I needed to come up with an idea or a holiday cupcake & really didn't have much time to think about it. These cupcakes were part of an order for my son who needed to bring them to work. I'm not really sure I understood the entire concept but instead of the managers of each department giving gifts to the staff, they decided that each floor manager should bring in 2 desserts, enough for 60 people. He also added that this was a competition and yes, everyone knew he would cheat by asking me. I would have done it anyway as this is a wonderful rehab facility (Kessler Institute) and the staff is unbelievable. They are probably the most caring group I have ever met. He also mentioned the word competition. I swear I am not that competitive but when it comes to baking.....
My criteria - easy to eat, no slicing or cutting & festive. So I ended up with cupcakes! I'm sure you are not surprised. Red Velvet is still going strong at the store I bake for so that was my choice of cake. (see recipe for Red Velvet under postings) I wanted to have some type of Christmas taste to these so peppermint or a candy cane type of look sounded good to me. I started them late & everything was going great until I came to the peppermint. I had not a drop of red food coloring left. Very little hot water and red sugar crystals completely disolved gave me my color. The icing is vanilla (see previous posts for recipe) although you could substitute the mint extract for the vanilla but be careful as the mint is very strong. (always use Pure Extracts) I get mine from the health food store. I added mint to the red icing that I was going to swirl on top of each cupcake. It was just enough flavor for me. As I was not happy with the color of the red, due to the coloring problem, I dusted the tops with red sanding sugar. The result? I like the candy cane look and would deinitely do this again.
My 2nd dessert was Black & White Cookies and for a non chocolate lover, I made some with just vanilla icing and halved them with green and red suggar crystals. No pix, just too late at that point. This recipe is also listed.
Let me know what you think. Would love to hear from you.
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They look so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteNice finding you!
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I think I must be weird because I've never understood the pull of Red Velvet. Unless, I just don't get it. Most of the recipes I've looked at (I haven't seen yours yet) is just basically chocolate cake with a butt load of red food coloring. Maybe it would help if I were raised in the south. I know I'm TOTALLY in the minority here. I think the peppermint frosting is a creative twist to them, though. :0) I think the black and white cookies sound yummy!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a Merry Christmas!
Pam
P.S. That cupcake in your header looks divine!
looks great - nice to see you at Tea party Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and festive! Yummy, too :)
ReplyDeleteI got to admit, there are just certain things you're competitive for! :) You definitely won these! I love how the Peppermint swirled into roses!
ReplyDeleteOkay, I had to stop reading through you blog! I mouth was watering way too much. Thanks for stopping by The Bewitchin' Kitchen. I'm your newest follower.
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