Wednesday, February 16, 2011

One of those days...


William

I love my little boy so much. There are no words. Literally, none. My love for him is immeasurable. Which is why I'm always taking pictures of him throughout any given day. Here are a few from today.

Cupcakes!


You may have seen the photo in my Valentine's Day post. Lately I've been obsessed with finding recipes online. Particularly cupcake recipes. I've found some really delicious "sounding: recipes. Key word- "sounding". I've made recipes off of the internet before. Been there, done that. These "delicious" recipes sell themselves with phrases such as "Best Fluffiest Moist Yellow Cake". When, in reality, it turns out to be "Homemade Eggy-Tasting Pound Cake". Huge disappointment. I should have known. Oh, regrets... I love cooking and baking almost as much as photography (really it depends on my mood). As you can imagine this little incident has made me become a bit apprehensive when it comes to "delicious" recipes online (or, really, anywhere else for that matter). But then- when I saw this- I put aside my skepticism. A recipe for the famous LA cupcake shop- Sprinkle's Strawberry Cupcakes! Now THIS is a recipe I can trust!...right? I was very excited to try these, and , indeed, I was pleased. So, I just wanted to share this recipe with a good review! Enjoy!

NOTES: Do NOT overmix!! Also, make sure everything is at room temperature. : )


Sprinkles Cupcakes' Strawberry Cupcakes
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen whole strawberries (thawed if frozen)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour , sifted
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp. coarse salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk , room temperature
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 large egg , room temperature
  • 2 large egg whites , room temperature
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.

Place strawberries in a small food processor; process until pureed. You should have about 1/2 cup of puree. Add a few more strawberries if necessary, or save any extra puree for frosting; set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together milk, vanilla and strawberry puree; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended.

With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended.

Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer muffin tin to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in tin before icing.
Sprinkles Cupcakes' Strawberry Frosting
  • 1/2 cup frozen whole strawberries , thawed
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter , firm and slightly cold
  • Pinch coarse salt
  • 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar , sifted
  • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Directions
Place strawberries in the bowl of a small food processor; process until pureed. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed and slowly add confectioners' sugar; beat until well combined. Add vanilla and 3 tablespoons strawberry puree (save any remaining strawberry puree for another use); mix until just blended. Do not overmix, or frosting will incorporate too much air. Frosting consistency should be dense and creamy, like ice cream.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Happy

I know it's a bit early but I'm just a little excited. This Valentine's Day is very special for me. The most meaningful and beautiful. Though I may not have everything I want, I still really do. Someone to love. Someone to love me back. Something I love to do (that, this year, will hopefully love me back) and a future to look forward to. In all of this, on Valentine's Day, I am thankful and in love.

This photo is of one of the cupcakes I made today with my sweet (but crazy) little boy. Strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream.






Monday, February 7, 2011

Typical.

Sometimes I love to see something that is oh-so-typical. I can't help myself!

Cirque

I was so excited to go to the Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and see their Cirque program's interpretation of Romeo and Juliet. This program was so much fun and a bit emotional at times. This was not your ordinary "high school program". It was amazing! Here are a few shots from the night.













Friday, February 4, 2011

I love it.

This picture was taken on my iPhone and then put together in Photoshop. I love these.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Apples

Here's another series. I'm really liking these lately. I hope you are, too!