tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27657531492274839852024-02-19T06:33:10.062-05:00A Cuppy Cake LifeExperimenting with the fun a cupcake can bring to any dayCarolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-12509814768880097222010-08-31T06:00:00.078-04:002010-08-31T06:00:04.407-04:00Cupcake Challenge: Wrap UpThis is the final week of Cupcake Challenge over at Hoosier Homemade. I sure hope you have taken the time to go check it out! I have had a blast this past month working on all of the challenges and I hope that there will be another one in the future. Liz - you rock! Thank you so much for hosting this competition!This week is a wrap up of each of my entries. I hope you have enjoyed these ideas. I Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-90223847989701290132010-08-26T06:00:00.006-04:002010-08-31T08:02:23.862-04:00Lemon Basil CupcakesI was worried that the basil would be overpowering in this cupcake but I was pleasantly surprised. In fact, unless you eat the candied basil leaf on top, the basil only enhances the sweetness of the lemon. These were very tasty and I am sure you will enjoy them as well.Again, I adapted a Taste of Home recipe to suit my needs. I like to be inspired by other bakers and then tweak things to make Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-10618103710140849012010-08-24T06:00:00.001-04:002010-08-24T06:00:07.879-04:00Cupcake Challenge: Candy Flower CupcakesWell it is week #4 over at Hoosier Homemade's Cupcake Challenge. This is the last week we will actually present a cupcake. Our challenge this time was to decorate the cupcakes with candy while maintaining the summertime theme.I chose to make flowers because really, who doesn't love to see gorgeous flowers in the summer? Around here we have a wonderful botanical garden with a great kids area and Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-65288435473134310752010-08-23T06:00:00.001-04:002010-08-23T06:00:08.063-04:00Another Award!I have been blessed to be given yet another blog award! This one is the "One Lovely Blog Award" and Two Monkeys and a Washtub was kind enough to pass it on to me. So here are the required seven facts about me in addition to the seven blogs to which I am passing on the award. Facts:#1 - I am obsessed with television shows about baking.#2 - I would love to be a forensic psychologist.#3 - Red is Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-5490941350969118682010-08-20T06:00:00.003-04:002010-08-20T06:00:08.175-04:00Freedom FridaySorry that my blogging has been sporadic over the last week or so. I have been busy taking care of my sick little girl. She is now on an antibiotic for a sinus infection and I hope she is feeling better soon! Hopefully this means I can go back to my regular schedule.Have you been keeping up with the Cupcake Challenge over at Hoosier Homemade? I am really excited because I just found out that the Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-84273887128710722352010-08-19T06:00:00.002-04:002010-08-24T10:47:13.287-04:00Coca Cola CupcakesLet me just tell you, the fudge frosting for these is reason enough to make them! In fact, you may find yourself eating it by the spoonful before it even hits the cupcakes. It really is that good! Now these cupcakes do contain cola, but you don't taste it. It just makes them super moist.When filling your muffin tins or liners, do not fill past halfway. Trust me! I threw out half of these because Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-38307159472292923332010-08-17T06:00:00.000-04:002010-08-17T06:00:00.670-04:00Cupcake Challenge: Chocolate Raspberry CupcakesThis is week #3 in the Cupcake Challenge over at Hoosier Homemade. If you haven't visited her blog yet you really should! Our challenge this week was to take a box of cake mix and add to it to create a cake with a "from scratch" flavor. I decided to go the chocolate raspberry route.I started with a devil's food cake mix and added a few extra ingredients (see the recipe below). I then filled the Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-31384744621493611182010-08-10T06:00:00.001-04:002010-08-10T20:43:42.863-04:00Cupcake Challenge: Beach CupcakesThis is week #2 in the Cupcake Challenge going on over at Hoosier Homemade! This week we were to take a fun summertime activity and turn it into a cupcake. I chose to represent the beach. My daughter loved playing in the water and sand and this made me think of her. It's even coconut flavored!These cupcakes were actually very easy to make. First I spread on the icing with an angled spatula. Then Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-68729462593469601212010-08-06T06:00:00.004-04:002010-08-06T06:00:02.919-04:00Freedom FridayFirst I would like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who has inquired about my recovery. I am doing very well and I am pretty much back to normal. In fact, I was even able to bake two sets of cupcakes with only a little assistance from my husband. He went back to work yesterday and I am getting back into the groove of things around here.While I was recovering I had a lot of time to read. Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-57665239169416381032010-08-05T06:00:00.002-04:002010-08-08T11:25:26.305-04:00Peppermint Patty CupcakesThese cupcakes are great for an after dinner treat, especially in the summer. They are light and fluffy and have the cooling flavor of the peppermint. It's hard to eat just one!They start with a sponge cake base. A sponge cake is a little bit more involved than a standard butter cake. It involves beating egg whites and very gently folding the other ingredients in to them. Don't be intimidated Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-32887748221678992292010-08-04T06:00:00.001-04:002010-08-04T06:00:06.794-04:00Look What I Found!This week I wanted to share a few of my favorite cupcake books with you. Not only do they share unique recipes but they have very creative decorating ideas. I was able to find all three at my public library so they are easy to find. I hope you enjoy them! This book has one-of-a-kind cupcake designs using candy and equipment found in any kitchen. No special tools required! This Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-5802012401426298292010-08-03T06:00:00.002-04:002010-08-03T06:00:06.428-04:00Cupcake Challenge: Peach-Rum CupcakesThe amazing Liz over at Hoosier Homemade is hosting a Cupcake Challenge during the month of August. The theme is Summertime Fun and each week there is a different way you must incorporate this into your cupcake. This week is all about flavor.Even though I don't like peaches, they always make me think of summertime. And what better to pair them with than rum! You feel like you are basking in the Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-80114140573572744352010-07-30T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-30T06:00:00.906-04:00Freedom FridayI just wanted to thank everyone who contributed their tips, tricks and ideas to Tricky Tuesday this week! You guys are so smart! I am going to be taking a break from Tricky Tuesday in August. Instead I will be participating in Hoosier Homemade's Cupcake Challenge! Please take some time to go check it out as you may want to participate as well. I am not going to be participating in my usual Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-88329014294128987882010-07-29T06:00:00.002-04:002010-08-03T09:18:05.614-04:00Butter Pecan CupcakesI love butter pecan ice cream. I think I get it from my mom. So when I found a recipe for a butter pecan cake in my trusty Taste of Home cookbook, I knew I had to turn it into cupcakes. These were such a hit that my father-in-law asked me to make his mother's birthday cake like this.These are very simple to make. I toasted the pecans on the stove because there were so many of them. If you want toCarolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-31273521594977345622010-07-28T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-28T06:00:02.550-04:00Look What I Found!If you have had your television on at all lately I'm sure you have seen that cupcakes are taking over! From Cupcake Wars to DC Cupcakes as well as all the individual cooking programs that are featuring cupcakes, you would be hard-pressed to find a day when they aren't on somewhere. What do you think about all of these shows? I personally prefer Cupcake Wars. The show is a great competition andCarolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-75822210926066391052010-07-27T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-27T06:00:10.306-04:00Tricky Tuesday: Reader FavoritesAlright my dear readers! It is time for you to share some of your favorite tips and tricks when it comes to baking or cooking. So go ahead and leave a comment! Do you have a favorite kitchen tool that helps with tedious jobs? A special trick to speed up prep time? Advice for dealing with certain ingredients. Post away!Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-44937480610949124792010-07-26T06:00:00.001-04:002010-07-26T06:00:05.973-04:00Giveaway WinnerAnd the winner is... #39 - Ruthann! Ruthann, since you left your email address, I don't need you to contact me. I have sent you an email with instructions for redeeming your prize. Thank you so much to everyone that entered! Please spread the word about A Cuppy Cake Life so that more giveaways will be possible in the future.Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-82036193556193588502010-07-23T06:00:00.002-04:002010-07-25T11:12:47.031-04:00Freedom FridayThere is a lot going on here this week at A Cuppy Cake Life!First is the awesome giveaway for a $40 gift card to CSN Stores. With 200+ online retailers, the possibilities are endless for what you can choose. Be sure to enter today if you haven't already! The giveaway ends tomorrow night and the winner will be announced on Monday. Right now the entries are low so everyone has a good chance at Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-542973949902021432010-07-22T06:00:00.002-04:002010-07-27T10:10:06.479-04:00Oreo Dirt Cupcakes I have always loved dirt cake but I have to be very careful since most are made with cream cheese and I am allergic to it. I was so excited to eat these cupcakes. Not only do they contain actual cake in addition to the Oreos , they don't have cream cheese in them.I found the small, plastic flower pots in the dollar section of Target. I swear I am in there every day! They were sold in packs of Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-86564450327391957382010-07-21T06:00:00.001-04:002010-07-21T06:00:01.211-04:00Look What I Found!If you haven't noticed, cupcakes are everywhere. I'm not just talking about the edible kind either! If you search for cupcake merchandise you will be amazed what you can find. Every type of clothing and accessory possible including aprons and necklaces. You can also find candles, place card holders, pinatas, bath sets, and flavored lip gloss. I must admit that the strangest thing I found wasCarolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-65168665797153049612010-07-20T06:00:00.001-04:002010-07-20T06:00:10.013-04:00Tricky Tuesday: Kitchen Equipment EssentialsEveryone has a favorite item in their kitchen. When I am baking I have several "go to" items that I couldn't live without. They make baking cupcakes not only easier, but more enjoyable. Here is my list of essential kitchen equipment when making cupcakes. Stand Mixer: I was so lucky this past Christmas! My amazing hubby got me my dream gift - a red, 6-quart, professional KitchenAid stand Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-35907389766720960382010-07-19T06:00:00.005-04:002010-07-25T08:38:34.501-04:00Giveaway! (CLOSED)I promised you a giveaway and here you go! If you haven't yet heard of CSN Stores you are about to discover a jewel. CSN Stores is a group of online retailers with over 200+ websites ranging from a bathroom vanity, pet supplies, and of course cupcake products. They have asked me to host a giveaway for a $40 gift card that can be used at any one of their stores for anything you want! Just to give Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-14701682951914499632010-07-16T06:00:00.005-04:002010-07-23T09:58:16.198-04:00Freedom FridayMy surgery to remove my gallbladder has officially been scheduled. I will report to the hospital on July 29th and should be able to come home the same day. That last part makes me really happy! My amazing hubby will be able to take off work to help me out and take care of our daughter. If all goes according to plan, I will be back to normal in a week. As far as surgeries go this one is very Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-30400473847896801412010-07-15T06:00:00.001-04:002010-07-20T19:29:20.570-04:00Zucchini Chocolate Chip CupcakesDon't be scared to try these just because zucchini is involved! These are amazing, tender and moist muffin-like treats. The grated zucchini actually melts away when the cupcakes are baked and you can't taste it.I would describe the flavor of these as a spice cake with a hint of orange and chocolate chips. The recipe was adapted from one in a Taste of Home cookbook I bought a few years ago. I Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2765753149227483985.post-47648979932929267872010-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:002010-07-12T06:00:02.679-04:00UpdateAs you may have noticed, I had the past week off. We went to the mountains for the 4th and I have been hanging out around the house the rest of the time. Things were great until Thursday when I woke up in pain. After a couple doctor's visits and tests it turns out I will probably have to have my gall bladder taken out. I am not sure when exactly this is going to happen since I need to meet Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06605761251200580778noreply@blogger.com4