Sugar Cookie Cutouts

Today I finished baking 4 dozen sugar cookies.  I know you are thinking that isn't  a whole lot of cookies.  Normally I would agree with you since when I just bake for fun that is what do on average but, not this time.  This time they were cut-out sugar cookies.  Still not usually a big deal with all the types of cookie cutters out there.  And again I would usually agree, but I was not able to get a cutter in time for what I needed.  But, thanks to a fellow baker and friend, I was told what I could do.  She suggested just making a plastic template and then using a knife to cut them out.  The process took some time, but I like to think the results turned out rather well.  You tell me.....

Sugar Cookie cut into the shape of a Fleur de Lis.  Sprinkled with yellow and blue sugar crystals.

These were made for a beginning of the year Boy Scout meeting that takes place tomorrow.  I will let you know what everyone thought.

Thanks again, I Heart Sprinkles, for helping me with my cookies cutter dilemma.

I have more cookies and cupcakes to make for this upcoming weekend.  But, I will tell you about them later.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!

Microphone Cupcakes

Over the last few weeks I have been seeing an increase of people finding my blog because of the microphone cupcakes I made.  Most of the people searching were looking for how to make them, so I was thinking I would make a quick post on how I actually made them.

Some of you may remember back in January I made microphone cupcakes for a 5 years old Justin Bieber themed birthday party.  Even though they were used for a children's party they could really be used for any music themed party.

Here is what I did:
     First, use your favorite cake (it can be from a box,I promise I won't tell) and just follow in the directions to make cupcakes.
     Second, you can make your own frosting or use one from the can.  Which ever you use might I suggest that you do not use a whipped frosting because you need a frosting that will harden a bit to hold the sprinkles on.  If you make you own, you of course can tinted it any color you want.  If you use the frosting from a can you have two options.  One, if you plan on using chocolate sprinkles and don't want to tint the frosting, you can use plain chocolate frosting.  But, if you are a little adventurous and want some color then use vanilla frosting and tint it any color you want.
     After the cupcakes cool, it is time for assembly.  This is where I learned a bit from trial and error.  So, hopefully by me telling you my mistakes it will help you not make them.  My biggest issue was finding a way to store and transport them.  Lucky for me I have a husband who is handy with wood and he made me a wooden box type thing to help me carry the cupcakes.  Hopefully, you won't be needing to take them anywhere and don't need anything like that.  So, if you just need to store them until party time, might I suggest cutting holes in a cake board, picture what vendors use to carry around the cotton candy at places.
     Ok, for the actually assembly of the microphones, I use plain old sugar wafer ice cream cones.  I happened to use the multi-colored ones, but of course you can use just the plain ones.  First thing I did was put some M & Ms in the bottom of each cone.  This helps with the balance of the cone since the finished product will be top-heavy.  You could use whatever candy you like.  I think it also gives an extra little treat.
     First, you need to put a little frosting on the inside of the cone to help hold the cupcake in place.  Place the cupcake in the cone and then finish frosting.  You want to make sure the cupcake is covered, but not too much.  After they are frosted, I just poured the sprinkles over the cone letting the sprinkles just stick to the frosting.  I happened to do each cone from beginning to end, you may choose to do it like an assembly line that is completely up to you.

    In the end your result should resemble this:

I hope this helps some of you out there in making your own microphone cupcakes.

Until next time...... Happy Baking!

New Idea

With not having any baking projects to do this week, I have had a lot of time to brainstorm. I had gotten this idea a little while ago when I was thinking of a way to send a friend his favorite dessert, a red velvet cake. Of course, the easiest would be to go there and just make it, but doubt people would want to pay the price to fly me there just to bake a cake. So, thr first thing I thought was it would be easier to sent cupcakes instead of a whole cake. My next problem was the frosting. To me the frosting is just as important as the cake. I would like it to be just as pretty when they get as it was sitting in my kitchen. But, anyone who has shipped anything, there are no guarantees. My initial solution was to use a stiffer frosting, one the would get hard but still be ok to eat. I still didn't like that idea. I have received too many complements on my frosting to change it. I didn't actively think about it for a few weeks, but it was always in the back of my mind. Then just the other night, I was talking with my husband about what I needed to do this weekend and he mentioned cupcakes. He then asked if I had thought of shipping them. I told him I had, but had my concerns. Then we both almost came up with the same idea of Create Your Own Cupcakes.

The idea is simple. You choose everything that you want from the kind of cake to the toppings. You would have the same variety in the cakes and frosting as you would if you were a local order. The topping could be seasonal or just everyday things. I would bake the cupcakes and make the frosting. All the items would be shipped together, but separate. After you received the package all you would need to do it decorate how you want. I know you mightbe thinking, "What is the point?". The point would be several things. You may not have the time to do everything, but the the time to decorate. Or it could be a family fun thing. Or it could event be a thing to do with a group if kids as a fun art project. I think the list could go on. Please tell me I am not crazy.

Until next time....... Happy Baking!