This is a fabulous idea! Bake some cupcakes and set out several types of frosting choices. Now for the fun part...gather a bunch of exciting and pretty (of course they have to be pretty!) toppers and set on a pretty table in pretty little bowls. Invite guests over to indulge themselves and enjoy something exciting and new.
enjoy,aa
Originally, “cup cakes” got their name somewhere around the late 19th century because their ingredients began to be measured in cups rather than on a scale. This new method was much simpler, and soon led to the practice of baking small individual cakes in cute little containers — including ramekins and tea cups. (How adorable is that!!!)
Around that time, muffin tins began to appear and bakers soon realized that they could use the pans for more than just muffins. Soon, the cupcake that we know today- was born.
SWEETEN YOUR DAY WITH YOUR VERY OWN-CUPCAKE!-enjoy,aa
OOOOH MY! That irresistable smell of homemade butter cream frosting...it smells simply amazing! Go ahead, I dare you to whip up a batch of it and NOT take a taste. (what is a tiny taste gonna do?) When you take a look at what’s in it you see why it smells and tastes so darn good. Butter Cream frosting is not only simple to make, but extremely versitile. The main ingredients in butter cream are: the lovely butter and what else?-sugar!
There are some variations of butter cream that have less butter. One will be able to tell by the color of the frosting. For instance, the butter creams that are loaded with butter are a creamy yellow. The butter creams that call for more shortening than butter are usually more white...these types of butter cream frostings hold up much better in the heat. Butter creams can take on just about any color or flavor depending on what you add to it. (almond, vanilla, lemon, cocoa....endless in versitility!)
Here is a simple starter recipe form cooks.com. Go on give it a try, you can smell it already!
BUTTER CREAM FROSTING
1 lb. Domino xxx sugar
1/4 lb. soft butter (1/2 c.)
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp. vanilla
3-4 tbsp. milk
Cream 1/3 of sugar with butter and salt in large bowl. Blend extract, 2 tablespoons milk and remaining milk into frosting until desired spreading consistency is reached.
enjoy,aa
WOWIE! Look at this cupcake!
this 1,124 pound triple vanilla (is that all?) cupcake in pretty pink frosting just won the Guinness Book of World Record for the largest cupcake in the world! Wonder who got to eat this yummy thing...better yet, wonder HOW MANY people got to eat it! Who could resist a bite? certainly not me!
enjoy-aa
| by Amanda Ashley | ||
| With back to school fast approaching or already here, your kids may want a creative outlet. An easy and fun way to enjoy some time with friends is by baking cupcakes together! Let your kids decide what type they want to bake, and let em at it! When they are able to do something on their own they feel a sense of accomplishment. Why not invite a friend over this weekend or even after school and let them express their creativity? These girls ran with it -and got super-duper creative! They had fun raiding the pantry for fun fillings and toppers. Let them take pride in their very own cupcake creations. It is a simple way to have some fun and a yummy treat that you can enjoy too! enjoy, aa Create some yummy fun with friends like Ireland and Alaina !  | ||
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| by Amanda Ashley |
| Is a cute little Sailor on his way into your life? These cupcake toppers are perfect for a baby boy shower…I came across them at etsy.com. If your not much of a baker yourself…try them on top of Fluffy Vanilla Bean cupcakes-found at lovencupcakes.com. Simple, classic, cute, and SWEET!  |
enjoy, aa |
| by Amanda Ashley |
| So, maybe she doesn't know it yet, but you are celebrating and anticipating her arrival! Celebrate her party with cupcakes personalized just for her and her precious name. These cupcake picks from etsy.com are so sweet…almost as sweet as a cute cupcake.  | ||
enjoy, aa! |
| by Amanda Ashley |
| Eating a cupcakes can make you feel young again...even if for a moment. Remember when the simplest things made you happy? Think back-waaaay back. YES! Remember the thrill of riding your bike on a cool summer evening, or coming in to hot cocoa after an afternoon of playing in the snow. These were some of the simple pleasures many of us enjoyed. Even if you don’t immediately recall any particularly ‘nostalgic’ memories, we can certainly all appreciate the child’s ability to find the joy in tiniest little experience live brings their way. Today is your BIG KID chance to find the thrill in something simple and joyful. Don’t just go eat a cupcake, go DEVOUR a cupcake! Ok...maybe your at work, and feel embarrased to eat a cupcake in front of your colleagues that way...close the door! DEVOUR, ENJOY, AND BE HAPPY   (just be sure to clean off your face;-) If you don’t have access to a cupcake nearby, why not stop by the market on your way home to pick up boxed cake mix and frosting. Go home, turn on some fun music, pour a glass of wine and have fun baking your own! DVR your fave show and then when they are baked to perfection (MMMMM-I can smell them now!) - sit down and enjoy a simple and sweet evening. At LNC it is one of our missions to reignite your passion for our favorite dessert-CUPCAKES, and the simple pleasures life has waiting for us. enjoy, aa | ||
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| by Amanda Ashley |
| LOVE the frosting? Ever wondered how to get your frosting to look like the bakeries do? There are many different tips on the market, and each one turns out a totally different look. This photo is taken from bakeitpretty.com and shows us perfectly how to get the look tips anywhere from your local market, to a craft store and even online. Just choose your favorite frosting- assemble your choice of tip, fill the pastry bag up...and frost away! I love each frosting look for a different reason. Some of these cupcakes remind me of the ones we used to buy at the grocery store when I was a kid. Others, are just plain simple to execute which is a good idea for beginners. If I am frosting a cupcake that is super sweet, and using super sweet frosting...I adjust the tip- and therefore, the amount of frosting that goes on top. This is important to think about so that it has the perfect portion of cake verses icing. You have got to have the right amount of each for the perfect cupcake eating experience! ....Who knew there was so much thought that goes into frosting a cupcake?!  Thank you to : bakeitpretty.com for such a great visual on how perfectly frosted cupcakes are done! enjoy, aa |
| by Amanda Ashley |
| With cupcakes being served all over the world for all types of parties, the ideas are certainly abundant! Look at these cute little cupcake appetizer cocktail picks found at etsy.com. Don’t they look so euro!? They are perfect for a cupcake inspired cocktail party. Invite some friends over for lemon drop cupcakes and serve them with these cute picks. You can even personalize them by adding their names. I posted a recipe below for lemon drop cupcakes I found at www.cupcakeplumpbalm.com/lemonrecipe You can also order yummy filled lemon cupcakes at my website-lovencupcakes.com-these are topped in sanding sugar reminiscent of the sugar rim on a lemon drop martini. How HAPPY!-if this isn’t a pick-me-up....nothing is!  Lemon Drop Cupcakes INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 cups sour cream FROSTING: 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened 2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel 1 tablespoon milk DIRECTIONS: 1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon peel and vanilla; mix well. 2. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). 3. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups with 1/4 cup of batter. 4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. 5. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. 6. For frosting, cream butter and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Add lemon juice, vanilla, lemon peel and milk; beat until smooth. Frost cupcakes. enjoy, aa | ||
| Because they’re so darn cute! Not to mention scrumptious. In fact, so popular is the cupcake that small artisan cupcake bakeries, creating amazing gourmet cupcakes have begun to pop up across America. If not already one in your neighborhood, one is soon to be coming... ?  A recent article in the New York Times asked “Will Cupcakes Be the Next Krispy Kreme?” Ever been tempted by that HOT sign –especially on a cold, grey day?!! Cupcakes have a similar appeal...who isnt tempted by an adorable, yummy, personal little cake of their own. They not only satisfy any sweet tooth out there with the endless flavors, and varieties, but equally as important in their appeal -is the way they make us feel. Going back to the 1950’s when Hostess Cupcakes became a mainstay in American homes cupcakes began to win hearts nationwide. Their journey into families all over the world has continued to our day. The cupcakes our parents had when they were young, they made for us, today....we make them for our families, and so goes the story of the cupcake. The nostalgia of the way we enjoyed cupcakes when we were young is now something that we can easily repeat for our friends and family. As life becomes ever more busy, anyone can take a moment to enjoy a sweet cupcake....like Americans have been doing for decades. Cupcake bakeries may be popping up for plenty of good reasons, and I believe-they are here to stay.... be are here to stay. enjoy aa |
| Since it is a proven fact that cupcakes make people happy…. why not invite some friends over for a midweek impromptu cupcake happy hour…serve a lemon cupcake to them in a sugar rimmed martini glass accompanied by a cute cocktail napkin. This idea is fresh, fun, simple, sweet.  enjoy aa | ||
| by Amanda Ashley |
Rules to eating a cupcake? THERE ARE NONE! Its funny what some of us do when presented with a cupcake. There are those who pick up a fork and delicately eat it, enjoying each little flavor, and texture right down to the last little crumb.  Then, there are others (like this true gentleman) who prefer to enjoy it in an entirely different way! If you ask me, id say he looks like he is quite enjoying that cupcake. Whether, you are the ‘fork it type’, or the ‘devour it type’ just remember one thing...enjoy it, its YOURS!  enjoy, aa |
| by Amanda Ashley |
| But how...you might ask? It is easy as pie-or cupcakes! Here’s how... YOU can make individual boxed cupcakes for your party favors or purchase them from cupcake bakeries around America. Check out these cute boxes that I found at www.favorfrenzy.com they also have cute ones at wilton.com. The ones by wilton have windows, but I prefer the suspense of not knowing what’s inside. Besides, when you get a cute little box- you are already thrilled! (THINK... TIFFANY AND CO.!) Your guest will be even more elated when they open it up to a precious cupcake as a secondary surprise! You can purchase cupcakes from a local baker, (lovencupcakes.com) or make your own cupcakes and serve them in their very own personally decorated boxes. Tie them up with pretty ribbon and a sweet little card. It is a cute way to personalize your next event.  Remember that cupcakes make people HAPPY, and are a sure party pleaser. enjoy, aa | ||
| The debated question...which one do you LOVE more? Are you a cake person...or perhaps a frosting hog?! Cake is certainly a formidable contender. When perfectly baked it is spongy, sweet, and perfectly moist. However, any cupcake lover will have to agree that frosting is a great contestant as well- velvety smooth, fluffy, sweet, and creamy! Which is your favorite? - Well, I promote equal opportunity for all!!! In fact, I like to take the cupcake experience to the level of near perfection by adding a filling to the competition! Mmmmm-mmmm!!! This way each bite delivers the perfect combination of cake, creamy filling, and fluffy frosting. No one said you cant have it all...that’s why cupcakes are perfect, they do have it all. So put cupcakes on your list of things TO DO today, but just remember-don’t discriminate. Not everything in life is a competition! enjoy, aa This Light Lemon delight cupcake has it all!  |
| by Amanda Ashley |
| For those who have not been to a wedding recently...cupcakes ARE are the new wedding cake. It is such a simple and elegant way to serve wedding cake and double as an individual gift to all of your guests. With all of the beautiful ideas, the possibilities are endless. Brides love them because they can ‘design’ their own signature cupcake to go with the theme of their dream day. Guests love them because they get their own personal beautiful, yummy baby cake!-what’s not to love about that? Even if you don’t like sweets, or cake for that matter, you are certain to be happy to bring it home and share it with someone who does! Here is a photo taken of a cupcake the bride actually made herself at a wedding my sister just attended. This one has a tulip style muffin paper, and a gum paste dogwood flower both of which they were able to purchase locally. It is actually quite simple, and fun if you like to bake. For the less ambitious baker, LNC has a beautiful CHAMPAGNE WEDDING CUPCAKE. This one has been specifically designed with wedding cake lovers in mind. Whether your getting married and want to order custom cupcake toppers to individualize it for your wedding, or just want to have this delicious cupcake for your next affair, it is perfectly moist and the champagne custard center is DIVINE! Check it out. If you are headed down the aisle, just remember- this is your day...make it as special, and enjoy!   LNC CHAMPAGNE WEDDING CAKE is especially designed for your perfect day! Let us adorn it just for you… choose your custom cupcake topper- and you have your very own precious wedding cupcake memory. |
| Not many would disagree, life is so busy these days and many are taking a journey back to the basics...on a quest for simple pleasures. What I have found is that -while they may vary from person to person, they don’t cost much if anything at all. They may be anything from a smile that someone shares unexpectedly with you, to the smell of something good in the oven. The funny thing is that those simple pleasures waiting to be re-discovered have never left...once you make an effort to look for them you will see that they are everywhere, waiting to be enjoyed.  Love ‘n Cupcakes is inspired by this very notion...enjoy something perfectly simple. The funny thing is....cupcakes have been around for a very long time! The only difference is that now people are taking the time to notice them. Whether you buy cupcakes, or make them for yourselves, enjoy the simple pleasure that they can bring you. Take a moment to -smell the cupcakes!enjoy, aa |
| by Amanda Ashley |
If you’re not in the mood to bake…try LNC’s homemade hoho cupcake accompanied by gramcracker squares and you’ll not only repeat your childhood memory, but also create new memories with friends and family…it is a simple pleasure that can bring a smile to young and old alike.  See what we found below from bettycrocker.com for your try at this cupcake idea…. Cupcakes 1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 4 bars (1.55 oz each) milk chocolate candy, finely chopped Frosting 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened 2 cups powdered sugar 1 to 2 teaspoons milk 1 bar (1.55 oz) milk chocolate candy, if desired Bake 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. Remove and discard lid and foil seal from jar of marshmallow creme. To soften marshmallow creme for easy removal from jar, microwave on High 15 to 20 seconds. In large bowl, beat marshmallow creme, butter and powdered sugar on low speed until blended. Beat in enough milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, to make frosting spreadable. Spread over tops of cupcakes. Divide chocolate bar into rectangles. Cut each rectangle diagonally in half and place on top of each cupcake. Top each cupcake with bear-shaped cracker. After frosting has set, store loosely covered at room temperature. 1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Fold in graham cracker crumbs and chopped chocolate bars. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. 2. Bake 18 to 23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes. 3. Remove and discard lid and foil seal from jar of marshmallow creme. To soften marshmallow creme for easy removal from jar, microwave on High 15 to 20 seconds. In large bowl, beat marshmallow creme, butter and powdered sugar on low speed until blended. Beat in enough milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, to make frosting spreadable. Spread over tops of cupcakes. Divide chocolate bar into rectangles. Cut each rectangle diagonally in half and place on top of each cupcake. Top each cupcake with bear-shaped cracker. After frosting has set, store loosely covered at room temperature. High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Make 30 cupcakes. Bake 21 to 26 minutes. |
| by Amanda Ashley |
| Yikes! Remember those ‘headed back to school’ feelings? You were either faint out of fear, or happy to be headed back after a “long and boring summer.” Well kids throughout America are bracing for the new school year to begin. Why not surprise your precious little one (or even precious big kid) with a cute, easy after school snack. It is as simple as taking their favorite candy bar as inspiration. From m&m’s to Snickers...decide which one they love and bake them their very own personal candy bar cupcake! The recipe below comes from myrecipes.com and seems fairly easy. If you want, you may even choose to purchase boxed cake and embellish the tops with prepared icing and diced candy pieces instead. Either way, they are sure to gobble them up and love you for thinking of them! They work hard... I would say the kids deserve it-how about you? enjoy. aa Heavenly candy bar cupcakes:  Ingredients 9 fun-size or 21 mini chocolate-coated caramel and creamy nougat bars 1/2 cup butter or margarine 2 cups sugar 1 cup shortening 3 large eggs 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups buttermilk 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Chocolate-Marshmallow Frosting Garnishes: chopped frozen fun-size chocolate-coated caramel and creamy nougat bars, candy corn Preparation Melt candy bars and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring until smooth. Set aside. Beat sugar and shortening at medium speed with an electric mixer about 3 minutes or until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Combine flour and salt. Stir together buttermilk and baking soda. Gradually add flour mixture to sugar mixture, alternately with buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Stir in melted candy bar mixture and vanilla. Place 36 paper baking cups in muffin pans; spoon batter evenly into paper baking cups, filling two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from pan, and let cool completely on wire racks. Spread cupcakes evenly with Chocolate-Marshmallow Frosting. Garnish, if desired. Note: For testing purposes only, we used Milky Way Bars. Heavenly Candy Bar Cake: Spoon batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until a wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pans on a wire rack 10 minutes; remove cakes from pans, and let cool completely on wire rack. Spread half of Chocolate- Marshmallow Frosting evenly between cake layers. Spread remaining frosting evenly over top and sides of cake. Garnish, if desired. Makes 12 servings. Prep: 15 min., Cook: 5 min., Bake: 30 min | ||
| by Amanda Ashley |
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| Cupcakes are the perfectly sweet ending to a romantic dinner- they are beautiful, yummy, and can be shared together. You can surprise someone that you love with a cupcake dessert and display it beautifully –especially for them  This is a sweet way to serve one up! You can also try my delicious and beautiful Southern Belle Red Velvet cupcake that has sweetheart confetti on top!  Display it on an individual cake plate especially for them and serve with red rose petals at candle light. If you are in love with a CHOC-O-HOLIC...try the raspberry truffle cupcake, and indulge together!  enjoy, aa |
| by Amanda Ashley |
| Cupcakes are cheerful, and can be personalized to fit your loved ones and their personalities. The possibilities are absolutely endless! DID YOU KNOW!???-These days you can send cupcakes to anyone, anywhere! If you don’t have the time to bake em yourself, cupcake bakeries throughout America are now shipping cupcakes nationwide. These cuties pictured are from Tea Cake Bake Shop... wouldn’t you LOVE to get this cute little surprise in the mail?! You can also check out my cupcakes at lovencupcakes.com-we ship our adorable (if I don’t say so myself:) filled gourmet cupcakes nationwide as well. If you are a new baker and want to give baking cupcakes a try, I suggest by starting with boxed cupcakes and embellishing them....semi-homemade. Nothing wrong with that! -gotta start somewhere-right? This is a family favorite cupcake recipe I started with way back when....it is easy, and tastes super duper moist!  Moms easy beginners cupcake recipe 1 box yellow cake mix 1box (6oz) chocolate instant pudding 1 cup veg. oil 4 eggs 3/4 cup water generous amount of chocolate chips add that homemade look, texture, and taste...Mmmmm Prepare batter and fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. This will bake the cupcakes a little over the tops of the liners for a larger cupcake that looks really good. Bake 350 for approx 20 min. -depending on your oven. semi-homemade icing recipe vanilla frosting purchased from local grocer 1 cup of cool whip 1 tsp. vanilla extract With an electric mixer whip together vanilla frosting a cup of cool whip, and vanilla. This is a great short cut for fluffy and yummy frosting...decorate to you loved ones personality and voila! Either which way you choose to do it....share cupcakes with someone you love-they make people HAPPY. enjoy, aa |
