Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Gluten-Free? Eh eh--not for me. And, clearly "Mikey" don't live here either. My kids were NOT dancing to the tune of "give me, give me" with these, more like "err" (that's my one year old giving me his mushed food that he regurgitated). Now, the man of the house, played a different melody, his was more like..."baby give me one more try". After he devoured three consecutive gluten-free banana nut cupcakes, he mouthed in between chews--"not bad." Oddly enough, I actually believed him.



The aroma was quite appetizing, and they certainly looked better baked. Before that, I was scurred!! I wasn't sure what to expect. The process was pretty much the same. As usual, there was beating, whisking, mixing, sifting. No tricks. No magic. Besides, being gluten-free all roads led to the same bite size treat, or in this case maybe, a TRICK??? Hmm...... The batter had a sticky, slimy, snotty consistency, much like okra dipped in maple syrup. Yuck, get the picture? Mostly, I pipe the batter into the cupcake wells, not this time. This was more like the old-fashioned movement. Scooping was the technique of choice. In fact, it was the only way.

Why gluten-free you ask?

Well, by wikipedia definition a gluten-free diet is a diet completely free of ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals: wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye, and triticale, as well as the use of gluten as a food additive in the form of a flavoring, stabilizing or thickening agent. It is recommended amongst other things in the treatment of coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten intolerance, dermatitis herpetiformis, Lyme disease, and wheat allergy.



That's why!! It's a lifestyle for those who may have dietary restrictions or choose healthier eating habits. Aren't options great? Here is another example of a request from a neighbor whose friend, of a friend, of a friend....six degrees people- that's all, has dietary needs. Clearly, he's not alone, so I decided to try my hand at it. Why not? As I said, not my fancy, but definitely an alternative to living without your favorite treat. Did I try them? Sure. And, I'm sticking (no pun intended) to my story.

My tune would be more like..."girls just want to have flour too"!

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

No Ordinary Pumpkin Patch

Recently I was asked, what's my inspiration for my weekly cupcake feature. Frankly, there really isn't a single answer to that question. I'm inspired by so many elements. Often, a friend or family member will ask--have you ever?...or more like, will you?... another one I've heard...perhaps, youuuu couuuuld? Clearly, there's a hidden agenda. Maybe a coincidence, but somehow those inquires usually happen prior to my Sunday baking routine. Usually, around Thursday or Friday is when the unsolicited suggestions come pouring in. At this point, everyone has heard- Sunday cupcaking at best- happens in my kitchen. Now, I'm not suggesting premeditation, but if the shoe fits...put it on! It's all good, though.

I also do a cupcake of the month on my blog. Have you noticed? Last month was creamy coconut, September was Lemon Meringue, August was Chocolate Mocha Chip and this month, Pumpkin Patch.



I drew my inspiration from our annual family hayride and pumpkin picking outing. My blurb language (as written on essence.com) even represented the desired experience: This pumpkin patch has more than just pumpkins turned jack-o-lanterns. Here you can take a delicious treat on your hayride while echoing “trick or treat give me some pumpkin patch cupcakes to eat”. Yeah, and then I woke up.

Actually, when I made these pumpkin cupcakes and the marzipan pumpkin embellishments-WHOA- can I talk marzipan pumpkins for a moment?

These delectable toppings are some conversation piece. You almost don't want to eat them. Almost. Seriously, they're like masterpieces...works of art. I had this idea for some time, I couldn't wait for Halloween to feature my skills. Honestly, I was a bit nervous- it had been months since I last attempted to make anything out of marzipan, and this time I didn't have my instructor to fix any screw ups. Good thing, there was no time limit. It took forever! Suffice it to say- patience, anyone? Indeed, you will be more than pleased with the finished product. I certainly was.

Then, I thought these would be fantastic to kick off the celebrated season, plus an unexpected alternative or addition to pie for Thanksgiving. And, that's how I arrived at the cupcake of the month for November. So, this month I invite you to try one of my holiday favorites, pumpkin patch cupcakes. Enjoy!

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

Cookies 'n' Cream

Some scream for ice cream, while others scream just give me my COOKIES 'N' CREAM!!!
Uh, that would be me. Whether it's in a candy bar or the all American favorite sandwich cookie, the combination is undeniably delicious. The ice cream flavor was my fancy. I remember when Haagen-Dazs first introduced us to their version of cookies 'n' cream. OMG!!! Did you die and go to heaven, or what? C'mon, admit it. I wasn't alone. Now, I don't know if it made the "people choice" awards, but it certainly was at the top of my list. For awhile, the parlor was the only spot that sold the perfect combo. I guess, like most things, it had to undergo a test market analysis, before phase two-- the supermarket. But it wasn't long before I was able to take my favorite treat (at that time) home with me in the brown pint size container with a glossy white top- slip it in the freezer- write my name on it, or a "for my eyes only" message. Perhaps in this case "for my mouth only", just to avoid any confusion. Admittedly, I was a bit stingy back then, but only for things I really LOVVVED!! Haagan-Dazs cookies 'n' cream was not to be shared. And, that was that!

These days, I'm all grown-up, and I still don't like to share my cookies 'n' cream. Sure, I'll buy you some. No problem. I guess I'm just a "personal size treat" kind of girl. One for me and one for you. Bon appetite!

Anyway, with the arrival of Fall, and colder weather. I tend to gravitate towards more room temperature goodies. Like- Cupcakes!!! So, last week for my Essence feature, I decided to do cookies 'n' cream. It was my way of bringing my summer favorite into the fall. And, you know what-- they were a hit!! The fluffy, crumbly devils food chocolate cake with cookie crunch frosting, topped off with half of an Oreo cookie-oooh, yummy.



This idea--a good one. Definitely, adding this one to my Cookies 'n' Cream list of favorites. Try it-- let me know how it goes.

Happy Cupcaking!

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

Do-Over

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to bake something pink, my idea-pink velvet cupcakes. It was my way of, getting my pink on! And, recognizing an important cause. All I had to do was use my red velvet recipe, swap out the red food color for pink. Simple. Oh, but what about the Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Not so simple. I was thinking more... hot pink rather than maroon. Cocoa powder eliminated- solves that problem. But still needs the velvet touch, hence the name. I suppose "white"chocolate would be a great substitute.


So, I try it. Mise place (that's French for prepare the ingredients) No, I don't speak French, I learned that in cooking school. I'm an advocate for the "stay in school" campaign.

Anyway, back in the kitchen....

Take #1

I mix my batter, add a little pink gel food coloring- need more- add a little more- perfect! I melt the white chocolate fold it into the batter; add baking soda, and distilled vinegar. This is good-(my bubble thought blurts out). Dip the ole' finger in the batter taste test-hmm, yummy. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove. Beautiful. Let cool. Okay- ready to remove the cupcakes from the muffin pans. Let cool just a little longer. Walk away. And, when I return. YIIIIIIKKKKKKESSSS!!!! What happened to my beautiful pink velvet cupcakes. How could this happen? Quickly, I reviewed my recipe. It said: add this...did that...add that...did that...1/2 teaspoon of this...did that too! I did everything as directed. So, my question: WHAT HAPPENED???

Clearly, this was: ******* a test of the emergency baking system*****

These were not even 1/2 the cupcakes my easy bake oven produced. They were more like doughnuts. Ruined- completely sunken in. I was mortified. Obviously, I disposed of the bad product immediately. I couldn't take the chance of my kids, certainly, not my husband witnessing one of my weakest baking moments. I was taking this one to the grave. Until now, of course. I pondered, what went wrong- over and over in my head. I verbally repeated the steps. It was like a bad date- how could I? Week after week, I test, I bake, I eat...not these!!!

Needless to say, I went back to the drawing board. I studied my first recipe draft. Did some editing, rewriting, rewording etc...

This time, I sifted a little more flour, used baking powder instead of soda, omitted the distilled vinegar (I knew that was a mistake when it started to foam). I was ready. Here we go....

Take #2

Mix the batter; add pink gel food coloring, add the melted white chocolate, flour, baking POWDER, skip the vinegar. It was deja vu all over again- it looked perfect!! I baked them again for 20-25 minutes. Remove. Let cool. I decided this time I couldn't take the pain for the gain, so I asked my husband to bare witness...he looked at them, looked back at me-as I stood on edge. I say well....he says well, what?, I say what do they look like...and he says, what else....Pink Velvet Cupcakes-without the hole!!!




by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

"Yo Quiero Cupcakes!"

Remember the Taco Bell mascot and his famous expression, "yo quiero Taco Bell." Well, now the chihuahua wants cupcakes. Yeah! Amazing what a few tricks will get you. Roll over. Sit. Bark. Good doggy- now here's a cupcake. What?

Apparently Taco Bell is branching out. Reportedly, they are test marketing cupcakes--in California. Imagine that! What will they call them? Not sure, but I've taken the liberty to come up with a few names of my own.

Disclaimer: I'm not getting paid for my services. But, I am for hire. Just in case.

Taco Bell test menu:

• Jalepeno salsa cupcake
• Soft shell re-fried vanilla bean cupcake
• Chocolate beef taco cupcake with cheese
• Chocolate beef taco cupcake without cheese

Admit it, sounds disgusting! Don't get me wrong, I'm all for expansion, but Taco Bell? Now, that would take the cupcake. I'd have so many questions like: Who's going to make them? Will they be made on the premises? Or, will you outsource? I think it's McDonald's that has a partnership with Otis Spunkmeyer. The cookie company. The one's that are sold in the hard plastic box at the register. Ring a bell? They're not bad, either.

Really, I have nothing against the fast food chain, but this seems like a bit of a stretch. Okay, I'll own up, I've even hit TB's drive-thru once or twice during a late night desperate attempt to find food fuel. Not the norm!

Here's my two cents, Taco Bell should stick to the tacos and leave the cupcaking to the bakeries. Agreed.

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

"Paula & Me" Season One

This past weekend I attended Food Networks Wine and Food Festival (http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/). As a "foodie", I was in culinary heaven. It wasn't really that big of a deal, unless of course you are smitten by the "who's who" in the culinary world (no, I didn't ask for any autographs). Even, Ms. Stewart graced us with her everyday living flavors. Like her or not, Martha Stewart is the BOMB! Post lock down, she is larger than life. I happen to be a fan, not like a groupie, but, on a "woman to woman" level. She has the it factor. Admit it, she's fascinating.

Basically, I attended a few culinary demos and discussions. It was like the gates of "foodie" world opened up and said, "welcome." Nooooo problem. I opened my arms and slipped in. Behind my imaginary gates stood Martha Stewart, Racheal Ray, Paula Deen and Rocco DiSpirito to name a few. Amongst the demos, I attended, Paula Deen was my favorite. And, not for the cooking techniques. She is a hoot! Her demo resembled more of a stand-up comedy act than a culinary demonstration. Would somebody plee--eeezze call the promoter. She's ready! For what? A tour. Her food wasn't the only thing sizzlin'. "Y'all know" Paula Deen.

Aunt Peggy and Michael were there too. Ms. Deen encouraged the audience to grab the mic-state your name, and bring on the questions. Optimistically, I raised my hand. The microphone lady passed the mic.

First things first, microphone check 1..2..3

"Hi Paula, my name is Nicole, and I make the best creamy coconut cupcakes, and I would love to come on your show and make them for you." Her response, "you come on up here girl and give me your information." Suddenly, I found myself face to face on stage with Paula Deen in front of 500 audience members camera rolling and all, talking about "The Cupcake Craze." Shut-up! Pretty amazing-huh! Good thing, I was camera ready! Not only did I seize that moment, but I froze it. With me speaking into the handheld, and she into her wireless, we had our very own Q&A right on stage. We spoke about the company, the cupcakes, our homes, husband etc...and, I still gave her my business card. I went for it "Y'all". The outlet became mine and I plugged away. And, why not? After my "Paula & Me" season one episode, I quietly returned to my seat. The after show featured studio audience requests for my business card. Who knows what the future has to hold from that experience, but I do know the present was pretty darn- special.

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze

Reese's Peanut-Butter Cup-cakes

Remember the famous Reese's old adage "you put your peanut butter in my chocolate," "you put your chocolate in my peanut butter." How many of us have recited that jingle? Well, if you haven't heard "retro", "throwback", "ole' school", "back in the day", however described, it's all in style again. I like to call it the "new old." Because really, haven't we all been there before. I decided to put my own spin on, "who did what to whom and how"--well, maybe not the how part- this is a family blog. I even took the time to produce a jingle for my peanut butter and chocolate premiere. And, let's just say it goes together like perfect harmony. WARNING..PARENTAL GUIDANCE ADVISED. There may be explicit language:

Music Beat...

"She put her peanut butter in his chocolate, no he put his chocolate in her peanut butter--cupcake-that is"...Uh, yes, yes, ya'll. It's--the--Re--mix.

Pause.

I know, sometimes I take things a little too seriously. But, its so much fun! Clearly, I draw inspiration from all walks of life. This one so happened to be "Hip Hop Reese's". Seriously. The idea was also inspired by Funny Bones, not the one on our body- that gives you that numbing sensation when you hit it and you grab hold for dear life- no not that one. The cake by Drakes. Remember?

I think they still make them, haven't eaten one in ages. It was two Twinkie-like shaped cakes (ya'll remember Twinkies-right?), but slightly smaller chocolate with peanut butter filling in the middle and chocolate coating on the outside. Just needed a tall glass of milk, and whew. It was on!

In this "new old" time, its all about the cupcakes, and peanut butter & chocolate are really something to sing about. If peanut butter is your strength and chocolate is your weakness, then together you'll be in perfect balance. Trust me!

posted by Nicole Friday for the Cupcake Craze