GINGERBREAD HEAVEN

Oh my goodness, these are heavenly!! I'm putting together a quick blog on how to make them, please be patient while I recover from a baking frenzy.

 Check back for recipe and photos. You won't want to miss these beauties. Gingerbread cupcakes, with cinnamon cream cheese icing and a hint of orange zest. (gasp) SOOOOOO good.

Rainbow Cupcakes! SO EASY.

ahem..(cue Kermit the Frog singing Rainbow Connection ) "why are there so many songs about rainbows?"... Because they are AWESOME, that's why!

And even better on a cupcake! Here's a really fun cupcake to try, the next time creativity hits you. It is not my original idea, but the photo you see here IS of the ones we made.

Wilton 307-826 Cupcakes 'n More 23-Count 4-Tier Metal Dessert Stand

My daughter and I wanted to make cupcakes for the snack table, following her upcoming Summer Orchestra Camp concert.   We saw these on Pinterest (of course!) and thought they would be perfect, because one of the songs they were playing was, "Rainbow Connection".

Blue cupcake liners were a must, and so perfect. We made yellow cupcakes with a mix, and stirred in colored sprinkles to the batter before baking to make a fun confetti looking surprise on the inside. Sky blue icing was swirled on top and the rainbows.., well, they were my best -find- of- the -day -ever. They are from a package of Air Heads Extremes candies in the Rainbow Berry Sour Candy flavor. (not my top choice, but they LOOK adorable!) Each candy strip was cut into 3 rainbows. To secure the ends of the rainbows in a 3-D shape, my daughter piped fluffy white buttercream icing, with a #12 tip for "clouds".

Jessie Steele Cupcakes Apron

Needless to say, they were a BIG hit ! I bought extra packages of the candy, because I know I'll be making these again. Using pre-made things like candies, to decorate, makes for some DIY -friendly results. And what better way to display your cupcakes than on an awesome cupcake stand. They take up less table space and make for more cupcake drama for sure!

Hello, Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make

I hope you'll try these, so fun and so easy. Check out my DIY Wedding Cake for Under $50, book. http://diyweddingcakeunder50.com 

making your life sweeter,

Liz
The Party Hostess Diva
http://facebook.com/partyhostessdiva

http://youtu.be/pC2nePyCcl4

Steps To The Perfect Cupcake

A cupcake is a pretty standard thing to bake, but here are some tips to end up with a professional looking treat, taking your reviews from "oh, that must be home made, to "wow, did they come from a bakery?"



First, a cupcake liner is a must, there are SO many fun options out there. You can check out your local craft store, and on eBay, you can buy custom colors in bulk, for a special event. I found these awesome zebra/hot pink ones at the grocery store. Don't use the pastel thin ones that sometimes end up greasy and sheer, a heavier paper is a must. And with many you can even go without a standard muffin/cupcake tin.


Cupcake Creations 32 Standard Cups: Pink Zebra

Next, I recommend using a mechanical scoop to neatly measure the batter into each liner. I have all 3 sizes in stainless steel by Pampered Chef. They take prime real estate in my bakery gadget drawer.
If you fill the papers only half full, they will rise to the top of the paper and you have plenty of space for plenty of icing, and who doesn't love icing! 

Wilton 2104-7778 Master Tip Set

For a uniform professional looking swirl with your icing, I recommend the #1 M Open Star tip by Wilton. I like to use a coupler in the decorating bag for stability and the convenience of switching to a different tip with the same bag/color.

If you decide to add sprinkles or sugar, it is best to sprinkle on when icing is moist, before it sets, otherwise they won't stick. Ice several, then sprinkle, then move on to the next ones and repeat. Sprinkle over a bowl and you can reuse the ones that fall off. No waste. Less is more when it comes to sprinkles and sugar, you're looking for an accent of color.

I save the sturdy plastic trays that party platters come on, as seen above, (including the domed lid) Wash in hot sudsy water, remove or cover the sticker, and you have a perfect presentation container for your next bake sale or away from home casual party. No need to worry about leaving your favorite container or plate. 

And of course, always always always make your frosting from scratch. Leave the tub-o-plastic icing at the grocery store. Wilton's, Buttercream is a no-fail favorite. Whip until light and fluffy and smooth preferably with a quality stand mixer. (see my post on my 20+ yr. faithful companion) and finally, NEVER, use margarine...or spreadable plastic as I like to say, ALWAYS use real butter!

Cupcakes 'N More Dessert Stand-Holds 23 Cupcakes 1

 Experiment with flavors, a touch of vanilla and a hint of almond is a nice combination. Substitute orange juice for the  cream or milk and you have a delightful citrus icing. (garnish with orange zest?) Or how about peppermint extract , a drop or two of red food color to make a pale pink icing and top with crushed candy canes, on a chocolate cupcake..divine! 

If you'd like to see more cupcake and cake ideas, check out my facebook page, Party Hostess Diva. I'm also on Pinterest, as Elizabeth Corbett. 

making your life a little sweeter,

Liz

see my latest project at this link:
http://youtu.be/pC2nePyCcl4



Happy Baking !!

High Heeled Diva Cupcakes! Zebra Purse!

What better way to celebrate a monumental birthday for a classy lady, than to create high heeled shoes in red and black/zebra! Believe it or not, they are CUPCAKES, from the book, "Cupcakes, cookies and Pie, oh, my!" Click here to get your own copy at Amazon (aff)  at a great price! ( Cupcakes, Cookies and Pie, Oh, My! ) by Karen Tack  and Alan Richardson. I was surprised at house easy they were to construct and the results were SO cute and delicious!

The zebra purse cake was constructed in a very small amount of time, but completed nonetheless with the help of a fantastic new product by Wilton called Sugar Sheets. (the zebra design) Click here to get your own at Amazon (aff)  (Wilton Sugar Sheet, Zebra Print ) I've made zebra fondant by hand, but this you just press on to a moist cake...HELLO, how simple and TIME saving is that!

Gold decorator powder moistened with a drop of vodka (yes you read that right) turns into shimmery gold paint for the hardward on the cake, in this cake it's a designer "Norma" bag.(Happy Birthday, Norma!)

Had there been more time, I would have fixed a few details, but if you can't tell, then neither will I . :)

I highly recommend the cupcake book. Something for every occasion. Cupcakes are the new rage..and why not? No need to cut and serve and you're not making a commitment to decorating a huge cake. Just do as many as you like. Warning...you'll want to make a whole bunch!

I hope this has inspired you to consider at least the shoes for any Diva's in your life..all you need is to pick the shoe color, cupcake liners, colored sugars and details and off you go!

For an up close shot of the shoes, go to my Facebook page: Party Hostess Diva.

Making your life a little sweeter,

Liz
The Party Hostess Diva on Facebook
Elizabeth Corbett on Pinterest

http://youtu.be/pC2nePyCcl4



Happy Decorating!