Shark and Beach. Cupcakes are a perfect dessert to bring to the beach -- they keep well and you don't need any silverware.
Turn a plain old beach day into an event with these fun cupcakes. Happy times with kids call for cheerful cupcakes. Easier to serve than cake, cupcakes require no slicing, no plates, and no forks -- and every child gets her fair share of icing. The designs on this page start as Chocolate Cupcakes or Vanilla Cupcakes -- it doesn't matter which one as the icing does a real good job with coverage.
Speaking of icing, with these cupcakes, we use Swiss Meringue Buttercream -- perfect for spreading in thin layers or sculpting into thick mounds (and licking from the bowl). The cupcakes can be baked a week ahead and frozen, but decorate them no more than a day before serving. Butterfly. Happy times with kids call for cheerful cupcakes.
Easier to serve than cake, cupcakes require no slicing, no plates, and no forks -- and every child gets her fair share of icing. These sweet treats start as Chocolate Cupcakes or Vanilla Cupcakes iced with Swiss Meringue Buttercream -- perfect for spreading in thin layers or sculpting into thick mounds (and licking from the bowl). The cupcakes can be baked a week ahead and frozen, but decorate them no more than a day before serving. Set up an assembly line, and put kids in charge of affixing candy eyes, gumdrop cheeks, and other trimmings. Pack the cupcakes in a shallow plastic container, and stuff crumpled waxed paper in between. Butterfly Cupcake How-ToCome April, pretzel-winged butterflies take flight; their bodies -- piped dots of blue buttercream -- end in candy-coated- chocolate heads and licorice antennae.
Strawberry. Lollipop Flower. Happy times with kids call for cheerful cupcakes.
Easier to serve than cake, cupcakes require no slicing, no plates, and no forks -- and every child gets her fair share of icing. The designs on this page start as Chocolate Cupcakes or Vanilla Cupcakes iced with Swiss Meringue Buttercream -- perfect for spreading in thin layers or sculpting into thick mounds (and licking from the bowl). The cupcakes can be baked a week ahead and frozen, but decorate them no more than a day before serving. Set up an assembly line, and put kids in charge of affixing candy eyes, gumdrop cheeks, and other trimmings. Pack the cupcakes in a shallow plastic container, and stuff crumpled waxed paper in between. Lollipop Flower How-ToIn May, the lollipops are in bloom. Frosted Choc.-Buttermilk. Dutch-process cocoa powder has a more mellow flavor and darker color than regular cocoa powder; it is available at baking-supply stores and many supermarkets. Everyday Food, January/February 2005 20 minutes 1 hour Makes 12 Add to Shopping List Ingredients 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled) 3/4 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-process 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 6 tablespoons buttermilk 1 large egg 1 large egg white Light Cream-Cheese Icing Candy decorations (optional) Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
With an electric mixer, combine cocoa and 3 tablespoons hot water until a thick paste forms (this process intensifies the chocolate flavor). Scoop (or spoon) batter into prepared tin(s). Use an offset spatula or butter knife to spread icing over tops. Cook's Note To divide evenly, use an ice-cream scoop to ladle the batter into the muffin cups. Handwritten Valentine with Choc. Glaze. Candy Bow Tie.