented this technique, but I can show you how it's done.

I was cruising around the Internet and saw a patriotic cake done in red, white and blue.  It had a wonderful layered effect and I thought I could just change up the colors for a rainbow.  Then I simply made them into cupcakes instead of a big cake.  I also used a large cupcake pan, which is equivalent to about two regular size cupcakes. 

This technique is very simple and can be adapted to any color scheme.  For example, pink, purple and white for a princess party.  Let the creative juices flow and have fun with it.

 
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December Cupcake Spotlight (Black Forest Cupcakes)

December is here.  The holidays are among us.  I wanted this month's cake to have a festive feel and give a great presence.  I always think of Black Forest Cake as being something special, so why not do a cupcake???

I have had many requests for cupcakes using cake mixes.  I can understand people wanting the ease of a mix, especially near the holidays.  However, you can make this cupcake with your favorite scratch chocolate cake, just add the cherry flavoring to the recipe.

Now traditionally, Black Forest Cake has a cherry flavored liqueur.  I have substituted it with maraschino cherry juice instead.  I did that for one simple reason. I wanted to make a universal cupcake that would respect everyone's lifestyle choices.  That being said, if you rather use cherry liqueur, go ahead, I will never know.

This cupcake is so simple to make, and definitely has a great presentation. You can make it like I have with the red cherries, or be really creative and look for the green or blue maraschino cherries.  Be your own little cake designer and enjoy this month's special cake :o) 
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