My Humps

Lately I've noticed a lot of posts and tips on how to get the perfect cupcake dome.

On Pinterest I've seen a couple posts and always re-pin to save and test out later. Who doesn't want perfect humps? I know I do! But with so many tricks floating around how do you choose which one will actually work. I got curious last night and decided to find out in my own kitchen. I used the two ways I already had saved and found another two from a google search. Let me share my results from four different methods on how to achieve the Snooki poof in cupcake land.

Test #1: Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full, preheat & bake @ 400°F for 22 minutes

As you may have already noticed this test batch came out a little on the burnt side. The high temperature didn't do as promised. The post said the high temperature would set the outer edges causing the inside to rise and form the rounded top. In my test it just caused the cupcake to brown faster than the inside could bake. No good.

Genius

(Insert evil laugh here!)

Newbie Blogger

So I am super new to this whole blogging world. So new... that I am doing this for a class assignment. So... new that I really don't have blogs I follow. 

There is a Facebook page a follow (kinda), MRobin Cake Design. Marcella Robin's name was given to me by one of my instructors, Chef White, at Oregon Culinary Institute. MRobin cakes are so creative and an amazing new take on cake design. The decoration that she uses is part of the cake. It is something I've never seen before and it truly fascinates me.

The MRobin Cake Design website has a video a how she creates these unbelievable cakes. As well as everything you need to know to order a cake of your own. Based on a personally consultation, she provides two custom cake designs for you to choose from. How exciting is that?!? I would want to take a ton of pictures before diving into the delicious filling.

Perfect for Details

Notice the shallow ridges.

Isn't as dramatic as a closed star tip, but still has a great look.

One tip, so many possibilities.

~ Borders ~

~ Rosettes ~

~ Texture ~

 ~ Rope ~ 

~ Scroll ~

Play around and have fun.

Practice with parchment paper on the counter top.

When you're done, squeeze back into bag & save for another practice day.

Happy decorating!

 

Tips and Cake Decorating

When it comes to icing and cake decorating you need to arm yourself with some invaluable tools. Nails, levelers, couplers, and sealing spray. It starts to sound like a shopping list for Home Depot. Which can be overwhelming. How do you choose which tool to use? Below is a list of tools for beginners to get you started.

The Icing Spatula: Whipping and Mixing

This comes in a variety of sizes. Ranging from 4" to 14". Typically with an offset so your fingers didn't end up in the icing. Their main purpose is to spread a substance onto a flat surface. Sometimes referred to as a "palette knife" and may also have a serrated edge.

When it comes to frosting a cupcake a 4" offset spatula works best. It gives you the detail ability you need for small items. It also allows you to control the amount of icing being applied. If you want to decorate a cupcake without a bag and tip use this tool.

There are even cake specific spatulas. The larger 14" offset spatula. You can glide over the top of a 9" round cake with ease. Then run it along the side of the cake for a smooth and even look. It is a wonderful tool for icing, transferring, and even cutting.

The Pastry Bag: Shaping and Decorating

There are many ways to make a pastry bag. You can purchase the plastic, disposable bags. You can use a plastic lunch baggie and cut a smaller corner in the bottom off for the icing. You can make a small cone out of parchment as a temporary bag. Or you can use washable cloth bags. They are wonderful for the non stop icing decorator. You just throw them in the wash and voilà, good as new.

It's primary function? To form a substance into a particular shape. You want to shape meringue, use a pastry bag. You want to shape funnel cakes, use a pastry bag. You want to pipe beautiful, edible flowers, use a pastry bag. You want to fill a donut with jelly, use a pastry bag. Ok, I think you get the point. The pastry bag can be helpful in many ways.

The Tips: Decorating with Icing

Spoiled :)

My Hubby's birthday 

Pineapple Upside Down 

cake. 

So so so delicious. 

My tips:

~ Use a well seasoned cast iron skillet.

~ Don't skimp on the butter and 

brown sugar.

~ Replace the water with pineapple juice in the cake recipe. 

~ Let cake cool for about 10 minutes before turning onto platter.

~ Slice and serve warm to those you love.

Something New

Any Way Works

9 Most Popular Ways To Eat A Cupcake

From the Dumb & Ridiculous to the Hacked & Mind-blown

#9 ~ The "Dainty" Eater

Sometimes I want to smack a person.

Especially when I see them eating a cupcake

with a fork. I mean come on.

There is no need for that nonsense.

 

#8 ~ The "Nibble" Eater

You've seen this person.

They don't want frosting on their face.

People may look at them funny.

Guess what, you look ridiculous eating like that.

Stop It! Right Now!

#7 ~ The "Lady and the Tramp" Eater

"I just want a bite of the cupcake, will you share?"

WHAT...?

Hell No...

 I want my own and then maybe another.

#6 ~ The "No Hands" Eater

Some people just can't help themselves.

Who can blame them.

Smashing your face into a plate of cupcakes just feels good sometimes.

 

#5 ~ The "Icing Hog" Eater

I mean the icing is the best part.

The cupcake just makes us feel better than digging our finger into a bowl of icing.
Although
there is no shame in licking the accidental icing mess off your fingers. 

 

#4 ~ The "Cat Attack" Eater

That's right...

Even your furry friend will eat these delicious goodies.

They call out to all living things, "Eat Me, Eat Me!"

~ Now I know you want the Top 3, don't ya ~

yupperz

Hello Lova

Cupcakes are delicious. Hello.

It's like eating a tasty cloud topped with sweet goodness. Instead of hugs, people should just hand out cupcakes. No one would ever have a bad day. Cupcakes are amazing.

No plate, No fork, No mess.

Who wants to use a plate and fork, make a mess, then clean up. No thanks. I'll use my hands. It is just so damn easy to grab a cupcake as you walk by and before you know it you've eaten four in forty five minutes. Danger zone.

Don't forget the Icing

I mean lets face it everyone wants the icing. The cupcake is just an excuse to eat the sweet, sweet swirls. Just sitting there staring at you. There are so many design options. Over 100 tips. How do you choose. Don't. It's simple.... Just make enough cupcakes for each tip design. Problem Solve. You're welcome. Now go.... Go decorate and eat cupcakes. Thank you, come again!

Happy Earth Day

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