Teenie Cakes

TeenieCakes is now TeenieCakes.com

2009-10-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

The TeenieCakes blog has moved to http://www.teeniecakes.com. Click on over and join us there!

Ice Cream Cone Cupcake pans

2007-09-15T01:21:00.000-07:00

Okay . . . I realize summer is almost over -- but you gotta check out these adorable Ice cream Cone Cupcake Pans at Williams-Sonoma. They're just too cute!

Sprinkles Cupcake Mixes

2007-09-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

I've heard so much about Sprinkles Cupcakes but have not had the tasting pleasure of a Sprinkles Cupcake. Was excited to find that their cupcake mixes are available through Williams Sonoma, including their signature flavor Red Velvet. Other flavors offered: Chocolate, Vanilla and Lemon cupcake mixes/kits.

The mix makes about 12 cupcakes and includes the mix, the Sprinkles signature candy dots that adorn the top of each cupcake and the instructions (was interested in their frosting). I whipped up a batch of the Red Velvet mix. The cupcakes were definitely red, was disappointed that it came out a bit dry. I don't believe I over-baked it. Please let me know if you've tried the mix too and how your batch turned out.

Wilton Cupcake Pan

2007-09-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this cupcake Pan by Wilton. Pan is aluminum and measures 9 3/4 x 9 1/2 x 2 inches.

Also on the Wilton site - some cupcake/pan instructions. Click here to view.

Sprinkles donates to Women's Cancer Research Fund

2007-09-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

Heard that during the first two weeks of October 2007, Sprinkles will donate their proceeds from sales of their strawberry cupcakes to the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund.

Their strawberry cupcakes will be available for purchase and consumption everyday during the first two weeks and will bear the pink ribbon on the top. For more details click here.

Cupcakes by Pamela Clark

2007-10-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Came across a delicious new cupcake book today at Barnes & Noble - Cupcakes by Pamela Clark (ACP Magazines). I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but the recipe index looks scrumptious. Recipes like:

Apple custard tea cakes

Passion fruit curd cakes

Lemon meringue cakes

The cupcakes look beautiful and the recipes are enticing. I will post my results on some of the recipes.

Carrot Cake Muffins

2007-10-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

My Mom used this Carrot Cake recipe when I was growing up. She found it in one of those appliance recipe books -- that has since been recycled many, many years ago. I don't know the source of the recipe . . . but I do have the recipe to share. It's the best Carrot Cake recipe I've come across.

Moist, great texture and flavor and the most delicious aroma while baking. I don't usually add the classic cream-cheese icings unless I'll be serving to guests. Let me know if you give it a try and your results. Enjoy!

Carrot Cake Muffins
3 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups grated carrots
1 8 1/2 oz. crushed pineapple
1 1/2 cups chopped nuts

Bake at 350 F
- Cake = 70 minutes
- Muffins or cupcakes = 20 minutes

Bake until golden brown and check for doneness before pulling. Transfer to a cooling rack asap to prevent from becoming soggy. The top becomes a wonderfully textured crust.

Baker Hints

UPDATE: For a more healthful muffin/cupcake - substitute some of the oil with unsweetened applesauce -- turns out much better!

don't pack the carrots

use crushed pineapple vs. pineapple chunks

I usually use walnuts

careful not to over bake, as will come out dry

Buon Appetito!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins (Like Starbucks)

2008-01-06T17:28:00.000-08:00

During the holidays . . . fell in love with the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins from Starbucks. With a whoppin' 490 Calories (see Starbucks Nutrition Information) you'll easily put on those holidays LBs in no time.

I've searched high and low for a good copy-cat recipe, but have yet to find that muffin's secret. I did try this recipe from Recipezaar.com: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. . . and although it was tasty, it was not like those from Starbuck's. If anyone has the recipe, I would be forever grateful if you'd share it.

Crown Heart Cupcake Pan at Williams-Sonoma

2008-01-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

Check out this adorable new Heart Cupcake pan from Willliams-Sonoma. Just in time for valentines day (and some time to test it out!). The shape of the pan creates a sweet cupcake with a "crowned" heart-shaped top. I'm going to try it and post my creation here. (Also, check out the Candy Message Toppers!)

Three-Tier Cupcake Stand at Crate&Barrel

2008-01-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

I have really enjoyed using the Wilton cupcake stands that are out there . . . but have been looking for something a little different. Came across this Three-Tier Cupcake Stand ($36.95) from Crate&Barrel. Holds two dozen cupcakes or muffins and is reminescent of vintage bakery displays. A little pricey but if cupcakes are your thing . . . could be a nice addition to your presentation tools!

UPDATE: Found another cute cupcake stand from Boston Warehouse that's even a bit more pretty and better priced ($21.95) - sold at Cooking.com

TeenieCakes is now TeenieCakes.com!

2008-03-14T21:32:00.000-07:00

Yes! We've moved the blog to http://www.teeniecakes.com/ . Please come join me there!

We're Moving!

2008-03-03T21:23:00.000-08:00

I'm moving the blog in order to have more creative freedom! I'll be ready to post the url within the next couple days . . . stay tuned!

Schools saying no to cupcakes

2007-10-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

Although I do realize that there is an epidemic of obesity and nutritional concerns for the kiddies, it still saddens me to think that children in school cannot enjoy cupcakes for birthday parties anymore. Some schools around our country are curbing the cupcake sweet treats for more nutritious alternatives such as carrots and celery sticks. I guess it has to start somewhere if it isn't being monitored from home, but from schools?

See these articles for the low-down:

Schools ban birthday cupcakes

Schools ask parents to send healthy goodies for celebrations

At school, birthday cake giving way to carrots

Welcome to Teenie Cakes!

2007-08-31T21:52:00.000-07:00

I have a passion for cupcakes, desserts - food! I enjoy cooking, baking and, of course, sharing and eating my creations.

I'm ever so grateful for my Mom's example, inspiration and encouragement in the kitchen. I'm also grateful and blessed for my beautiful "Husbandry" who has always been ever so sweet to be my guinea pig and eat my kitchen concoctions and always making me feel like the things I make are special and delish. My life could not be richer without these two people in my life.

I'm gonna share things I find that might be of interest to the connoisseur, the baker, the cook, review/share recipes and journal something I've been doing since I was eight - baking! I'm just embarking on my blog -- so Welcome!

Cow Cupcakes by Kylie Lambert

2007-10-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Cow Cupcakes (almost finished)
Originally uploaded by kylie lambert

If you want to witness absolute creativeness and something that will just make you plain happy and smile, click-over to Kylie Lambert's photos of Cow Cupcakes - created for a child's birthday party!

They are just too cute to eat!

Cupcakes With A Kick!

2007-10-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

New Cupcakery There's a new cupcakery in town called Kickass Cupcakes, located on Highland Avenue in Somerville, MA. This posh bakery offers seven flavors of cupcakes, daily specials and special treats for fido and fluffy too! Bakery owner and entreprenuer, Sara Ross, opened her bakery in mid-September 2007 and business seems to be booming with about 1,000 cupcakes a day!

To read more about Kickass Cupcakes:

Kickass Cupcakes Web site

The Somerville News " These are not your grandma's cupcakes "

Congratulations Sara!

Cupcake History and Sprinkles News

2007-10-21T06:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a nice article from NewsOK.com, Sweet tooth's ultimate reward -- with a quick cupcake history and interview with Charles and Candace Nelson, owners of the very successful Sprinkles Cupcakes bakeries.

BTW: Williams Sonoma has added a couple more seasonal Sprinkles Cupcake mixes in the following flavors:

Peppermint New!

Pumpkin New!

Lemon

Chocolate

Red Velvet

Vanilla

National Cupcake Day!

2007-10-18T20:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know there was an official Cupcake Day? October 18th is National Cupcake Day. Wow! What a treat!

Check out Billy Reece, owner of Billy's Bakery in New York who was featured on the Today Show. Billy shares his Simple Chocolate Buttercream AND his Chocolate Cupcake recipes. If you missed it, check out the video and recipes featured here.

Cupcake Entreprenurial Inspiration

2007-10-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

Have you been thinking about starting that cupcake bakery biz?

Here's a fun and encouraging article in USA Today about the cupcake trend and how many find the cupcake not only as a piece of childhood memories, but as comfort food as well. It's estimated that there are 75 cupcake-only stores nationwide (I would've thought there were more, but maybe most folks are doing it from home?). Cupcake bakeries cater to the kid in us.

Egg whites at room temperature

2007-10-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Beating egg whites at room temperature will give you better volume!

Cupcakes for a Cause™

2007-09-20T18:23:00.001-07:00

October 15th through October 21st is CancerCare's Cupcakes for a Cause™. The fourth annual event benefits the CancerCare for Kids® program -- providing free support services for children and their families who have been affected by cancer.

Participating stores and wholesalers will sell cupcakes and donate their proceeds to support the program. For more information about this worthy cause see Cupcakes for a Cause™. At this site you can see a list of participating bakeries, learn about having your own bake sale and more details about becoming a participating bakery.

How To Avoid Cupcake Domes

2007-09-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

If you are trying to avoid having domed cupcake-tops or domed muffin-tops, mix your dry and liquid ingredients until moistened -- leaving some lumps in the batter. Mixing out all the lumps can not only cause those domes, but have an adverse effect on the texture of your teenie cakes!