cupcakes

i have a thing for cupcakes.

i even love the word.

cake. lots of frosting. two bites max. yummm.

i have a soft (sweet) spot for most baked goods and can honestly finish a pan of brownies by myself in record time. thank God for Zumba.


this october, my DH's brother is getting married and the dessert of choice is - cupcakes.

cupcakes have become so popular in events like weddings, and the creativity is almost endless. what color papers? what flavor cake? how MANY flavors? fillings? frostings? sprinkles? dustings?


you really could go on and on. they can be as simple or as detailed as you wish.

this wedding is a fall wedding and the bride has given me permission to be creative. with the expectation to please both taste buds and the eyes. *awkward laugh* simple enough.

fortunately, autumn is a cinch when it comes to flavors. pumpkin, spice cake, apple, red velvet, carrot, almond!

i'm only in the inspiration stage for now, but about a month out i'll be baking on a schedule and freezing them until D-day. guess we'd better start eating out of the freezer now.

thanks to Pinterest, i'm feeling some major vibes from these flavors:

salted caramel cupcakes found here


vanilla almond cupcakes with maple cream cheese frosting found here


apple pie cupcakes found here


pumpkin cupcakes found here

and the groom's favorite:

red velvet cupcakes found here

i'm still undecided about how to decorate, although i know simple is best. no spreading frosting with a knife (pleaaaase *eye roll*). piping will have to be mastered, and perhaps a tiny bit of cinnamon & crystal sugar dusting. dark brown papers or white papers? and should i include carrot cake and a basic vanilla?? what about a chocolate with chocolate cupcake? oy.

the bride has an adorable idea for a "sweets" table where the guests can choose their cupcake of choice, along with an assortment of festive candies arranged in glass containers. she's even DIYed a banner to hang above the table.

my goodness, where would we BE without Pinterest to fuel our fires??

probably flipping through bridal magazines like I had to do. you know, back in the day.

Bean Muffins

Yes, these sound strange. Even gross in a health freak sort of way. Never fear, I wouldn't do that to you. This recipe was introduced to us at a MOPS event about healthy eating & a girlfriend of mine said her son almost begged her for them daily, so I had to whip some up. They turned out wonderfully & before I could even explain that they were made with beans, Tim had gobbled some up and declared his affection. Well, no need to spoil anyone's fun. Glad you like them, honey. *smile*

I made this in a mini muffin pan and just adjusted the baking time. I also added some sweetener (agave, honey, sugar, etc.) just to sweeten it up a tad.

Bean Muffins

1 can light red kidney beans OR 1 1/4 c. home cooked beans
3/4 c. skim milk (or almond, soy, etc.)
2 egg whites OR 1 egg
1/4 unsweetened applesauce
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. all purpose flour
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. ground cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/16 t. ground cloves

Drain & rinse beans. Puree beans in food processor, gradually adding milk. Pour bean mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in eggs, applesauce and brown sugar. Measure and combine dry ingredients seperately; add to bean mixture. Stir until just moistened. Fill muffin pan & bake at 400 for 15 mins.

Optional: adding raisins & nuts. I opted out, since I made these with someone in mind who is short on teeth:)