Cupcakes & Flowers

On my recent trip to Washington, DC I visited a bakery called Sticky Fingers. It was nearly a life changing experience. I had looked at the cookbook on Amazon before, but after my visit I was sold and ordered it right away. I was actually a little bummed it was only sweets included in the book because their regular food was really good too. So far I have made the blueberry muffins which turned out pretty well, and now the classic vanilla cupcake with almond frosting.

The single cupcake above is on a wine glass turned upside down! Like its own mini pedestal. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In other news, the yard is in bloom! I think these flowers are so beautiful but they only last a few days. Look at all the petals packed into each one. We had a rain storm last night that sort of beat them down, but they are still gorgeous.

Minty Green St. Pat's Cupcakes

I whipped up these experimental minty green cupcakes last week to bring to one of my classes when I was in charge of snack (yes, even in Ph.D. school we value snack - maybe more than ever). I appreciate holiday themed snacks - one day last semester the woman in charge of snack brought all orange foods for Halloween. I was impressed. It reminded me of my pink themed high school graduation party where all the food was pink (even a pink-white chocolate fountain) and all my guests were asked to wear pink. Over the top? Yes. Fun? At least for me it was!

I decided I wanted to make cupcakes for snack and I had white cake mix I figured I'd dye green. After reading about how to make your own shamrock shakes at home here, I thought a little minty taste might be good in my cupcakes too. I had no idea how it would turn out and was just crossing my fingers it wouldn't be horrible. I added just a dribble of peppermint extract to the cake mix and it turned out pretty great if I do say so myself. Just a little St. Patty's day kick. I swirled the green food coloring into the cake mix and went full green with the frosting. To swirl I just added the food coloring last and only mixed it a few more times, then poured the batter into the cupcake papers.

I used a piping bag and tip for the frosting - and tried to get a little creative by drawing on a couple shamrocks. The frosting is super easy to make too - 1 stick of butter, 1/2 cup crisco, 4 cups of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Plus 5 or 6 drops of green food coloring. This recipe makes more than enough for one cake or 24 cupcakes. I always end up throwing out the extra (which is better than saving it like I used to and eating it before bed every night:-)).

I hope you all have a happy St. Patty's day tomorrow! My husband and I will be celebrating by watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and donning our Paddy's Pub shirts.