Merry Christmas!

Simple Chocolate Cupcakes

My boyfriend sent me 2 books recently and thankfully, they had nothing to do with theories of the law. It is now my winter break and I have been very busy with lots of law firm applications, but that doesn't stop me from posting just a quick entry on the second batch of cupcakes I made from scratch. I would talk about the first batch, but they were a mess - although my lovely housemates insisted they were edible and, oh god, tasted good even!

The recipe book I used was the Hamlyn 200 series: Cupcakes by Joanna Farrow. I tried my hand at simple chocolate cupcakes and this was the result!

Cupcake Hot Water Bottles

With the cold weather sweeping over Leicester, I decided it was time to get a small hot water bottle to warm my hands. I wasn't able to find what I was looking for. If I had more time before I leave to Singapore, I would definitely try to get my hands on any of the above! 

(1) Presents For Men - a cute knit pattern; (2) Gifted Boston Spa - very prim, pretty and neat; (3) Addicted To Beauty - I am a fan of simplicity; (4) Click Health and Beauty - I thought this looked so funny - almost like a huge potato that someone etched cupcakes into. 

Daisy Cupcakes

I could not believe just how gorgeous these daisy cupcakes are! They look so realistic you feel like you are eating a work of art. They are so bright and yellow and a perfect theme for a mother-daughter birthday party. See this link: http://www.make-fabulous-cakes.com/daisy-cake.html - for more information about the process of creating these tiny delicacies. 

Martha Stewart's Holiday cupcakes

Nesting Baby-Bluebirds Cupcake

Lion and the Lamb Cupcakes

Raspberry Cupcake with Pink Buttercream and Lacy Chocolate Hearts

Irish Coffee Cupcake 

Marshmallow Snowman Cupcake

St. Patrick's Day Cupcake

Back to School Cupcake

Spring Chick Cupcakes

Father's Day Tee-Time Cupcakes

Shark and Beach Cupcakes

With the holiday season coming up, I thought I would post an entry with celebrations in mind, and I could not find a better website than that of Martha Stewart's. The creativity, elegance and simplicity of her designs showcase cupcakes on a whole new level - who would have thought sharks and beaches could be a theme? The talent of Martha Stewart and her team is endless. If you would like to find more delightful photos and festive recipes, check out the website: http://www.marthastewart.com/275589/holiday-cupcakes/@center/276944/cupcakes

From the Bakery of James Martin: Raspberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 8 white chocolate cookies
• 45g/1¾oz butter, melted

For the filling

• 300g/10½oz cream cheese
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 90g/3¼oz caster sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 free-range egg, plus 1 egg yolk
• 3 tbsp soured cream
• 100g/3½oz raspberries
• lightly whipped double cream or crème fraîche, to serve

Preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Line a muffin tin with eight muffin cases.
2. Blend the cookies in a food processor until they resemble fine breadcrumbs. (You can also do this by placing them in a plastic bag and bashing with a rolling pin).
3. Stir in the melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the base of the paper cases, reserving a tablespoon to garnish.
4. For the filling, beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth, then stir in the plain flour, caster sugar, vanilla extract, egg and egg yolk and soured cream and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
5. Put a few raspberries in the bottom of each case, reserving some for garnish, then spoon the cream cheese mixture on top.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set, but still slightly wobbly in the middle.
7. Remove the cupcakes from the oven and set aside to cool for 30 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the tin, transfer to a plate and chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight.
8. To serve, carefully peel off the paper cases and top the cupcakes with a spoonful of whipped cream and a few raspberries. Sprinkle over the reserved biscuit mixture.

Paperchase

Paperchase is the UK’s undisputed leader in innovative, design-led stationery, cards and gift-wrap. They have been around for over 40 years and are now firmly established as the top destination for customers looking for new and different gifts, cards and stationery.

Lola's Cupcakes

LOLA’s is a unique bakery concept dedicated to achieving one simple goal. Every day, [they] handcraft the best cupcakes that you have ever tasted.

[They] spend months sourcing the finest quality ingredients and each cupcake is baked fresh in small batches early every morning. [They] LOVE nothing more than their soft and fluffy “just out the oven” texture....The uncomplicated and sophisticated LOLA’s style is a reflection of how fresh [their] cupcakes are. 

   

"My weakness is LOLA's cupcakes..." Cheryl Cole

"LOLA's in Vogue Magazine prove cupcakes are here to stay" FI Network

"LOLA's are the best in the world. Heaven out of eggs and flour!" Lei M H

With cupcakes looking like that, its not hard to see why people are raving about these handcrafted delicacies.

Place your order online or by calling 020 7483 3394.
Email hello@lolas-kitchen.co.uk with any questions. 

See's Candies: A Sweet Surrender

"Buy the piece or buy the pound, no other candy can match the flavour and value of See's Famous Old Time Candies."

The two-story structure at 135 N. Western Ave, Los Angeles was the birthplace of Charles Alexander See's confectionary dynasty. The site has not been used as a candy box assembly line for decades however Los Angeles Cultural Heritage commissioners are now contemplating that the building receive historical designation.

Most of the UK readers viewing this post may not have heard of See's Candies. But for my American readers - you may be leaping for joy at the thought of the aromatic black and white striped Candy Store. 

When my sister (Tammy) and I were younger and living in Hong Kong, we often made a trip to a shopping complex called Ocean Terminal. It has been now re-named as 'LCX'. Ocean Terminal was special because it was one of the few places in Hong Kong that housed a See's Candies store. Through the window we could see all sorts of chocolate truffles, soft, fudge nuggets, orange and peppermint twists, various assorted nuts and chews, peanut brittles, and the lollypop basin. 

Not your average 'chup-a-chup'!

The lollypops, in my view, is what makes See's Candies stand out from the crowd. Today they have chocolate, butterscotch, café latté, vanilla, chocolate caramel, and pumpkin spice flavours. 

The first four flavours can be bought in one large assorted gourmet lollypop box. I 
bought this compilation when I was back in Hong Kong last August which costed 
approximately $USD 25 - i've found it's cheaper to buy online: http://www.sees.com/. 
I was able to share these lovely handmade delights with people working at the law 
firm and they too appreciated the old fashioned warm, calm flavours such as that 
of vanilla and caramel; not to mention the more robust café latté and butterscotch.  
Always such a treat these sweets prove to make great presents too!

Individually wrapped milk chocolate

A wedding display

Good enough for a pedestal!

Welcome to Cupcake Continent!

My ultimate dream: a cupcake 'cake'

Dear Sweet Toothed Friends,

No matter how big a meal I have eaten, I have somehow always found room for dessert. Whether it's fresh banana cream pie, blueberry cupcakes, sweet cheese tarts, or scoops of vanilla Häagen-Dazs
ice-cream with victoria sponge; in my opinion, a dinner without dessert is an anomaly, it is like a law student without books: incomplete. Besides loving the delectable taste and beautiful presentation of multi-tiered masterpieces, it gives friends another (guilty) reason to stay for just a little longer and keeps children coming back to the table for more. This blog is a celebration of cakes, pies, chocolates, recipes, and both sweet or savoury desserts. It will also feature dessert shops, brands and stores both local and international. I hope this pilot entry leaves you curious for another taste!

Yours Sincerely and lots of Hershey Kisses,

Elizabeth x

[Image taken from carly67.wordpress.com]