Recipe Swap Cupcake Lovers

I run a small recipe swap on Flickr, Yummy Recipe Swap, and this was the recipe I recieved for Feburary's swap. It is a really great one for cupcakes. I love getting new recipes especially ones for desserts.

I decided to check out some cupcake variation ideas for decorating them once I make them and here are some of my results.

Recipe, Recipe, on the Wall, Whose the Fairest of them All?

I must mention fairy cakes here on my blog for the first time. Some recipe classics never go out of fashion and fairy cakes top the list! They are the stuff of childhood memories: just one nibble can transport you back in time and even today, no self-respecting children's birthday party should be without them.

That said, why should the kids have all the fun? With just a little tweaking, fairy cakes can be turned into grown-up fare as well, perfect for a mid-morning coffee break, tea in the afternoon or packed lunch treats.

The basic recipe is oh-so-simple so you can keep it plain or indulge yourself with extravagant toppings. Some die-hard purists may omit the vanilla extract, but I think fairy cakes are better with it. They are neither difficult nor elegant, but they are made specifically to attract the magical faries into a a childs world, or yours and mine. I love them and make them at all sorts of occasions even though my children are grown and out on their own. :)

I have included several recipes but the first one is your simple, basic one that is not only easy, but my favorite!! Enjoy...

Basic recipe for fairy cakes:

Makes 24 mini cakes or 12 larger ones.
For mini cakes you will need a 12 hole tartlet tin (these are 5cm at the rim and 1 1/2 cm deep) and you will need to use it twice. For larger cakes use a 12-hole bun tin (these are 6 1/2 cm at the rim and 2cm deep).

You can use the little paper cases according to the size tin you have. If not, butter the base and sides of the holes before filling with the mixture.

Ingredients:
4 1/2 oz softened butter
4 1/2 oz caster sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 1/2 oz self-raising flour
2 tbsp milk

• Preheat the oven to 375'
• Either butter the tin or place the paper cases in the holes (see above).
• In a mixing bowl beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. You can use an electric whisk or a wooden spoon.
• Add the beaten egg, a little at a time, whisking to mix
• beat in the vanilla
• Sift in half of the flour and fold into the mixture
• Add the milk and the rest of the flour and fold until well combined
• Spoon into the tin and bake for 12 minutes or until risen and golden on top
• Allow to cool for ten minutes on a rack before removing from the tin

Ideas for Toppings:

Lemon or Orange Glacé Icing with Cherries

4 oz icing sugar
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice
12 glacé cherries, cut in half (these work best when making the mini cakes)

• Mix the juice into the icing sugar
• stir until well blended
• Drizzle over the cakes when cooled
• Top with the cherries, cut side down, while the icing is still soft

Chocolate Ganache Glaze

5 1/2 oz good quality dark chocolate
5 fl oz double cream

• Break the chocolate into pieces and heat gently
• with the cream in a bowl set over a pan of simmering water.
• stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture well blended.
• Allow to cool slightly to thicken then pour over the cakes.
• It will harden on cooling.
  

Fairy Cakes:

Ingredients (makes 30 mini fairy cakes):
4 ounces butter
4 ounces Sugar
4 ounces sifted Self Raising Flour
2 eggs
1 cup sifted Powdered sugar
Juice of a lemon (*and zest, optional)
Food coloring of your choice if desired
Cake Decorations

Method:

• Put butter and eggs out of the fridge, to warm up to room temperature
• Preheat oven to 375F
• Put out 30 mini paper cases on a baking tray
• Either by hand or in a mixer beat the butter and sugar together until pale, fluffy and light
• (*optional - add lemon zest at this stage if you desire)
• one at a time, beat the eggs in a separate bowl
• beating hard, until all the ingredients are mixed well
• gently fold the flour into the butter mixture until everything is combined
• Do not over mix or beat the flour
• Using a teaspoon, drop small heaped teaspoon dollops of the batter into the paper cases
• Transfer the tray to the preheated oven
• Leave at least 17 minutes without opening the door
• They should be golden brown on the surface once cooked
• If still a bit pale after 17 minutes, turn the tray in the oven and bake for a further 3 minutes
• Transfer mini cakes to a cooling rack
• Meanwhile add a few drops of colouring to the sifted powdered sugar in a medium bowl
• Add fresh lemon juice, a small squirt at a time, beating hard, until all the sugar is blended into a thick fondant
• Go gingerly with the liquid, you want it to be very thick
• Stop adding lemon juice as soon as it reaches the fondant stage
• carefully drop a dollop of the fondant onto the centre of each little cake
• Leave it to spread over the surface
• You can guide the icing with a knife dipped in hot water if you want more control over where it dribbles
• Top with a candy or cake decoration of your choice.-Look for the fairies!

FAIRY CAKES

• 1 c. raisins (golden)
• 1 tsp. of each (or to taste)
• cinnamon
• nutmeg 1 tbsp
• vanilla flavoring
• 1 c. of flour
• 1/2 c. unsalted butter
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 c. milk (whole or low-fat)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 inch square pan or cake pan (round). Mix flour, baking powder and spices, cream butter and add to flour mixture, add sugar, vanilla and raisins. Beat eggs and milk. Add to mixture, blend lightly.
Spoon into pan, bake for 25 minutes or until knife comes out clean. If made in cake round, cake will be only about 2 to 3 inches high and moist and heavy. Serve warm if you prefer. Also great with powdered sugar on top. Serve with pot of cinnamon spice tea. Yum Yum......
FAIRY PUDDING

1 c. sugar
1 env. Knox gelatin
1 c. milk
2 eggs (separated)
1 c. whipped cream
Graham cracker crumbs

Cook sugar, gelatin, milk and beaten egg yolks until it bubbles.
Let cool.
Fold beaten egg whites and whipped cream.
Put crumbs on bottom of dish.
Pour fairy pudding over.
Add crumbs on top of pudding.
Refrigerate.

January Recipe Favorites

January is cold for most people and everyone thinks of recipes to warm the body and soul. I particularly like a cup of tea and the flavors offered now a days are wide spread, like cinnamon, green tea, and peach, to name a few. I recently found this wonderful refreshing tea called "Grapefruit Tea" see the video with Martha Stewart showing how to make it exactly! mmnnnn good!!

But, tea is not the only favorite, how about a bowl of hot chili, or a steaming plate of pot roast or beef stew. And sitting by a fire later in the evening sipping on a hot cup of cocoa...yum yum....

When I heard of temps in my home town were 20' BELOW zero, I thanked God I was living on the west coast. My old bones would ache in that kind of cold. On days like those (and most other winter days) all I really want is a hot bowl of soup!! I love chicken noodle but there are many kinds that have loads of health benefits, and they are usually pretty inexpensive to make, and makes great leftovers.

Plus, once you have made a huge batch of soup, you can share it with friends or neighbors? I love the idea of a soup swap and here is my VIRTUAL soup swap!! If you have a favorite soup recipe, post it in the comments or leave me a link to it and I will be sure to post all the links here to share with everyone.

Here's a favorite soup - Vegetable Soup recipe from Char:

• Saute finely chopped garlic, onions, celery and carrots in olive oil until wilty
• Add organic vegetable stock (Swanson), some Maggi beef stock, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper, you can use Herbamare seasoning
• Add can of diced tomatoes, frozen peas and corn, sliced carrots, celery and onion
• chop up some cabbage and add that later
• Bring to a boil and simmer.
• You can add just about anything but this soup is just good!!

Some other links:

• Tortilla soup
• Minnistrone
• Cheddar Cheese
• Cheddar Cheese Broccoli
• Corn Chowder
  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Merry Christmas to all my online friends!

Handmade Recipe Cards

I am in a "recipe swap" over at Flickr called "Yummy Recipe Swap" and I am waiting for this months recipe to come. I just sent mine on its way to my partner....you include one ingredient and a surprise if you want and then your handmade recipe card.....this onth I chose one that I liked and tried out of Woman's Day magazine...yummy salad with pumpkin dressing....and broccoli....yum yum.....

It is a lot of fun...of course I am a sucker when it comes to recipes....I am always snatching them from parties I go to from the host and or gatherings I attend...its the best way because you already know it will taste good....do you make any? Want to share? How many of you remember the recipe post cards...those are great.....then I found this really cute idea about using our Christmas cards to make a recipe card file box...how cute is that? Cathy of California's blog also tells us about a great book you will absolutely have to get if you want to have your own craft biz...and I agree with her totally! This book of Meg's is chock full of both practical (like what licences you need) and inspirational (interviews with some of your favorite crafters) information.
"Craft inc. Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business" by Meg Mateo Ilasco, is published by chronicle books.

Happy Thanksgiving

Won Kooky Pens, Join in on a Hat Contest, and Have Fun at the Tea Party

I just love Fracture Toy's blog....it is fun, lots of contests, and great info and products....I entered in the bloggy giveaway and won the greatest set of "Kooky" pens...all pink, my favorite color... :) I am a happy camper...but best of all right now you can win:

Me in some of my handmade hats... :)

• A Pink Handbag Charm from Macy's
• A bar of yummy "Girls Night Out" Soap from Morgan Street.
• A whimsical girly girl gift bag donated by my fav Green Party Goods!
• This is perfect for a small hostess gift or just to sit on your boudoir dresser to store trinkets. So girly!
• Total Prize Pkg value equals $40

WOW.....I want "A Girls Night Out" prize.....I do ...I do...I do..........................

Join on in on the Tea Party over at Fracture Toy too... Grab yourself a cup of tea and a few scones and let's chat. Soon it will be the busy rush of the holidays and we may not have much time to relax. Let's do it while we can ladies!Other hostesses welcome you to their tea table.

After you've spent time here, please visit these ladies and their very unique parties. They would love to have you and you'll love it there! ....

Mom Most Traveled
superdumb supervillain

7 Clown Circus
Katydid and Kid

Be sure to leave a comment and join in on the fun!!!

Yummy Recipe Swap

There is a fun Yummy Recipe Swap over on Flickr. You make a handmade recipe card and then add a handmade food or book, along with one ingredient, and send it out to a partner....how fun....

Turkey and Lots of Other Stuff

For all your Turkey ideas, for cooking times, how to cook safely and games for kids...

One of my favorite things to do on Thanksgiving and one of the biggest annual events in Manhattan: the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which starts at 9 a.m. and runs along Central Park West and Broadway between 77th and 34th Streets. If you want more Americanized extravaganza, one show that is not dark on Thanksgiving is the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, with three performances on Nov. 27.

The Best Ugly Turkey

INGREDIENTS 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons salt
1 apple - peeled, cored and cubed



DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil and salt all over the bird. Place the apple pieces inside of the cavity. Place the turkey breast side down in a large roasting pan.
Roast for 3 hours in the preheated oven. Remove from the oven and carefully turn the bird so the breast side is facing up. Return to the oven and cook until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh has reached 180 degrees F (82 degrees C). Allow the turkey to rest for about 30 minutes before carving.

Bloggy Giveaway Contests

Check out Paiges' Place for a terrific "Crockpot" recipe contest..And win $25 worth of Avon!!

The Chicken Dance

I made the dish and did the dance and DH joined in on the fun!

Okay here I am and here is my DH making the "Chicken Dance" rounds....yes we are doing it...but its for a contest and its because I made and ate The Apron Queen's scrumpious Ay Caramba! Chicken Spaghetti entry....be sure to go over to Velveeta and vote for her Thursday!!

Wooo I am Back with Some Recipe Cards

I cannot believe how long its been since I posted....sorry folks...but here are some of my newest creations, handmade deorated recipe cards...They are cute and fun...especially for Halloween....and add your recipes below to some of your cards... Be sure to comment on how you like them...I even added a few ants...:)

Early for Halloween Recipes

I LOVE Halloween it is when I can artistically show my talent by wearing it... :) FUN FUN FUN These little kids costumes are just too cute and I couldn't resist showing them, [Find more Babies’ & Kids’ Costumes here] They range about $14.99 each.

If your having a Halloween party these recipes will be a hit!

Witches Brew

Ingredients:

4 cups cranberry juice cocktail

1 cup candied ginger root, chopped

3 medium oranges

12 ounces apple juice, frozen concentrate, thawed

6 ounces limeade, frozen concentrate, thawed

2 cups seedless grapes4 cups water

64 ounces ginger ale, (1/2 gal)

1 pound dry ice, up to 2 pounds

Directions:

• In a 1 to 2 quart pan, bring 1 cup of cranberry juice and candied ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil, uncovered, about 2 minutes, set aside.
• With a vegetable peeler, pare peel (colored part only) from oranges; cut peel into thin 2-inch-long worms; or use an Oriental shredder to make long shreds.
• Add orange peel to cranberry mixture. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or as long as overnight.
• Juice oranges; put juice in a 6 to 8 quart pan or heavy bowl.
• Stir in cranberry-ginger mixture, the 3 cups cranberry juice, apple concentrate, limeade, grapes and water. If made ahead, cover and chill up to 2 hours.
• Add ginger ale and about a 1 pound piece of dry ice (DO NOT put small pieces in punch or cups); ice should smolder at least 30 minutes.
• Ladle into cups. Add any remaining ice when bubbling ceases.

**** A SERIOUS CAUTION: never touch dry ice; use tongs to handle.

Makes 5 quarts; allow about 1-1/2 cups for a serving.
Source: Flora’s Drink Hideout
Target.com has a Boiling Cauldron with Stand that is perfect for this drink.

*Lastly, I found a Halloween dish recipe that actually looks edible. All of them are edible, but some of the recipes look too gross for me and their names are kind of too much for kids (I’m sure you know what I mean).

This recipe found on CooksRecipes.com looks cute & delicious: look at the dogs even have little eyes...LOL

Halloween Mummy Dogs
Ingredients:

• 2 tubes refrigerator pizza dough rolls
• 1 cup grated part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup Freshly grated Parmesan (part-skim) cheeseNon-stick spray
• 4 tablespoons pizza sauce or pasta sauce


• 8 hot dogsOptional pizza toppings: onions, green peppers, olives, etc.
• 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning mix (or your own mix of oregano, thyme, parsley, etc.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. Open package of pizza dough, gather ingredients, grate cheese, and dice vegetables.
3. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
4. Place pizza dough on sheet and cut into 8 squares; press dough thin with fingers.
5. Add pizza sauce to each square.
6. Add hot dogs and other pizza toppings and pizza herbs to taste.
7. “Mummify” the hot dogs by wrapping them completely in the dough and pinching the ends.
8. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until crust begins to brown.
9. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dip

Makes 6 servings.
For books with Halloween recipe & party ideas click here.

All info found here: blogs.smarter.com/babieskids/tag/halloween

Happy 4th to all my Online Friends

Have a safe and happy holiday and summer DaBookLady will be back in September!!!!!
Please leave comments and I will periodically be checking my blogs...

Swapping Recipes for a "Girl's night Out"

I am in a cool swap on Flickr called The Great Recipe Swap and I just finished swapping a "garden and fruit" theme. This month is "girl's night out" and I thought this little gem would be great to share.

I also got some popcorn, travel ice tea, and thinking of what else????

It is fun to share recipes and to also make them look more like "eye candy" than just a copied one off the net... I mean "scrapbooking" them in designs with all the pretty stuff..

Pink Squirrel Fondue Dip

• 1 jar marshmallow cream
• 3 tbsp. creme de almond
• 1 tbsp. white creme de cacao
• 1 tsp. lemon juice

Combine very low heat. Serve with any fresh fruit or pound cake cubes in a fondue pot.

Warm over.