the Local Fat Kid

St. Patrick's Day Matcha Whoopie Pies

2012-03-14T19:23:00.001-07:00

I made these delicious Matcha (Green Tea flavored) Whoopie Pies to celebrate St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) - because the match adds green color to the filling! I used this recipe from Sunset for "Matcha Whoopie Pies."

For those who don't know what "matcha" is, its a green tea baking flavor ingredient. You can find it at expensive, international grocery stores like Whole Foods, Bristol Farms, or World Market. It's not cheap, but its not entirely unreasonable (like $100 for a truffle head). I could only find 'sweet matcha', in which the flavor is diluted by sugar. Next time, I'll try to find more pure, concentrated matcha.

For those who don't know what a whoopie pies is, it's 2 cake-like cookies with frosting in the middle. Sort of like a cupcake with all tops and frosting in the middle. They're hella good.

PS. Update from the last post about Pi-day: Firstly, happy pi-day, and Secondly, I got into MIT!!! I'm so excited and my head is spinning. If I hadn't been distracted by baking these, I probably would have broken a lamp in my excitement (almost did).

Pi day at Tau time

2012-03-12T21:00:00.004-07:00

Perhaps some high school seniors out there recognize that Pi Day at Tau time is when the MIT application decisions are released. Myself and countless other prospective college students are currently sitting on the edge of our seats, wrought with anxiety over the approaching announcements of college decisions (acceptance or rejection - possibly deferrals) - MIT or otherwise.

Most people know that Pi is an irrational number representing the ratio of a circumference of a circle to its diameter, roughly 3.14. Few people know of Pi's cousin, Tau, another irrational number representing the ratio of a circumference to the radius, ~6.28. Vi Hart, a math doodling you-tuber, has a great discussion of Tau and why we should use it instead of Pi here.

Since Pi day is fast approaching (3/14 or March 14th), I made some pie in celebration. These pastries mimic the store bought snacks you might find at the grocery store or McDonalds. Adapted from Paula Deen. They're easy as pie ;)

Fried Apple Pie
You'll Need:
* Large skillet, frying pan
* Rolling pin and board

Ingredients:
* Oil, for Frying
* 1 Can Buttermilk Biscuits
* 1 Can Apple Pie Filling
* Powdered Sugar, opt.

Directions:
1. Roll out a biscuit to between 7 and 10 inches in diameter.
2. Place a small amount of pie filling in the center of the dough.
3. Fold dough over filling and seal ends with a few drops of water and a fork. Repeat for the rest of the biscuits.
4. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large frying pan to roughly 350 degrees.
5. Fry the pastries for about 2 minutes on each side; they should be golden brown.
6. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with ice cream.

LA Tour Guide: Fairfax High Flea Market

2012-03-05T20:59:00.003-08:00

The local indie flea market, officially Melrose Trading Post, takes place at Fairfax High School every Sundays from 9am to 5pm. I recommend the sausage sandwich, but watch out for hipster mobs.

LA Tour Guide: LACMA

2012-02-29T22:30:00.001-08:00

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is one of my favorite places to visit. My absolute favorite art exhibit of all time is Your Bright Future which was displayed here a number of years ago. I made a long overdue visit to LACMA on Valentine's Day. I saw In Wonderland (surrealist female artists explore South America), Metropolis (huge track for toy cars, but it only runs on the weekends), and California Design (part of Pacific Standard Time; Architecture, graphics, cars, furniture, etc from the 1930s to the 1960s).

I'm not sure what the policies are on posting amateur photos of artwork from museums online is. I sent LACMA and email but they never got back. The result: no photos of the exhibits I saw. Here are some non-contraversal photos.

A chinese zodiac sign display. I'm a rooster.

Why I love it: The LACMA has few Rene Magritte's (absolute favorite artist!), but the ones they do have are great, including Ceci N'est Pas Une Pipe. Side Note: saw a Magritte exhibit at the Albertina in Vienna; It was tops! These are housed in the Ahmanson building. Also check out the pop art in the BCAM building. Not to mention the Urban Light display outside, featured in numerous movies.
Drawbacks: Watch your wallet. Admission is free for under 18. I encourage youths to get a NexGen card, must sign up with parents and must be under 18. It allows you to view any exhibit for free and get a free adult ticket to accompany you. Unfortunately, I recently turned 18 and had to pay a butt-load. Parking is $10 so watch out for that as well. 6th street usually has empty meter spaces, so take advantage of them.

My rendition of the Lovers (Magriite) that I made in the (children's) hands on coloring station in the back of the gift shop. very fun!

LA Tour Guide: Baldwin Hills Stairs

2012-02-29T22:30:00.000-08:00

I visited the Baldwin Hills Recreation Center (stairs). The park is very beautiful, there's an impressive view of the city from the top and the stairs are quite a work out. By the end of your stay you'll feel very fulfilled. Take it from someone who would know- I practically live on the couch and getting out was a nice change of pace. Located on Jefferson, bordering Culver City, the Baldwin Hills Recreation Center even houses a museum of sorts. I believe the park closes at Sunset, so come early.

Why I love it: I'm a fan of local, natural landscaping and this place has that! It's a wonderful green escape to the urban semi-industrial area that surrounds it.

Drawbacks: Can be crowded.

Blueberry Muffins

2012-02-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

These delicious muffins were a easy to make and great to eat for breakfast on the go!

(adapted from alexandra's kitchen)
* 1/3 cup softened butter
* 1 tsp lemon extract (or 1 1/2 tsp lemon zest)
* 3/4 cup sugar
* 1 egg
* 1/2 tsp vanilla
* 1 1/2 cups flour
* 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp salt
* 1 cup blueberries
* 1/3 cup milk

1. Cream butter and sugar. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Add dry ingredients and milk, alternating.
3. Line muffin pan and bake in 350 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top (optional). Makes 6 large muffins.

Baking Substitutions and Explaining Baking Soda/Powder

2012-02-19T20:49:00.000-08:00

I thought it'd be helpful to make a post about general baking tips. I'd like to encourage people to experiment with baking. You don't have to follow the recipe exactly all the time. Once you've done enough you can fudge the corners. Its true; everyone once in a while you'll ruin the final product. I've had quite a few cakes that didn't rise. But, if you never experiment, you'll never be able to make your own recipes. Here's some baking information, including a downloadable pdf with common substitutions - for those times when your pantry is missing that one ingredient and you don't feel like running to the store for it.

The Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder:

Put simply, baking soda only has a basic agent while powder has both the basic and acidic agent. Leavening happens when air bubbles are made during the baking process. The batter hardens around the bubbles before the air can escape, resulting in a risen cake. When sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and an acid react they form water and carbon dioxide gas (bubbles). Think about the classic baking soda- vinegar volcano. So a recipe with soda needs an acid as well, in order to rise. Common ingredients are sour cream, buttermilk, yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, etc. Recipes with baking powder do not require an acid; its already in the powder. Double-acting means a reaction occurs both when these ingredients hit water and when they get hot, in the oven. So a baking powder recipe can sit on the counter for a little bit and still rise. Conversely, baking soda reactions occur when the dry and liquid ingredients are mixed only. You should put this type of batter directly in the oven.

Occasionally you'll come across a recipe with no leavening agent. In these cases, the recipe probably calls for a large amount of eggs. If these are whipped enough, the bubbles the produce can cause all the rising thats needed. A good example of this is the pound cake - this also explains why this cake is so dense.

Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes

2012-02-15T19:25:00.002-08:00

Dough:
2 cup milk
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons salt
6 ½ cups all-purpose flour, divided
2 eggs
1/4 cup butter, room temperature

Filling:
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1 cup chopped almond
2 cups chopped pears

* Warm the milk in a microwave (~110F). Add the yeast and sugar.
* Beat in salt and 2 cups flour. Add eggs and butter. Gradually add the rest of the flour.
* Knead dough for ~5 minutes. Place in a warm area and let it rise for 40 minutes or until it doubles in size.
* Make the filling by mixing the sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, almonds, and pears.
* Roll the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and brush with half the melted butter. Spread the filling on top of that.
* Roll into a log and cut into 24 equal pieces. Place each piece in a cupcake tin with cupcake liners. They should come up to the top of the liners.
* Let rest in a a warm place for another 40 minutes.
* Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
* Mix apple juice and powdered sugar to make a glaze to go on top.

original recipe from PaulaDeen.

Orange (Chicken) Sauce

2012-02-12T16:55:00.000-08:00

I love asian food: Thai, Chinese take-out, Korean BBQ, etc. So, I decided to try the "Better Than Takeout Orange Chicken" Recipe from thenoshery.com (unusual blog name). I found the chicken preparation to be lengthy and messy. I have a shorter attention span in the kitchen than most. So, I recommend making the orange sauce, storing it in the fridge or freezer and then adding it to KFC popcorn chicken or the likes.

Here's the adapted orange sauce recipe:
* 1 1/2 cup water
* 1/3 cup orange juice
* 1/3 cup rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger root, or 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder
* 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon
* 3 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water

1. Combine water, OJ, vinegar, and soy sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add zest, sugar, ginger, garlic, and and bring to a boil. Simmer for <10 minutes.
3. Combine cornstarch and 1/4 cup water in a separate cup. Slowly add to simmering sauce until it thickens to desired consistency.
4. Store or add to chicken. (opt: garnish with green onion and lemon slice) I'm not sure how long it'll keep. Your guess is as good as mine.

For freezing:
1. Fill ziplock bag, at most, halfway full with sauce. Freeze.
2. To thaw, place in hot water and let sit.

LA Tour Guide: Great Cafe's for Cramming

2012-02-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

My school had finals last week. Of course, my friends and I got together to study. We spent the weekend in a variety of Coffee Shops around town that have quality seating, food, and study atmosphere.
Here are our favorites:

212 Pier
Located in Santa Monica at it's self-titled address, this "Bohemian Cafe" has a down to earth feel and surprisingly delish food. The formal Novel Cafe also has books for sale, provided by the neighboring Angel City Bookstore.

Menu: Try the quesadilla, and macaroons. They recently added Boba.
Why we love it: They have mix and match chairs and tables in a variety of locations, including an upper balcony level. Open 24/7.
Drawbacks: Parking is difficult to find. No outside food or drink allowed.

Insomnia Cafe
Located at 7286 Beverly Boulevard, Insomnia has a quant, hipster attitude. Closes around midnight or 1:30. Reasonably priced menu.

Why we love it: Be sure to check out the bathroom; the walls are covered with writing, floor to ceiling. We love the abundance of comfortable couches. There is a certain artist who hangs out here, who will spontaneously sketch cafe-go-ers. You may be one of the lucky few.
Drawbacks: Watch out for the bitchy asian lady who owns the place. She strictly enforces the no cell phone policy, and hounds you for laying on the couches.

Coral Tree Cafe
We prefer the Brentwood Location (11645 San. Vicente Blvd.) This place is more mainstream, but still a great hangout, especially at night. Watch out though, because it closes at 11pm.

Parking: Available at the lot next door. However, it's valet and costs more than just street parking.
Why we love it: The restaurant features an abundance of great outdoor seating, with heat lamps and shaded areas.
Drawbacks: Sometimes very busy.

My friends Tammy and Leilah at Insomnia.

How to Make Amazing Hot Chocolate

2012-02-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

Prepare to be amazed. The incredible magician Taylor (that's me!) is about the solve all of the pesky Hot Chocolate mishaps that ruin your enjoyment of this tasty drink. Great for ceramic mugs or on-the-go tumblers.

Problem #1: The clumps of hot cocoa powder. Don't you hate it when, no matter how hard you stir, you can't get rid of those powder lumps? Not to mention the heaping left at the bottom, which you only know about after you've drunk the rest of the liquid.

Problem #2: The watered down taste of making cocoa with milk and mix. You could add milk, but I have an even better solution.

The Magical Formula:
* Add the powder into an empty dry mug. Be sure to put a heaping so it tastes real good :)
* Mix in just enough Coffee Creamer (Hazelnut flavor is the best) to make the chocolate mixture liquid - no dry clumps allowed. If you add a small amount of liquid to a equal or larger amount of powder, it will mix evenly, and homogeneously. Pouring a large amount of water over the powder, however, is sure to lead to clumps. Mix well.
* Add hot water.

Voila! The most perfect cup of Hot Cocoa awaits you.

Worm Composting

2012-02-01T22:56:00.000-08:00

I vermicompost /vermiculture/ worm culture composting. It's a great way to recycle food scraps into nutrient rich natural fertilizer (the worm's waste products). I use an incredibly simple bin technique. Here are the basic how to's and tricks I've learned.

New Culture Ingredients:

* Bedding (shredded paper scrapes (I used LA Times))
* Bin with holes (can drill yourself into a regular plastic storage bin)
* Lots and lots of moisture
* Red wigglers (order online or get some from a friend's bin)
* Kitchen scrapes (no dairy, oil, or meat)

1. Create the bin with holes on the top and sides only. It needs a top so that squirrels or fruit fly's don't get in and start picking at your grub. It needs holes so that air can get in and the worms can breath. Also, you don't want it to turn anaerobic due to a lack of oxygen. Preferably use a opaque bin, not transparent, because worms do not like the light. Some bin techniques use holes on the bottom to drain excess fluid. However, if you watch the water level this isn't necessary.
2. Create bedding by shredding newspaper and soaking in water. Ring out water like a sponge. Worms need a very moist environment.
3. Add a pound of worms. The worms will multiply to fill the space, so don't worry about starting with less. Let the worms adjust to their new environment for about a week, before adding food to the bin.
4. Bury a cup of vegetable or fruit scrapings in the bin. You must bury it to prevent fruit flies from inhabiting your bin. They won't hurt the worms, but they sure are annoying. In a couple days bury another cup of food in a different location. Continue until you come back to the original location; there should be no food left, only worm castings. If the food is not disappearing fast enough, put less in. Tinker around with the exact amount and frequency of food until you figure out works for your bin.
TIP: My worms absolutely love bananas. The baby worms are always all over the peels.

Maintenance:

* Learn all about your worms. What their eggs look like. What temperatures they can survive in. Learn that centipedes eat worms.
Fun Fact: Worms don't have a gender, but they require a partner to mate. They are sexually mature when the large nodule has formed about 1/3 of the way down their body.
* Sprinkle some water in the bin every other time you check it. Keep an eye on the water level in the bottom of the bin, and water accordingly.

Harvesting:
* There are many methods but I've never tried any. I've had a bin for about 6 months. When they were ready to be harvested I gave the bin to a friend of mine, and started a new bin. So, my friend did the harvesting. My new bin is just about there, but I want to wait until its really thick with castings.

Finance

2012-01-25T21:04:00.000-08:00

All of the college financial aid forms really got me thinking about money. I need more of it. I also realized that I'm strikingly financially illiterate. Perhaps taking a personal finance class would be a step in the right direction. A quick google search popped up this helpful website, which lists Free Online Finance Classes. I soon realized that 'money' was perhaps too broad. There are classes on business accounting, personal investments, economic concepts, credit and debt, etc. Of course, I bookmarked the page and would like to check out some of the sites in the future (especially the videos about credit and the CNNMoney 'courses'). These simple education tools are sure to keep me interested and explain the concepts in child-speak.

One search led to another, and soon I'd found out the wonderful free online education that is OpenWare. The classes at MIT are snazzy and so is this personal finance class at UC Irvine. I'm definitely going to check these courses out. I hope I can remain disciplined enough to stick with the material. I definitely benefit from the structure and motivation of a formal class. I encourage all my readers (the couple of them) to check out these sites and join me in my quest for education- financial and otherwise.

A Series of Unfortunate Events

2012-01-24T20:45:00.000-08:00

Sadly all the hype and suspense of my last post diminished to nothing more than a never ending stream of bad luck. First we find out that those mysterious packages are the result of identity thief. At least the thief was dumb enough to send the goods to our house instead of his/hers. Thankfully, that whole mess is cleared up and there doesn't seem to be any problems with my mom's bank accounts and credit cards.

Unfortunate Event #2: I banged my car into a pole while trying to not-so-skillfully navigate out of a tight parking space. Now I have a big dent in my right rear fender.

Then, to top it all off, some jackass rammed into my car in the parking lot and scraped up the left rear fender. My car went from being top-quality classic beetle, (I should mention that I own a 1972 Volkswagen Superbeetle) to having 2 big dents in 4 days. I hope to find the perp who didn't have the common decency to leave a note.

All of these mishaps have lead to 2 dents, and 2 calls to the police. Hopefully, the stream of bad luck has ended, just in time for me to ace my finals!

The Mysterious Packages

2012-01-17T22:05:00.000-08:00

In a decided change from the traditional posts on this blog, this post will be more like a journal entry and less like a tutorial.
A mystery has enveloped the Shaw family. We keep getting mysterious packages, addressed to Kit Shaw (my mom), with the right address (which I will not repeat here), except the Unit number is 102 instead of 202 (I live in a condo). Three packages have turned up so far. The first was from Fort Worth, Texas: a pair of headphones that upon a quick google search cost $30. Next came a metallic pink hello kitty iPod shuffle, used, including a little bag and cheap headphones. The retail is $50 new. This was sent from an unknown Jose in Spain. The third package is seven pounds in weight and waiting at the Fedex center to be picked up. My guess is iPod speakers. All three have the wrong unit number, and appear to be from random online sellers. A quick google maps of the return addresses show residential properties. Did someone order these electronics for my mother as a late christmas present? Why have none of our relatives or friends come forward to claim the gifts? Is it a bad idea to open mysterious packages? Will we all contract anthrax? Will Nancy Drew be able to solve the mystery? Stay tuned for the riveting ending.

Adventure Time: Finn's backpack

2012-01-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hello again everyone!

Here is the full tutorial on how to make Finn's backpack from adventure time. Will add pics of actual bag shortly.
This backpack is not functional, but it makes a super comfortable pillow. Someone who's more advanced at sewing than I could easily add a zipper to make the backpack more useful.

You Will Need:
* Light green jersey fabric (1 yard or a lil less)
* Dark green jersey fabric (1 yard or a lil less)
* Button
* Sewing Machine
* Green thread
* Stuffing, I used microbead pillows I had lying around.
* Felt (opt., a very small amount)

Directions:
1. Download (or look at) template at bottom of page. The measurements are to scale, the image is not actual size. Refer to template while reading the following instructions.
2. Cut the front/back panels by marking an 8 x 12 inch rectangle and rounding off two corners. You will need two of each color.
3. Cut the sides, a 4 x 28 inch rectangle. You will need one for each color.
4. Cut the straps, 6 x 16 inch rectangles. You will need two for each color. Also cut two 3 x 64 inch rectangles out of felt (opt.).
5. Starting at point A, pin the side panel to the front panel of the same color, until you reach point B. The side panels should be a tad long, so cut off the extra or just sew it on the inside. Pin the back panel to the other side of the side panel in a similar fashion. Do the same with the other color (dark green).
6. Sew along these pins. Then, pin and sew the light green and dark green halves of the bag together. Make sure all the rough ends are on the same side. Leave a moderately sized hole, preferably on the side of the backpack that will be touching your back. Use this hole to turn the bag the inside out, so that no rough ends are showing.
7. Fold the straps along the dotted line, so that the two C's meet. Pin along this edge, and sew two sides together. Now each strap should be 3 inches wide.
8. Sew the light green and dark green straps together, so that the straps look like Finn's bag in adventure time. Try to make the seams line up. I found it necessary to do this step by hand. You should now have 2 straps. Turn them inside out so that none of the rough ends are visible.
9. (Opt.) I find that adding felt to the inside of the straps makes them more durable and helps supper the backpack better. Fold felt pieces in half (hamburger style) and sew ends together and down the sides. Leave room near the fold. You should have two 3 x 32 inch pieces. String a piece of yarn or string through the fold/loop. Using this string, pull the felt through the green straps. Now your straps are more bulky.
10. Using a model, measure and pin the straps to the bag until you get them the way you want. Keep in mind that the bag will be weighed down by stuffing eventually. Cut four holes in the bag where you'd like the straps to enter. Pin and sew the straps from the inside. Cut off the excess; you will have a lot.
11. Stuff the bag using the hole left in the back. Sew this hole when done. I did this step by hand.
12. Algebraic! You know have you're very own Finn backpack!!!

Rage Comic

2012-01-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

This was anonymously submitted and in no way represents the views of this blogger ;)

Easy Knit Cowl Scarf

2012-01-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

I wanted to make a cowl for the winter season and this pattern ended up being the easiest thing I've ever knit!

What you need:
*circular needles (mine are size 6, 29")
*any yarn will do, but I used an off-white homespun type

Directions:
*cast on 60-80 stitches (depending on the circumference you'd like)- to tell you the truth I just cast on enough stitches to cover the circular needles
*continue knitting until it's the length you'd like, at least 15 inches or so. I knit until I ran out of yarn. In fact, I waited so long to cast off, I almost ran out of yarn! Because you're using circular needles, you get the stockinette stitch without trying.
*cast off

Tips and Tricks: You could add a pattern to the first few rows of the beginning and the end. try a knit 4, purl 4 pattern, etc.

New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-08T18:39:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again and I've decided to make it my annual goal to blog! That's right, to commit myself to this, hopefully more frequently viewed, website. I vow to continue posting until I gain 10 pounds. That's right: gain weight. Since this blog is devoted mostly to baking, the extra poundage should be easily achieved if i maintain the posts. In addition, I promise to expand the blog to include other craft worthy activities, like sewing my halloween costumes and knitting a wonderfully soft cowl scarf. Not to mention a soon to follow science portion. Hopefully, this humble url will house all the fabulous activities that make up the immensely interesting life of Taylor Shaw, and a much improved and increased following will develop. Which leads me to the apex of my resolution: to make money. I have recently discovered the untold profits that can be reaped by much frequented blog advertisements, and hope to tap into this growing market. I want to journal, diary, and scrapbook my life on the only worthwhile outlet- the internet. So, Happy New Year and Happy Blogging!

Adventure Time Costumes

2012-01-08T18:17:00.000-08:00

Mathematical!

For Halloween, my boyfriend and I decided to be Finn and PB. Here's the details for our costumes.

Finn:
* Hat was made with felt, using the tutorial available here
* Backpack was made using jersey and an original template (instructions will be posted shortly)
* Blue Shirt
* Authentic Adventure Time Sword was available through Toy's R Us
* Jeans or jean shorts

Princess Bubblegum:
* Crown made from yellow poster board with a blue rhinestone from the local craft store
* Pink Dress (mine is from american apparel)
* Pink Wig (I got mine from Hot Topic)
* Purple ribbon belt
* Pink makeup

Price Total: $112 for both costumes
The white felt, two tones of green jersey fabric, velcro, and purple ribbon cost just under $40. I had plenty of extra fabric though.
The sword cost $16 plus shipping.
The crown supplies cost less than $5.
The dress cost $35 at a american apparel outlet store.
The wig cost $16 (The website says it's now priced at $7!)
We already had the blue shirt, jeans, and makeup.

To top it off we wore heelys =] The costumes were a huge success! We saw a few other Adventure Time costumes at the West Hollywood Carnival, but ours were definitely the best. PB is a difficult character to pull off, because pink skin doesn't translate so well from cartoon to reality. But, Jack's Finn costume was the best I've seen. I may be tooting my own horn, but the backpack was especially amazing. I will be sure to divulge all the tips and tricks in my next post. So long, and keep it Algebraic!

Poured Fondant

2010-11-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup corn syrup

* Heat sugar, water, and syrup on the stove top until they reach soft ball stage (238 degrees F, 114 degrees C).

* Pour the liquid into a food processor and let cool until 140 degrees F, 60 degrees C.
* Process until the translucent liquid becomes opaque. It may turn solid. I find its easiest to let it harden, then scope it out into my storage container of choice.
* Store at room temperature. Heat in to microwave to use. Add food coloring if you want. Be careful when you're working with it, the fondant can get very hot.

Cupcakes dipped in fondant.

(from veganyumyum)

Lemon Cake

2010-11-19T18:36:00.000-08:00

1 cup, 2 sticks butter
2 1/2 cups sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons lemon extract
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sour cream or yogurt

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees
* Cream butter and sugar
* Add eggs one at a time, add lemon extract
* Mix in dry ingredients and sour cream, alternate between the two
* Bake ~20 minutes

(adapted from allrecipes)

I got a Cupcake Courier for my birthday!!! 36 cupcakes =]

Coconut Cake

2010-10-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

1 cup butter
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup dried, shredded coconut
1 cup milk

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
* Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla.
* Beat in eggs.
* Beat in flour, coconut, and milk.
* Bake for ~20 minutes.

Strawberry Cake

2010-10-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

~10 oz. frozen strawberries
3 oz. strawberry gelatin mix
1 package cake mix
4 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 water

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees
* Puree the strawberries in a blender or processor.
* Mix the pureed strawberries and all the other ingredients.
* Bake for 30 minutes in a cupcake tin.
Flattop cupcakes, stickytop cupcakes, and tastes like cake mix.

Fluffy Chocolate Cake

2010-10-09T21:57:00.001-07:00

2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sugar
1 eggs
1 teaspoon chocolate liquor
1 1/4 cups cake flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)

* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
* Melt the chocolate in a double broiler or microwave.
* Cream the butter and sugars.
* Beat in the egg, liquor, and melted chocolate. Gradually add the flour, soda, and salt- alternating with the buttermilk.
* Bake for 20 minutes in cupcake tins.
Super fluffy. It falls apart easily, I'm not quite sure how to firm it. Perhaps by using all-purpose instead of cake flour?
(adapted from cooks)