Monday, March 28, 2011

Bake Sale Cupcakes - Part 2



On March 20th we held our 2nd IHSA horse show of the season and therefore our 2nd Alumni bake sale. This bake sale raked in $80! We had brownies, cookies, cupcakes and set up in the perfect spot right outside the ring. I’d be craving to make Rocky Road and Thin Mint cupcakes for a while, and this was the perfect occasion to test my recipes. As with everything, they’re pretty easy because of my short cuts. Both started with a base of chocolate box cake.

Rocky Road Bake Chocolate Box cake as directed. Once cool, fill a piping bag with marshmallow fluff. Push icing tip into the center of cupcakes and fill with fluff. Next top with Dark Chocolate Icing (recipe below – mind blowingly amazing). Then garnish with mini marshmallows and crushed peanuts. These sold out so quick, I didn’t even have a leftover to buy to bring home to my husband.

Thin Mint Prepare chocolate box cake mix as directed. Fill each cupcake ¼ way, place an Andes mint in each cup and then top with more cake batter. Bake as directed. Once cooled, prepare Mint Buttercream – recipe from Tracey’s Culinary Adventures . I modified a bit because I thought it was too minty for my taste and it turned out terrific. Lastly, I topped the cupcake with a thin mint cookie.


Mint Buttercream

2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted - I doubled this to 4 cups 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature - I doubled this to a full stick 3 tablespoons heavy cream

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon mint extract 1/2 teaspoon saltgreen gel food coloring (optional)


In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the confectioners' sugar and butter (first on low and then increasing the speed to medium) until evenly distributed and crumbly, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cream, extracts, and salt and beat on high speed until light, fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. If you want green buttercream, beat in a little bit of food coloring at a time until you achieve your desired color.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Happy 40th Starbucks


Anyone who knows me, knows I am a sucker for free stuff. Starbucks is celebrating its 40 years in business and I'm helping them celebrate too! With any drink purchase between 2-5pm you get a free petite - they're new bakery items under 200 calories.


The promotion is March 10, 11, and 12th. On the 10th, I tried the red velvet whoopie pies. Eh, a bit dry and not enough cream cheesy taste. Today I tried the rocky road cupcake pop. It was a perfect three small bites of moist cupcake covered in chocolate with marshmallows. There is still one more day to celebrate!!!! Enjoy!
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