WELL DRESSED CUPCAKES

Who Doesn’ Like a Donut?

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 01 Feb 2019 16:38:00 +0000

I bought a donut pan at least 2 years ago. I have never used it, I don’t really even eat donuts. The idea of yeast, time and bother just seemed too much. But with my 2 Little’s coming over for the day and temperatures below freezing - we needed a plan. I gave these girlies the job from start to finish. They were unbelievable and the donuts were absolutely delicious!
My search for a recipe required no yeast, no frying. There were a lot but I decided to go with a recipe from King Arthur Flour.

1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, to taste
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 2/3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 cup of milk - I used skim
I made a few changes - used cinnamon instead of nutmeg and since I was out of vanilla, I used lemon, which I definitely recommend.
The donuts were light, fluffy and delicious! We dusted with powdered sugar and also glazed a few. (Just mix powdered sugar and milk) or make a lemon glaze bu adding a drop of lemon extract. Don’t use flavor - it tastes fake!
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease two standard doughnut pans.
2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat together the butter, vegetable oil, and sugars until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, beating to combine.
4. Stir in the baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla.
5. Stir the flour into the butter mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour and making sure everything is thoroughly combined. The batter will be fairly thick; when you draw your spatula through the batter, it will leave a furrow.
6. Spoon the batter into the lightly greased doughnut pans, filling the wells to about 1/4" shy of the rim.
8. Bake the doughnuts for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven, and wait 5 to 7 minutes before turning them out of the pans onto a rack.
9. For cinnamon doughnuts, shake warm doughnuts in a plastic bag with about 1/4 to 1/3 cup cinnamon-sugar. For sugar-coated doughnuts, shake doughnuts in a plastic bag with about 1/2 cup non-melting topping sugar (for best results), or confectioners' sugar.
10. I will also say check the donuts BEFORE 10 min. I took them out around 9 min
  
  If you have a moment, please visit my Etsy Shop - lots of new items especially for Valentines Day! Welldressedcupcake Etsy Shop

Are Brookies Brownies or Cookies?

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 18:56:00 +0000

Autumn is here which means I will start baking again. This summer was too busy and just too hot for baking. Birthdays in my family have started up again and this year's request was for a Brookie. Translation = Brownie and Cookie. My family is divided on this. Most love the brownies and love the chocolate chip cookies and want them separate. I'm not sure. One big question. What goes in the pan first - the brownie or the cookie dough. I have made them 3x. 2 successes and 1 epic failure. My advice - brownie goes 1st in the pan, cookie dough on top. The brownie cooks more evenly. Also you must use parchment paper. Your life will be much easier! so give these a try and let me know what you think! This brownie recipe is the best I have ever had. Make sure you don't overbake.

Brownie

Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper

Oven at 350 degrees

Melt 4 oz of unsweetened chocolate and 1 stick of unsalted butter together and then cool

1 1/4 c of sugar in a bowl and pour in the chocolate mixture, mix till well blended

Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and mix

Add 3 eggs (room temp) one at a time and blend together

Add 3/4 cup of flour and finish blending. Make sure you mix in any flour at the bottom of the bowl

Spread in the pan

Now Using your favorite chocolate cookie recipe - I use Toll House on the back of the package of chips - try and substitute the dark chocolate chips!!! delicious!
add the cookie dough on top. Its not easy to spread but this will be fine once in the oven for about 20-25 min. you need to check. The cookie party will be lightly browned.

Last step - Enjoy
Oh and by the time I remembered to take the picture, they were all gone!

Please stop by and visit my Etsy Shop - WellDressedCupcakes. I've been busy adding new fall items, vintage Halloween Cupcake Wrappers and garlands.

WellDressedCupcakes

Printable Autumn Wedding Flags - link to come

Autumn Pumpkin Tags

Vintage Halloween Cupcake Wrappers

Halloween Garland

Break out the Cookie Gun

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Sat, 02 Dec 2017 04:01:00 +0000

Break out the Cookie Gun

This Wear-Ever Cookie Gun comes complete with 9 shapes and 3 pastry tips in its original box from about sometime in the fifties. I love it! Why a favorite? It's from one of the most important people in my life. My Auntie Sweetie. Auntie Sweetie is 94 years young, the best aunt anyone could ever have and my only aunt. I know my love of baking comes from her. She recently moved and I was given all her baking items. Cookie cutters, wooden rolling pins, cookbooks, pans and a cookie gun. Let's start with an easy recipe. D

I've also added some cute gift tags for your homemade cookies, cakes and handmade crafts. These can be customized! Please visit my Etsy Shop @ WellDressedCupcakes and take a peek. Mention this blog and I'll refund 10% of your order. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas!

Cookie Press Recipe

1. Beat 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter & 1 cup sugar till well blended
2. Add 2 large egg yolks
3. In a separate bowl, Combine 3 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour,1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon of Vanilla Extract. Be particular about your vanilla - There is a difference in flavor!
4. Add the dry mixture to your butter, sugar and eggs and blend well.
5. Fill the cookie press with the dough, and turn out cookies 1 to 2 inches apart onto an unbuttered baking sheet. Sprinkle cookies with colored sanding sugars or you can make a glaze to decorate after the cookies have cooled
Bake until the cookies are lightly browned, 7 to 10 minutes.
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Homemade Biscuits - Simple and Delicious

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 01:41:00 +0000

It's heading down to 17 degrees. A pot of stew is simmering and the perfect finishing touch - homemade biscuits are in the oven. Even if you don't consider yourself a baker - biscuits are easy, have few ingredients and are delicious. Flour, salt, baking powder, milk and butter. That's it! And even when you make a mistake (as I did) they are still good.

So here goes:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
In a large mixing bowl sift together 2 cups of flour, 1 tbs baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt.
Cut in shortening (I always use butter 1/2 cup or 8 tbs) with fork or pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Pour 3/4 c of milk into flour mixture while stirring with a fork. Mix in milk until dough is soft, moist and pulls away from the side of the bowl.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and toss with flour until no longer sticky. Roll dough out into a 1/2 inch thick sheet and cut with a floured biscuit or cookie cutter. Press together unused dough and repeat rolling and cutting procedure.
Place biscuits on ungreased baking sheets and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
I got involved in another project and left them in the oven a bit too long - but they were so good! Very flaky on the outside and perfect on the inside.
Serve plain or sliced with butter. Yum!!!

Let me know if you make these and if you have a chance visit my new shop
Http://welldressedcupcakes.com
Or
Http://welldressedcupcakes.etsy.com

Valentine's Day = LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 00:16:00 +0000

I have always loved Valentines Day. In our world today, we need a day of love, hearts & kindness. Just a day to be nice!
Hearts - anything hearts are my favorite. So here are a few of my favorite items on my Etsy - Well Dressed Cupcakes
For those who like to make their own items - Digital Downloads are so easy. Just print as many as you need of these adorable conversation Heart saying Flags. Printed on a vintage look of pinks and white wood.

As I said anything with a heart -This little cake banner with hearts is perfect for your cupcakes and cakes.

Love Birds in all heart patterns are a perfect addition for your little cakes

Mason Jar Gift Tags with hearts - customized colors

For your traveler - Map Cupcake Toppers

Pretty Cupcake Pinwheels in pink and red with tiny heart brads

Larger Hearts with LOVE in cherry red are perfect for cupcakes, write on the back of each and use as a placecard or fill a tiny vase with these for your table decor! Or Handstamped LOVE On red & white Hearts.

Hearts in all colors - Navy, Sage Green, Pink, Pearl White or pretty much any color you need are available.

Hand punched Confetti - all colors for your table, in a Valentines Day Card or fill up a pretty bowl.

Garlands of course with hearts - all sizes and lengths arriving to you in a mini envelope. Vintage garlands, Blue Garlands and Red Mini Garlands!

Cupcake wrappers for your Valentine Treats, available in mini and standard sizes. Already assembled. In pink, Red and White
Just bake and drop into decorate.

You can find all these pretty items in my shop
Mention this Blog and I'll discount 10% after purchase.
Happy Valentines Day!
Http://welldressedcupcakes.etsy.com

Sweets and Treats In New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 02:20:00 +0000

A family wedding this past weekend, lots of walking, being a tourist and having crazy fun. Of course I had to check out so many sweets and treats! From Gorgeous French Macaroons to all of the delicious little Cupcake Shops-you could just sample all day long. We arrived at the hotel and were met by my brother in law, with this tiny, fancy little bag which was holding these beautiful French Macaroons. Delicious! Pink and green, filled with raspberry and chocolate - they were delicious! It also renewed my quest for making my own. I have the recipes, just need to keep trying! Here is a cookbook I have which I will use when I get home!

The first event was a family dinner - not small as my husband is one of 9. So just imagine husbands, wives and children. My beautiful niece's father is from France so the dessert was a magnificent chocolate soufflé.

All at the same time, each table received this delicious dessert dusted with Powdered sugar. I have not attempted this treat but was very impressed at the 10 perfect soufflés that emerged from this tiny kitchen!

We had the day to explore on Saturday as the wedding was in the evening. Our first stop - breakfast. I sampled each of my relatives choices but my favorite was a spelt cranberry scone.

We didn't stop at each treat store but I did take pictures - trust me- I'm going back! Love these little minis from Baked by Melissa. They are delicious and check out all of her flavors on her website.www.bakedbymelissa.com

Didn't get to stop but these doughnut flavors....yum

Had to try this pretzel while we visited Christmas Village in Bryant Park. I did share this. I opted for the salted but oh so many kinds

Our final event - the wedding. Another first for me - croquembouche which is alternative French wedding cake, a tower of profiteroles.

This was just amazing to see and delicious. Next trays of French Pastries were passed on trays and I tried many of them! All good!
A wonderful weekend, with family, a beautiful new marriage and good desserts!
I'll let you know how the macaroons turn out.
If you have a chance please leave a comment and follow me.
And visit my new store www.welldressedcupcakes.com 10% off your 1st order when you mention this post. Thank you

Holiday Gifts and Goodies for Bakers

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Tue, 29 Nov 2016 00:25:00 +0000

I get it - no one has started baking yet. But how about some stocking stuffers, Secret Santa Gifts, or presents for your favorite baker? Well Dressed Cupcakes has some adorable Baking Gifts which will come gift wrapped with a tag. Here's just a few of them.
Find these and lots more party décor at http://welldressedcupcakes.etsy.com Oh and mention this blog and get 5% off any holiday items

Printable Holiday Cupcake Flags - Make your own - just print and glue as many as you want!

Love these little Mini Cupcake Wrappers! a variety of vintage patterns

Red and Green Cupcake Wrappers - Standard and Mini Sizes

Gold and Ivory Baking Cups - Just too Pretty!

Ivory Cupcake Wrapper handstamped in gold holly décor

Holly Berry Cupcake Flags in Ivory and Gold with tiny red berries

Pumpkin Pie - Let's Add Some Spice

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 14:10:00 +0000

Let's go back to the 1600's! Pumpkin Pie did not look like the pies we see today on our Thanksgiving tables. Some recipes called for filling the pumpkin in milk and straining it before putting it into a crust. Another recipe called for layering pumpkins and apples along with thyme and rosemary and some had no crust but instead filled a hollowed out pumpkin with spiced and sweetened milk before putting it into a fire to cook. A big thank you to Libbys for introducing canned pumpkin in 1929 as I'm not so sure I'd be eating it today! I make around 6 pies every Thanksgiving and apple probably wins out as a favorite but mine is pumpkin! This is the best of all the recipes I have tried. It's not too sweet and has a warm, spicy flavor that will make you want a 2nd piece! and maybe even a piece for breakfast!

INGREDIENTS

1 single pie crust (please make your own - its not the hard - recipe & post to follow. But if this is your first pie & you're nervous - you can buy a crust! or make a graham cracker crust! Trust me it's delicious!

1 3/4 cups of pumpkin puree ( don't use the pumpkin pie filling) I like the organic version

1/2 cup plus 3 tbs of dark brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp salt

3 tbs molasses

1 1/4 cups evaporated milk

3 large eggs

1. Make the pie crust and cool the BAKED shell

2. preheat oven to 375 degrees

3. Place the pumpkin, brown sugar, spices and salt in a large mixing bowl & blend with a whisk

4. Add molasses, milk and eggs. Stir with a whisk till smooth

5. Pour the filling into the pie shell and cover edges of the crust with foil so they wont burn.

6. Bake in the center of the oven about 1 hour until the top is shiny and set. Test by inserting a knife into the center and it will come out clean.

7. Serve warm or at room temp with a dollop of whipped cream

More Pictures to follow after the baking marathon!

If you have a chance, please visit my new store http://welldressedcupcakes.com

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:33:00 +0000

I'm Moving! I need a big favor from all of you. I have finally opened my new online shop and am so excited! It's been a long time coming. I will move my blog over to and would love for you to visit
http://welldressedcupcakes.com Please leave a comment if you can. My new post for this week is Pumpkin Pie - which is probably the best I have ever tasted. I have a secret ingredient that most recipes don't call for. Please visit and try this recipe!!

In Honor of Nick On Memorial Day

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Sat, 28 May 2016 04:21:00 +0000

In honor of Nick

2016  Repost In Memory of Nick on Memorial Day
Nick:
You and your family are in my thoughts


I wrote this post on my blog in memory of a young man I knew. I'm reposting it again and will do so every year on this day.  It has now been 4 years and I pray for his family.


This post today will have absolutely nothing to do with cupcakes or recipes. It is not about political views. It's about a life. A wonderful life of a 23 year that ended way too soon. I first met Nick as a 6th grader & as his counselor followed him through 8th grade. He was one of those kids that years later stands out in your mind. Not a mean bone in his body, just a typical, likeable, middle school kid who could sometimes drive his teachers crazy. A smile, a personality - he had it all.  Moving on to the high school, he became an athlete and he often came back to the middle school around junior year to work at the school & to see his coach each week. I can still see him talking to that coach each day in the hallway outside my office when they had duty. Still a great kid with all those same qualities but so much more grown up.   He would always come in to talk and say hi, or wave through the window... the same old Nick. I just loved that kid.
I retired from school & didn't know he had enlisted. On a Saturday I picked up the paper and read about this young man who I have known since he was 11 years old.  He was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. Coming from a helping profession, where I was always trying to "fix" things is frustrating as there is no fixing this. But I feel I need to do something so if you're reading this, say a prayer or think a thankful thought for this young man who gave his life for his country. Thank you Nick.<

A Year of Birthday Cupcakes and Treats

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Tue, 10 May 2016 03:50:00 +0000

I blink and another year has gone by. I have changed course quite a bit this past year with the businesses and have set my goals on just one of them. Baking will be for family and Well Dressed Cupcakes on Etsy will expand. I'll talk about the baking business in a bit.

So I will measure this past year in birthdays. I love baking for my three favorite little people in the entire world. They now know what they want and request it! Two want nothing but chocolate and I have one vanilla girl. I'll start with last September. I was a teacher and think in terms of school years! Ellery Jane is my vanilla girl. Vanilla Cupcakes were sent to school and we celebrated at home with an ice cream cake. The real celebration was at Disney World where she danced on stage at an Irish Restaurant Raglan Rose and had a blast for her 4th birthday.

My next little one turned 3. Anyone who knows Nella Grace knows she loves Paw Patrol & all kinds of dogs. We had cupcakes for school and at home. This girl wants nothing but chocolate.

My little guy turned 6. I'm not quite sure where the time went but I can remember the 1st day I started babysitting while his parents went to work. He is now in kindergarten and loves life! Basketball is his favorite so we had a sports party.

And just about everyone else in the family had the same request for each birthday. Chocolate Cake!

Back to business and why I'm not baking.
Time is a major factor. My Etsy business has really grown which I'm happy about and there is not enough time!!!
Cost is next. I use only the best ingredients. It's expensive. People seem to think they will be getting a bargain or it will be cheaper if they order from a home baker. I feel uncomfortable with pricing as I know everyone so well and I'm not sure they realize how much ingredients cost.
Weird requests - can I write someone's name on a crumb cake? Can you make a giant blueberry cobbler in January with fresh blueberries? Can you add in cupcake flags and wrappers from your etsy business for free? NO!

So I will still be experimenting with recipes and try to sneak in something other than chocolate cake!
I feel much better having made this decision and will continue posting recipes and ideas on this page so please continue to visit.

I'd love to hear what you think about pricing and quality baked goods. Let me know....

Blueberry Crisp BlueBerry Crumble It's All Good

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Tue, 10 May 2016 03:04:00 +0000

It's blueberry season! One of my favorites and there is always a box of fresh blueberries at our house.

Call it what you want - cobbler, crisp, crumble, it doesn't matter , it's just delicious! Even those names are for different versions, it seems like people around where I live like to call it cobbler. So cobbler it is!
Years ago when I worked with a chef, we would make at least 20 hotel size pans for one of our big dinners. People loved it. Served warm over vanilla ice cream was just the best! I now bake privately and don't have to make enough for 20 hotel pans! I've also changed the recipe. I took out the margarine and used salted butter. I've added less sugar and increased the cinnamon.
Orders have started and I'm ready. I've also started offering mini individual cobblers. No matter what way and what it's called - I'm just happy blueberry season is here!

So here goes
You will need
8x8" Baking Dish,Flour, Sugar, Cinnamon, Salt, Butter,Blueberries

Preheat the oven to 350

Wash & drain the blueberries.

Pat dry
In a very large bowl mix 4 cups of flour, 3 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 pound of softened butter, 2Tbs of Cinnamon, pinch of salt
Here is the most important part
Mix together until clumps of the mix start to form. When you first start to mix, you will have a fine crumble. Don't stop!! You need to continue mixing until you have this consistency.

Dot the bottom of the dish with butter

Add the blueberries

Add the topping

Bake for 15 minutes at 350 till topping starts to brown just a bit

Fill foil cupcake wrappers in a cupcake pan to make mini cobblers

Serve over ice cream and enjoy!

Breakfast - Simple & Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 00:49:00 +0000

In a hurry? This will take little time, is nutritious and tastes delightful! It's also pretty to look at.

We just went strawberry picking so nothing could be better than ones that are fresh picked!

The girls want me to make strawberry jam. I think we have enough strawberries but I need a recipe!

Toss blueberries, blackberries, strawberries & raspberries (

Add pumpkin seeds, chia seeds & walnuts

Enjoy!

So here's some quick health info

Raw pumpkin seeds - protein, low in carbs, heart healthy fats & fiber. They are high in calories so I add carefully.

Chia Seeds - omega fats, fiber, protein and anti oxidants.

Walnuts- loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that lower bad cholesterol

Homemade Doughnuts on a Rainy Day & National Donut Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:43:00 +0000

Today it's raining which means we are in for the day. A perfect day to bake with my favorite little girl.

I love this cookbook for kids. Illustrations, simple steps and delicious recipes. Today we decided to make oven baked doughnuts. El J is 3 1/2, she basically did the entire recipe by herself after I measured. Stirring, mixing and scooping them into the mini muffin pans, rolling them in sugar and cinnamon and of course enjoying them!

Getting all the ingredients together

Butter, sugar, baking powder, flour, cinnamon, salt, butter, nutmeg

Roll the baked doughnuts in a

Mixture of sugar and cinnamon

We didn't have powdered so regular sugar was just fine

Rainy days are fun! Happy National Doughnut Day!

Dessert Spying in Kiawah

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 29 May 2015 03:16:00 +0000

Do I eat dessert when I go out to dinner? Not really but I love to look! Kiawah, South Carolina - tranquil, family time but I had to do some work right? Always looking for new ideas and what better way than checking out the menus around the island. And I must admit, taking a taste of everyone else's treats.

We did eat in most nights (with a 2 & a 3 year old) but here's a few of the desserts I was able to check out.

In a section of Kiawah, there is a little village called Freshfields. We actually were there after dinner and stooped at an ice cream shop where you could mix lots of fun stuff into your ice cream - sprinkles, M&M's etc. The little girls loved it!

I had mango sorbet which was ok but the server was so nice and the shop very cute.

On another day, someone mentioned Rootbeer Float at an old fashioned soda fountain in a pharmacy but no luck- Closed. This did remind me of being a kid!

Next stop on our only rainy afternoon was a visit to Charleston and lunch at the Hominy Grill.

We ate outside in a little garden surrounded by pink roses.

Boiled Peanuts were served as an appetizer. Not quite sure if I liked them but interesting.

Didn't have time for dessert but took a quick picture inside of the menu on a chalkboard. These are my kind of desserts. Definitely need to look up a recipe for Buttermilk Pie!

I loved the little rooster on the wall next to their takeout window.

Next stop, the Ocean Course Restaurant. Beautiful ocean views, sunset on the golf course and dinner on the porch.

We tried a Peanut Butter Chocolate cake with a toffee crunch base, chocolate cookie ice cream sandwiches, a banana cake which I unfortunately did not get the name but looked and I hear tasted delicious. I had a Boysenberry Champagne Sorbet which I loved. Picture are coming soon.

Heading home, fun to check out the sweets but family time was the best!!

Just Cornbread

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Thu, 28 May 2015 23:49:00 +0000

I just read that Cornbread has 330 different names. Really? Johnny Cake, QuickBread, Hoecake, Corn Pone.....Different names, different variations but around forever. Why I'm obsessed with finding the perfect cornbread recipe? No idea but back to the days when my kids wanted Jiffy out of the box - add egg and milk, I guess I've always liked it. So now it's a treat when we do have it and it's not out of the box! As I'm never satisfied with trying just one recipe I have now decided I must finally pick one. A lot of recipes call for buttermilk. I wanted one that would have all the ingredients readily available. Yes I know how to make my own buttermilk but I wanted simple & good.

So my criteria was easy, not too sweet and available ingredients. After a few tries, I found it. So here goes

Preheat oven to 400
Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper

Melt 1/4 cup of butter and whisk together with 1cup of milk and 1 egg
I'm changing one ingredient - no butter! I'm substituting with coconut oil. Just a tiny bit less than 1/4 cup. I always have to try at least one change!

Mix 1 1/4 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour 3/4 cup of sugar, ( I actually added a bit less sugar), (if you noticed, using organic sugar which is not as fine as regular sugar), 1/2 tsp of salt & 1 tbs of baking powder together

Add the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture and blend well. Do not overmix.

Spread into 8x8 " pan (love this pan where the bottom comes out)

Bake at 400 for about 20-25 minutes and top is lightly browned. Test for doneness

Serve warm with a topping of your choice

Enjoy!

Yes I've tried it with butter and coconut oil and like them both!

Pound Cake Simple & Delicious - Thank you Mom

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 08 May 2015 16:57:00 +0000

So it's here again. Mother's Day. I write out cards for my mother in law and my favorite aunt who is my 2nd mother and I miss writing that card for my mom. I just miss her. She's the one person in the world I could trust, who was always there, no matter how annoying or nice I was. She was that person I could tell anything to and I just miss her. I can not take her number out of my phone. Do I miss her on Mothers Day? No, I miss her everyday.
As I've written before, my mom is the one who got me started with baking. A Girl Scout Cookie Contest and I won! I have one of her cookbooks.

It has a special place on my cookbook shelf!

It's a little worn, but open it up and the illustrations are so beautiful.

There are many recipes, and many I would not even attempt but I Just Love this cookbook. In honor of my mom, I'm going to try one of the dessert recipes.

The intro to this section, La Patisserie, tells how the art of La Patisserie dates back centuries, when angry pagen gods could be appeased by sacrifices of sweet cakes. Wow! not sure I have any angry gods to appease. So which one should I make? I've decided to make a pound cake and then add fresh fruit. This is one everyone will like.

So here goes: word for word but I did halve the recipe as I didn't need 2 of them

Poundcake

Sift 2 1/4 cups of sifted flour with 1/4 tsp of saltand sift again. Cream 1/2 lb of butter and add gradually 8oz of sugar beating till mixture is fluffy. Add the yolks of 5 eggs till batter is light.
Sift in the sifted flour a little at a time & beat well. Stir in 1tsp of vanilla, 1/2 tsp of lemon extract, blend well & carefully fold in 5 egg whites beaten till stiff but not dry. (Wanted to check on that.) here's what I found:

Why do recipes for beaten egg whites always warn you to beat until stiff but not dry and is there a way to keep this from happening?

When egg whites are over beaten, they start to lose their moisture, airiness, and smoothness and break down when folded into other ingredients. The miracle solution here is surprisingly easy: use 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar for every egg white (1 teaspoon for 8 egg whites).

Add it to the whites soon after you begin to beat them, when they start to get frothy. Note: egg white will never beat to stiff peaks if there is it comes into contact with any grease, either from the bowl, beater or even a bit of broken egg yolk.

Pour batter into loaf pan. (I always use parchment paper)

Bake in a slow oven at 300 degrees for 1 1/4 hours and cake tester comes out clean.

Happy Mothers Day to my Mom. I love you xoxo

Would love to hear comments!!

Vanilla Cupcakes I LOVE VANILLA

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 01:35:00 +0000

I will never stop trying to find the Best Vanilla Cupcake Recipe Ever! But that said, I always go back to Billy's Vanilla Cupcake Recipe. This time I did something that made a difference because sometimes my vanilla cupcakes are dry or just not light enough for my tastes. So here goes, nothing major just a few small changes.

I changed only one thing. My mixer and I used the paddle attachment. I just got a beautiful Kitchen Aid. I've been looking forever at these and kept waiting for the Best Sale! But what was really holding me back was the choice of colors. I loved them all. Finally decided on Buttercup Yellow.

Just in time for 2 showers and a book club party. Vanilla cupcakes were for one order, the baby shower, so I decided to go back to Billy's recipe.

Billy's Vanilla, Vanilla Cupcakes
1 3/4 cups cake flour, not self-rising. (I make my own cake flour) Just take out 2 tbs of flour and replace with 2 tbs of cornstarch.

Sift several times
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large eggs (room temp please)
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until combined. Add butter, mixing until just coated with flour.
(So here was the difference - I think) the paddle attachment was the best. What a difference it made and also it was just plain easy! What was I waiting for?

2. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. With mixer on medium speed, add wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat.

3. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about two-thirds full. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.
(I also think vanilla cupcakes should be taken out sooner than later, when they are a very pale yellow) see my first picture. Wait too long and they will be dry. I always think they won't be done at this color but don't wait!

So mine baked in about 17 min

Cool and decorate

These were for a gender neutral shower

See my post for buttercream

I also used Natural Food Colors

Star Wars - Hello R2D2 & Happy Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 17:25:00 +0000

Time to bake for another one of my favorite little people. He is 5 and also a Star Wars Fan - and there are way too many choices of characters.

So for me it came down to colors. Of course if I asked, I would hear Darth Vadar Cake! but that would mean a LOT of food coloring! Too much for me anyway. I decided to go for R2D2. I love this little guy, was pretty sure I could draw the figure and with limited food coloring.

I made a one layer chocolate cake, perfect for all the little people at the party.

Parchment paper, the size of the pan made it easy for me to sketch R2.

I had saved some of my son's Star Wars Toys - probably about 30 years old but R2 Looks the same and was a perfect little model for me!

Then moving onto the cake. A quick layer of white for the base and then onto the decorating.

Time consuming, fun and totally worth it.

No words needed after hearing him say,
r2D2 my favorite! Wait one minute, I thought it was Darth Vadar! How easy is it to make a 5 year old happy!!

Love you Little Guy

May the Force Be With You!

A Pretty Cake for a Sweet Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 02:47:00 +0000

Time for a 2nd birthday cake! Two years have gone by so quickly. I still remember seeing this little preemie for the first time. Now a little person who wants to be in on everything!

I started out with big ideas. I was going to make a rainbow cake with lots of colorful layers. I looked at all the beautiful pictures on Pinterest and just had to make this cake. I finally found a natural plant based food color to use and got started. It was a disaster. The cake tasted great but the colors were just so disappointing. I actually have to say they were awful! Very dull and pale. Not the bright colors I had seen on Pinterest. There was no way I would use regular food coloring with the kids so on to plan #2.

I decided to just make a pretty cake. I've done castles, trains, trucks and cupcakes but time for something that just fit her personality - sweet.
Vanilla Cake with vanilla frosting. I love this recipe. It's simple and tastes so good. Four layers with a plain vanilla filling. A little Shabby Chic Polka Dot Cake Banner made with washi tape from my Etsy Shop Well Dressed Cupcakes as a decoration and it was perfect. Nella loved it!

Abby Cadabby & Elmo are her favorites so invitations were from CharlesAlexDesign on Etsy and also the Thank you notes.

A Happy Birthday Nella Banner from Well Dressed Cupcakes was perfect for the living room fireplace made with her favorite colors - purple & pink.

I made Abby & Elmo confetti for the table

and Gift Tags for the chocolate lollipops.

Nella had her special birthday girl hat and wore it the entire time! This adorable hat was made by PixieandPenelope on Etsy.
Birthday Hat

It was her day and I'm pretty sure she had a wonderful time. I know she liked the cake!

Nella"s Vanilla Birthday Cake
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tbs baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup of unsalted butter at room temp
2 cups sugar
5 eggs room temp
1 1/4 cup of milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Line 2, 9" pans with parchment paper
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
3. Sift together dry ingredients & set aside
4. In a large bowl, beat butter till smooth. Add the sugar and beat until light and smooth.
5. Add eggs, one at a time
6. Alternate flour and milk ending with flour
7. Stir in vanilla
8. Divide and fold into pans
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes
10. Cool, split the layers and frost

Vanilla Frosting
2 sticks of unsalted butter softened
6-8 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of milk
1 tsp vanilla - clear vanilla if you want the cake pure white

1. Put 2 sticks of butter, 4 cups of sugar ingredients in a large bowl & just add half the milk
2. Beat for 5 minutes
3. Gradually add the remaining sugar alternately with milk
4. Add the vanilla

Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Blondies, with Quinoa?

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 16:25:00 +0000

My new obsession is substituting. Flours, butter, chips, flavors, you name it and I will try it. This recipe idea came from a friend but of course I couldn't resist making just a few small changes.
Quinoa Chocolate Chip Blondies sounded interesting.
Here's the Ingredients for your shopping list
Quinoa Flour which I bought but you can grind out own (next time). This is gluten free
Soy free, dairy free mini chocolate chips in place of regular chips
Almond butter which cuts down on the amount of butter
Butter ( next try I'm using coconut oil)
Brown sugar
Baking powder
Egg
Fat free organic milk
8x8 pan (make your life easy and line with parchment paper)

I added a chocolate glaze. When I looked for ideas for a chocolate ganache, heavy cream was out so I used butter, chocolate and milk and it was delicious.
The glaze in my opinion just made these Blondies perfect.

Now for the true test.
My significant other. All I said was, " Try these chocolate chip Blondies" Absolutely loved them! He said he didn't want to know what was in them and had one more!

Ingredients and Recipe

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup smooth natural almond butter
2 large eggs
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup quinoa flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (use the mini chips)
Additional chips for glaze

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line an 8-inch-square baking pan with parchment paper.
Beat butter and almond butter in a mixing bowl with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in eggs, brown sugar and vanilla. Whisk quinoa flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs on it, about 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 45 minutes before cutting into 24 pieces. Let cool completely before storing.
Spread Chocolate ganache (melt 2 oz chips, 1 oz butter, 1oz of organic skim milk) I added the milk gradually for the consistency I wanted.

I think the ganache just make this the finishing touch. Let me know what you think!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies - The 1st Attempt

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 04:50:00 +0000

The Question - do you bake gluten free? Oh how I've put this task off. Why? I really can't answer that question but I finally did it. Curiosity finally made me try this and maybe having a new kitchen helped to motivate me just a bit! I found a recipe that was in one of the magazines from the local health food store and decided to start with chocolate chip cookies. I figured if I was going to get my family to try them, the 3 words - Chocolate - Chip - Cookie might convince them to give the recipe a chance.
I was pleasantly surprised - they were GOOD! Different in texture, they were soft but flavorful and I would make them again. My husband gave in and tried one only because I told him I would bake the real chocolate chip cookie recipe if he ate one. No, he did not like them. He is a one recipe only kind of guy and will never change! Toll House is his fav. But really, try this recipe. I would definitely make it again but then I would be the only one eating all the cookies!

1/4 cup of butter. ( I used coconut oil)
3/4 cup of sorghum flour
1 egg plus 1 egg white
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp of xanthate gum
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup of chocolate chips ( I used organic dairy free, soy free)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix flour and butter until well combined. Add remaining ingredients except for the chips
Beat well until batter is thick
Stir in the chips

drop by rounded tsp onto lightly greased baking sheet
Press tops to flatten just a bit
Bake 9-10 min till edges are lightly browned and cookies are set
Cool on wire racks

I always have to substitute. I have this thing with coconut oil and feel maybe it's just a bit healthier fat. But try the regular recipe first.
I promise you will like it

In honor of Nick

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Mon, 26 May 2014 22:37:00 +0000

2016 Repost In Memory of Nick on Memorial Day
Nick:
You and your family are in my thoughts

I wrote this post on my blog in memory of a young man I knew. I'm reposting it again and will do so every year on this day. It has now been 4 years and I pray for his family.

This post today will have absolutely nothing to do with cupcakes or recipes. It is not about political views. It's about a life. A wonderful life of a 23 year that ended way too soon. I first met Nick as a 6th grader & as his counselor followed him through 8th grade. He was one of those kids that years later stands out in your mind. Not a mean bone in his body, just a typical, likeable, middle school kid who could sometimes drive his teachers crazy. A smile, a personality - he had it all. Moving on to the high school, he became an athlete and he often came back to the middle school around junior year to work at the school & to see his coach each week. I can still see him talking to that coach each day in the hallway outside my office when they had duty. Still a great kid with all those same qualities but so much more grown up. He would always come in to talk and say hi, or wave through the window... the same old Nick. I just loved that kid.
I retired from school & didn't know he had enlisted. On a Saturday I picked up the paper and read about this young man who I have known since he was 11 years old. He was killed in Afghanistan on Wednesday, August 10, 2011. Coming from a helping profession, where I was always trying to "fix" things is frustrating as there is no fixing this. But I feel I need to do something so if you're reading this, say a prayer or think a thankful thought for this young man who gave his life for his country. Thank you Nick.<

My March Birthdays

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 05:39:00 +0000

Getting ready for our 4 year olds John Deere Birthday Party tomorrow. My cookbooks are still packed away. We move in 1 month so I went on Pinterest for a yellow cake recipe. There are so many of them! I went with Smitten Kitchen which has great recipes

http://smittenkitchen.com/recipes/#Cake

I picked this as I had cake flour and buttermilk. It looks delicious and will let you know how it turned out after the party. I did like that there was enough batter for 2- 9 in pans and it seemed to rise nicely.

For decorating I made custom wrappers and custom cupcake toppers

& a cake banner for decorating as I did not have time to get my natural food coloring. I can not use regular coloring anymore especially for kids.

Whole Foods carries the natural color but no time to get it. I like India Tree coloring. Any other suggestions, would love to hear from you.

So vanilla and chocolate icing and chocolate and vanilla cake for my favorite boy.

Happy Birthday seanie! Love you!

And Happy Birthday Mom who would love that she and Sean could share a special day! Miss you!

A Winter One-derland Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Well Dressed Cupcakes) — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 02:43:00 +0000

We never expected a January baby, but Nella arrived 5 1/2 weeks early one year ago. She is beautiful and perfect in every way and its hard to remember that tiny little preemie.

Planning a party for this little girl had to be special. Invitations were ordered from Ellison Reed on Etsy as were the thank you notes and gift tags. See Ellison' Etsy Shop
I was in charge of the sweets and the rest of the decorations. A Vanilla Birthday Cake was tinted pale pink.

Devils Food Cupcakes with vanilla buttercream and snowflake cupcake toppers in gold with tiny pink snowflakes from my Etsy Shop WellDressedCupcakes

A first try with homemade marshmallows (see previous post) for the hot chocolate bar and Rice Krispie treats dipped in chocolate for the favors. The favor bags were hand-stamped with pink snowflakes and the tags were ties to each with pink twine.

Centerpieces were large glass candle holders filled with pale pink tissue Pom poms and tiny lights scattered in each holder.

WELL DRESSED CUPCAKES

Who Doesn’ Like a Donut?

INSTRUCTIONS

Are Brookies Brownies or Cookies?

Break out the Cookie Gun

Break out the Cookie Gun

I've also added some cute gift tags for your homemade cookies, cakes and handmade crafts. These can be customized! Please visit my Etsy Shop @ WellDressedCupcakes and take a peek. Mention this blog and I'll refund 10% of your order. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas!

Homemade Biscuits - Simple and Delicious

Valentine's Day = LOVE

Sweets and Treats In New York City

Holiday Gifts and Goodies for Bakers

Pumpkin Pie - Let's Add Some Spice

In Honor of Nick On Memorial Day

In honor of Nick

A Year of Birthday Cupcakes and Treats

Blueberry Crisp BlueBerry Crumble It's All Good

Breakfast - Simple & Sweet

Homemade Doughnuts on a Rainy Day & National Donut Day!

Dessert Spying in Kiawah

Just Cornbread

Pound Cake Simple & Delicious - Thank you Mom

Vanilla Cupcakes I LOVE VANILLA

Star Wars - Hello R2D2 & Happy Birthday

A Pretty Cake for a Sweet Girl

Chocolate Chip Blondies, with Quinoa?

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies - The 1st Attempt

In honor of Nick

My March Birthdays

A Winter One-derland Birthday Party