Cupcakes.

A cupcake (the common US and Australian term), is a small cake designed to serve one person, frequently baked in a small, thin paper cup. As with larger cakes, frosting and other cake decorations, such as sprinkles, are common on cupcakes.


Thank you Wikipedia. Let's be clear, their not just pint-sized cakes. Cupcakes are something else entirely. I'll be honest. Cupcakes are the love of my life. I make a batch once a week, on average. And although I usually end up giving them away (which is a fast, easy, and guaranteed way to make friends, more specifically of the male gender), I can't resist one or two of them every once in a while. I wish I could explain my fetish, or even my endearment of these 5-bite-size desserts. My cupcake obsession is fed by blogs such as http://www.allthingscupcake.com/about/ and http://cupcakestakethecake.blogspot.com.

Here are some tips to remember when preparing cupcakes:

• Don't overfill the tins. If you do, the batter could spill over.

• An ice cream scoop works well to ladle the batter into the tins. Or use a 1/4 cup measuring cup so the cupcakes are the same size. Spray the scoop or measuring cup with nonstick cooking spray so the batter pours out easily.

• Once you remove cupcakes from the oven, let them cool completely before frosting. Cover or place in an airtight container to keep them from drying out.

• When frosting, cover the top completely. The frosting keeps the cupcake from drying out.

• Use paper liners for easier cleanup. You can find decorative liners at cake and candy supply stores.

• Use a pastry bag to frost the cupcakes. No pastry bag? Use a plastic sealable bag with the corner tip cut off.

Breanna's Words of Wisdom: Everyone deserves cupcakes and a hug every once in a while.