CUPCAKE APPEAL

This post is in relation to raising money for Childreach International. I hope you read Laura's message below and give generously. 

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Hello lovely readers,

By way of introduction, my name is Laura and I am a cupcake addict. However, I must stay away from the little balls of deliciousness as, come July 2013, I will be heading off to Tanzania to climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world for charity.

Cake has already helped raise over £140 at my team's first bake sale. I was lucky enough to get hold of my friend's recipe for chocolate and banana cake (a highly sought after secret) which went down a treat. I will be doing many more bake sales and would welcome ideas and recipes of top sellers at any sales you may have held?

If you want to find out more information about my climb of a lifetime, the charity which will benefit and make a donation then please visit:https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/rowleyclimbskili

Thank you very much.

Laura x

Snowflake Cupcakes

Snowflakes are seriously one of the most beautiful things nature has to offer. And when we talk about snowflakes on a cupcake, oh my god, I am in cupcake heaven. A decadent yet simple decor piece to any cupcake, these gorgeous snowflakes look great as a statement setting or scattered all around the layers of icing.

Photo 1: http://www.theswellelife.com/swelle_life/2009/11/cupcake-monday-the-tasty-snowflake-edition.html
Photo 2: http://pinterest.com/altdawn/tis-the-season-to-be-baking/
Photo 3: http://pinterest.com/pin/500321839822929517/
Photo 4: http://www.godairyfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/hannahvanillacupcakes.jpg

Savoury Sides: Cream Cheese Onion and Chive Cupcakes

Who says cupcakes have to be sweet? Savoury ones are the new lunchtime treat :) These are my first batch of savoury cupcakes and they won't be the last!

(Original images used, please source!)

Cupcake Sort Of Day

Sometimes an average cupcake can instantly turn an average day into a better one. I picked one up for two pounds at Morrisons (pictured below), and while it was no Hummingbird Cupcake and I didn't have to queue to pay for the delicacy, it was good enough to remind to look forward to the better things in life. Even at this truly awkward period, I hold on to the belief that great things are just around the corner...

[original image used - please source] 

Tip Above The Rest

The icing that gets swirled on top as the cupcake's crowning glory is what makes the cupcake so special. Here are some of the different tips commonly used and some of the unique effects that can be created. I personally like the pastry tip (the one which looks like a closed in star tube - e.g. 3rd image down/last image) because you can make ice cream like swirls and roses. As for the hollow, open circular tip (first image, bottom left corner) - well...I won't be making a purchase for that tip anytime soon.

Photo credits: www.dulcessweets.com

Cupcakes That Just Don't Look Like Cupcakes

These are all cupcakes, I swear! So if you are feeling like ordinary cupcakes just don't cut it out, or feel like giving yours a creative twist - check out some of the blogs and recipes below. 

Photo credits:

(1) http://blog.sweetcitycandy.com/

(2) & (3) diaryofaladybird.blogspot.sg - Check this blog for the recipe too!!

(5) http://sacchef.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/ice-cream-cone-cupcakes/ - Recipe here!  
(6) http://penniesonaplatter.com/2009/04/01/april-fools-spaghetti-meatballs-or-not/ - Awesome gotta try recipe here too :D 

Sweet Couture

Sweet Couture is a cupcake boutique with a couple of eateries around London. The one I visited happened to be in Covent Garden and i'll have to give it two thumbs up. The oreo cupcake was my most favourite, and I just love the British flag made of cupcakes. Although I visited a while ago, and the display may have changed since then, the flag reminds me of the ongoing Olympics! Go Team Britain! 2 gold medals and counting! 

(All photos I took with my camera - please let me know if you want them taken off - lizzieho@gmail.com)