Decorated Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

I've decided that I want to try baking cupcakes a lot and getting better on decorating. Therefore, there will probably be many cupcake recipes and decorating delights to come. Beware!

Decorated Vanilla Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Let the cupcakes begin...

This recipe was found in Joy of Baking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Cooling Time: 10 minutes

Frosting/Decorating Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

2/3 cup white sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon (I used an orange.)

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF

2. Line muffin tin with 12 liners

3. In bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and light.

4. Add eggs (one at a time), beating well after each.

5. Add/Beat in vanilla extract.

6. In a second bowl, mix zest, flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly mixed.

7. Add dry mixture and milk to other mixture in three additions gradually until both are used up. 

8. Fill muffin tins about 3/4 full.

9. Bake for 17-20 minutes (or until a toothpick goes in clean)

10. Let cool for 10-15 minutes then frost and decorate.

*For decorations, I used: tootsie rolls, jolly ranchers, sprinkles, m&ms, and gummy fruit slices

11. Enjoy!

Frosting

Ingredients

2 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp milk or cream ( I used half & half.)

Assorted food colors (optional)

Directions

1. Cream butter until smooth.

2. Add vanilla extract.

3. Gradually beat in sugar.

4. Add milk and beat until light and fluffy.

5. Add food coloring, if desired.

6. Enjoy!

Vegetarian "Shepherd's Pie"

Because my family is going on vacation this week for Spring Break, I am trying to finish most things in my fridge. It is not easy! But, this was a tasty and quick meal to do just that but, also why it may seem a bit random in terms of ingredients. Just go with it, it's really good.

Vegetarian "Shepherd's Pie"

A mush of goodness...

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup mashed potatoes (Follow recipe here)

4 baby carrots (steamed and cut)

1/2 onion (chopped and sautéed)

1/2 cup baked beans

1/2 cup chickpeas

1/2 cup vegetables of choice i.e- eggplant, zucchini (chopped)

1 tsp jalepeños (chopped)

1 1" slice of Gimme Lean ground beef (optional)

1 clove garlic (diced)

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp parsley 

salt and pepper to taste

thyme, marjoram, and parsley to garnish

Directions

1. Follow mashed potato recipe (above), however, I would subtract the roasted garlic/onions.

2. Steam baby carrots until they are easy to stab.

3. Sauté garlic until fragrant

4. Add onion, jalepeños, and carrots.

5. Add baked beans, chickpeas, Gimme Lean, and vegetables

6. Add spices and allow to simmer.

7. Plate with mashed potatoes on top.

8. Garnish with marjoram, thyme, parsley, and salt.

9. Enjoy!

Breakfast Sushi

I was feeling adventurous with my breakfast so instead of doing the usual breakfast sandwich, I decided to do a twist on scrambled eggs... in sushi (one of my favorite meals). I topped it with a little soy sauce to keep with the traditional sushi feel. But, if you wanted to, you could top it with nothing or just salt or ketchup even. So many options!

Breakfast Sushi

If you like sushi and you like breakfast.. this is perfect for you!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time (including rice): 20 minutes

Wait Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups sushi rice (cooked- Recipe Here)

Nori

1/2 avocado (or vegetable of choice- sliced thinly)

2 eggs (scrambled)

1/4 cup mushrooms, onions, and peppers(sauteed)

1 tbsp soy sauce

Directions

1. Scramble egg and slice into strips.

2. Add rice to nori

3. Sauté onions, peppers, and mushrooms.

4. Add egg and other fillings of choice to center of roll

5. Roll carefully and tightly, making sure the seal is being made (if you have a mat, this helps too!)

6. Cut with serrated knife to make pieces

7. Serve with soy sauce.

8. Enjoy!