Chocolate Cupcakes My Way!

Who can resist a Chocolate Cupcake?

I've been so busy lately and have been promising my little man that we could make cupcakes so after my shout out was answered on twitter from the lovely Sam at Makeup Advice Forum for a recipe and a quick nip to the local shops i was good to go.

It turned out incredibly well so i thought I'd share the recipe in case anyone wanted to try it out.

Ingredients: 100g Plain Flour

20g Cocoa Powder

140g Caster Sugar

11/2 Tsp Baking Powder

40g Butter

120ml Milk

1 Egg 

Vanilla Extract

Now as the title of the post suggests 'My Way'  i didn't follow the instructions. Instead i chucked everything into a big mixing bowl together and whisked away until smooth. (Easy)

Popped into baking cases and into the oven for about 15 Min's or rather until i thought they looked ready :)

Leave to cool and prepare Topping:

Recipe:

300g Icing Sugar

100g Butter

30g Cocoa powder

45ml Milk

Again i didn't really measure very accurately, i just chucked it all in and mixed away till smooth. The trick to get a good topping is to make sure its firm enough. I always add more icing sugar than i need so that the piping holds well.

Ive found the easiest way to make the cupcakes look nice is by using a good piping nozzle. This one is perfect and i picked it up in a set from TK max with a few other nozzles and bags for £9.99

Then after piping decorate and leave in the fridge to set.

They are admittedly a bit sickly but i think they look quite impressive and would make a nice gift if you want to take them to a party or something.

Oh and the cake itself comes out incredibly light and fluffy.

Have a great day xx

Cheats Chocolate Cupcakes ! Pic Heavy

Maybe its not the best idea to start cooking sweet things when I'm suppose to be cutting down a little but this week i decided to do a little batch of Cheats Chocolate Cupcakes.

This recipe is perfect for people who are short on time or basically cant be bothered with the whole sifting, creaming etc that is usually associated with baking. Its a throw it all in easy type of cooking with delicious results.

Measure out 4 oz of each Self raising flour, Castor Sugar, Margarine or butter and 2 eggs.

I even measure them all together as it saves on time

Add a little flavouring if you like. My favourite is Almond

Whisk together with an electric mixer until its all combined and light and fluffy. Or get a helper to do it for you. ( Check out my old electric whisk which must be about 20 years old ha )

Add some milk choc chips and gently stir in.

Spoon into cupcake cases and pop in the oven 180 for about 10 Min's, keep a close eye on this as then can burn  quite quickly if you are not careful.

Rocco likes this bit the best. Cleaning the bowl

 You can just eat them like this and they are delicious when they are still warm with the melting choc chips mmm.

Or you can buy some of this chocolate fudge ready made, which is gorgeous and a quick cheats yummy topping that the kids love.

 Add a few chocolate stars and its complete

These always go down a storm at our house and they literally take 20 Min's to make. Perfect for those last minute school Fayre's or easy to bake with the kids.

Each batch makes about 12/15 so if you want more then just double the amount :) I just stuck to the smaller batch though as they are very Moorish. Happy kids & happy mum xx

Cupcakes for the New Year !

Happy New Year my lovely bloggers, wishing you all a fantastic 2011 filled with happiness & success.
I am having a little get together tonight at our home with friends and kids. I have been busy making Cupcakes for the party and am really pleased with the results.
I have 6 young girls coming to the party so of course i had to have pink. leopard and glitter for them, ooh yes and a bit of chocolate fudge too. Whats a party without chocolate Right?

I have had to hide them away before the kids scoff them all ha. I'm really pleased as it's only my second attempt even though it did take me forever to ice and decorate them ha.
Have a great night everybody and catch up with you all next year xxx