Sugar Flowers As Cupcake Toppers

Cake decorations have come quite a long way, and the thought and artistic talent that goes into making cakes have begun to be pretty popular. With new television shows such as Ace of Cakes beginning to pop up all over, there is a new found interest in cake creations. Sugar flowers have been around since the 19th century and was started in England. It is a type of cake art that involves creating incredible flower arrangements for decoration for special occasion cakes. The cake flowers look unbelievably real and are also edible. They are made up of gumpaste, a type of sugar dough that has a very beautiful consistency when finished. The arrangements are treated like fine art with incredible attention to detail. Cake flowers are mostly associated with more elegant affairs such as weddings, anniversaries, or special birthday celebrations.
There are a million different types of variations and arrangements that are possible with sugar flowers. The only limitations exist with in the artist's imagination and ability. The gumpaste is not only good for making flowers, it can also be used to construct fruits, vines, pine cones, etc.. To see a cake flower up close is the only way to truly see how fascinated this art is.
Maybe one desires a less expensive way to add some flare to particular confections. Cupcake toppers are a way to give cupcakes a new look, and like the cake flowers, these are also edible. Perfect for a child's birthday party, cupcake toppers can come in a variety of shapes and figures such as ducks, baseballs, foot prints, etc.. Anything you could want.
The best thing about confections is the art that can make any cake or cupcake something truly special and always delicious. A quick search will lead you to a wide array of shopping options so you can find your perfect cake flower or cupcake topper.

For more information on cupcake toppers or sugar flowers click on one of the links.

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Tips For Getting Your Own Cupcake Maker

Are you fond of whipping up cupcakes for dessert? If so, perhaps it is time for you to invest in your own cupcake maker. Why try toiling and baking cupcakes in your old oven when you can do it the easy way through a nice and brand new cupcake maker? With all the great brands like Babycakes, Sunbeam, and Girl Gourmet circulating in the market, you will surely find something that will suit your preferences. You will also see that these appliances are not only good for your hobby of cupcake-making; it can also be a great moneymaking hobby.

What exactly are cupcake makers?
Just like coffee makers and food processors, cupcake makers should be a staple appliance in your kitchen especially if you love whipping up cupcakes every now and then. These are small to medium-sized appliances that you can just plug in to make cupcakes. You can make up to 6 or 7 cupcakes in just one cooking. Most cupcake makers have up to 7 holes where you can put the cake batter. They also have a top closing lid. Once you plug in the device, the batter cooks into cupcakes, which you only need to decorate afterwards.
Why not an oven?
There are several reasons why you should invest in your own appliance for making cupcakes. Although you can also create cupcakes using your good old trusty oven, there are several advantages of having a special appliance instead of just an oven, especially if you want to make the best cupcakes for your friends and family, and even for special occasions. Here are some of the reasons why a cupcake maker is better than an oven:

• A better baking experience. Just think of it this way: since cupcake makers specialize on creating cupcakes, it will naturally create better cupcakes than ovens, which is used for baking in general. According to reviews peppered all over the internet, cupcake makers cook cupcakes more evenly. There are more incidences of burnt and uneven cupcakes cooked in ovens than in a cupcake maker.


• Baking in an oven requires more work. Imagine having to turn the muffin around every now and then just to make the cupcakes cook perfectly. In cupcake makers though, you do not have to go through that kind of hassle as they are built to cook cupcakes. They already have the right heat settings for making cupcakes, so you do not have to worry about turning the batter and such.


• Cupcake makers help you conserve energy. If you advocate eco-friendly appliances, then cupcake makers should be added to your list of green appliances. They have energy conservation features that are otherwise absent in ovens. They do not use much heat unlike ovens, which can make the summer months more uncomfortable because of the huge amount of heat that they generate. Moreover, they do not use up a lot of space, which makes them handy if you want to make cupcakes outside your home.


• It's great for children. Little tykes learning to cook at home will surely love having their own appliance. Making cupcakes is a fun activity in the kitchen especially for kids, and it will allow them to participate in the cooking process. They can mix the batter and pour them into the maker. This is also a good training for their industry and innovativeness.

Types to choose from
Just to give you an idea on the different cupcake makers that you can buy, here is a list of the top brands:

• Babycakes- Babycakes is one of the leading brands in the market. What is so nice about their products is that you can choose from a variety of colors, which your kids will surely love. They are small and handy, making it easy for you to bring them anywhere. You can bake 8 cupcakes in 5 minutes. Moreover, you can also bake tarts and pies aside from cupcakes. Cleaning up is also a breeze because of its non-stick coating.


• Sunbeam- Another leading brand is Sunbeam, where you can cook 6 cupcakes in just 10 minutes. Again, this will be very appealing to kids of all ages because of its fun-shaped cupcake housing. Cleaning is also easy because of its non-stick cooking plates. You don't have to worry about over or undercooking because it has an indicator that tells you when your cupcakes are ready.


• Girl Gourmet- Cupcake makers are just one of the things that Girl gourmet manufactures. If you want to get a whole lot of baking appliances and tools, then you can get everything that you need from Girl Gourmet.

Once you've made your cupcake, why not make a Cupcake Bouquet?
For more information and reviews visit how to find a cupcake maker?

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Cupcake Decoration Ideas

Decorating cupcakes isn't near as difficult as it might seem. Truth be told, decorating an entire cake would seem more daunting than the diminutive cupcake. A little frosting, a little trinket, edible or otherwise, and you're on your way to some pretty nice desserts, with little effort on your part.
While cupcakes might not seem like the kind of cake one might have at a wedding, it actually makes more sense than one might think. An individual cake for individual guests makes everyone feel special and romantic, particularly if they are topped with roses, hearts or a combination of the both. Cupcakes topped with small flowers, ones matching the bride's bouquet, would not only be attractive but would lend themselves to guests who might not feel like eating their cake at the reception; smaller is more portable.

With so many occasions available for celebrating with cupcakes, decorating them can easily match the occasion. Some suggestions might be flowers for a shower, assorted fruits for a champagne brunch, candy for a child's party and a Super Bowl party can be enhanced by cupcakes decorated with little candy footballs or green icing field goals. A nice idea might be to ice the cupcakes in shades of green and white, forming them on a tray in the shape of a football field.

For brunch, cupcakes can be topped with various fruits, perhaps matching a fruit compote served with the meal. Alternating between slices of kiwi, strawberries and peaches is not only attractive but flavorful, blending nicely with the frosting and cake. Also, with fruit, instead of using the usual frosting, mix together a blend of whipped topping, vanilla pudding mix, milk and vanilla extract, makes for a light, fluffy frosting that will melt in their mouths.
Having a birthday party for one of the kids and at a loss for what to do? Plan a cupcake decorating activity, but prepare for the mess. You can either leave the cakes bare and let the kids do this, or pre-ice them and have various toppings laid out in bowls so the kids can pick and choose that which appeals to them. Candy hearts, chopped up candy bars (Butterfinger seems to be a favorite), M&M's, sprinkles and colored sugars are always favorites with the kids and they will have the pride in doing this themselves. Perhaps a "prize" for the prettiest cupcake, the funniest cupcake, the most colorful cupcake, would be a fun way to progress the party.

A favorite flavor with the young and old alike is always chocolate. Brownies are also a huge choice and whether you're decorating a brownie or a chocolate cake, dispensing with the frosting and still have an attractive snack cake is a breeze if you have powdered sugar and a stencil or two. Putting the powdered sugar into a flour sifter, place the stencil atop a cupcake and sprinkle gently; paper doilies work extremely well for this and the ease in using this technique is appealing for busy moms.
No matter what you're planning, no matter the occasion or holiday, there is an easy way to decorate a cupcake to match. If it can fit on a cupcake and it's edible, go for it. If in doubt, candy is always the easiest solution. Don't restrict yourself to the common or usual choices; let your imagination wander as you stroll the aisles of the grocery store looking for toppings. You never know what might work!

Lisa is an avid home cook who loves to share her favorite recipes with the rest of us. Find all her cupcake recipes at http://www.Cupcake-Creations.com And be sure to try one of her cupcake decoration ideas.

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Tips for Creating Cupcakes

A cupcake is a delightful single serving treat that everyone loves. It is a popular dessert or snack that is commonly served at parties. They come in very handy and versatile. You can present your cupcakes in several ways. You can create colourful icings or add toppings for additional taste and style.
Homemade cupcakes are easy to bake and design. This literature will give you valuable tips on how to create your own cupcakes.

Follow the Recipe
There are different cupcake recipes scattered on cooking books and online. Try to browse and scan for great cupcake recipes. Select the recipe you would like to create and take note of the ingredients and techniques used. Make sure you copied the precise and accurate measurement of the ingredients to prevent any mistake.

Baking Equipments and Ingredients
Gather all necessary ingredients and baking tools needed. Make sure that they are clean and dry. When baking cupcakes, you will need muffin pans, cup liners, decorating tools such as piping bag and nozzles, mixing bowls, measuring spoons and cups.
For your ingredients, consider to buy good quality flour and eggs. Good quality ingredients will definitely yield into delicious cupcakes. When preparing your main ingredients, consider to sift your flour. This will keep your flour fine and helps in mixing the batter more easily.

Mixing the Batter
Add all ingredients into your mixing bowl - milk, sifted flour, eggs and shortening. Mix all ingredients well by stirring them under one direction. Remember not to overly mix the batter. It will result to chewy cupcakes and taste flat or bland.
Plating
Once the batter is completely mixed, pour the batter into the muffin pan. Fill the pan approximately 2/3 of batter. This will create perfectly baked cupcakes. Over filling the muffin pan with the batter will get your cupcakes burn.

Baking
Make sure to pre-heat the oven for baking. Set the temperature of your oven based on the instructions given on the recipe. Place the prepared muffin pan into the oven and give an effort to check your cupcakes often. If you're cupcakes seems cooked, apply a cake tester or a toothpick in the cupcake. Once the cake tester is pulled out and there are no crumbs included, the cake is already baked.
Set aside the muffin dry and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pan. Apply icing or toppings for added decor and taste.
Baking cupcakes on your first attempt may not yield into a good result. It will surely take time and practice to perfect one. Once you have mastered the basics, you can be inventive and try other shapes, ingredients, decor and recipe. This will make your cupcake baking experience worthwhile.

The author writes about giving valuable tips on baking homemade cupcakes for starters and beginners.

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Baking Cupcakes - Tips to Get It Just Right!

Baking can be a joyful task but it can turn out to be quite a nightmare as well. Cupcakes are amongst the easiest items to bake and keeping in mind some simple tips can go a long way in bringing out the perfect cupcakes. Read on to know more about these tips which have been endorsed by people from all over the world and compiled together into this single article.

To begin with the most important thing is to get the right implements involved in the process. This includes a good oven and baking tins as well as the ingredients to be used. The baking tins or muffin moulds must be a little on the heavy side and it is a good idea to get a medium sized one. This ensures that the pan heats well. Foils or greaseproof paper used must be of a good quality to ensure that the cupcake comes off without sticking to the paper. Make sure to fill the mould only till 1/2 the capacity. This gives the cupcake space to rise and get a nice fluffy appearance.

Coming to the most essential part of the cupcakes-the ingredients! It is necessary to keep all the ingredients at room temperature or to bring them to room temperature (in case of the cream which is usually refrigerated) prior to mixing the batter. This makes certain that uniform mixing is possible and avoids the formation of any lumps. While mixing it is good to remember to mix according to instructions on the recipe. If a blender needs to be utilized do so for the right amount of time. Over mixing the batter can lead to the muffins becoming rather dry and chewy.

Pre heating can be quite an important step in baking since it assures the proper complete cooking of the batter at a uniform temperature. Different types of cupcakes may have different cooking temperatures and period of baking time. Rotating the baking pan half way through the cooking time is also a good idea. The rear of the oven receives maximum heat and that side of the pan may get over heated if the turning is not done. The completion of the baking must be checked periodically after the minimum set time. Using a fork or a needle to test is a good practice.

The best ways to eat cupcakes are to bake them and eat them the same day. They remain fresh and extremely tasty and make for great tea time or after dinner bites!

You can find more about cupcake recipes from internet resources. Try our amazing gourmet recipes at http://www.cupcake-recipes.com

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Cupcakes - Create Multiple Flavors, Cupcake Cakes and More!

Cupcakes are great, but many are wondering how this little birthday and school room treat has come to create such a fuss. Not only are cupcake centric eateries springing up across the country, from home-style Magnolia Bakery on the East Coast to Sprinkles in Beverly Hills, but these once quaint cakes are being served everywhere - even at black tie events!

It's no secret that Hollywood's played a part, featuring cupcake shops in popular television shows, but the glory really goes to these miniature cakes.

Take flavor and colors for example. One dessert doesn't have to mean one flavor and look. A single batch of cupcakes can offer a rainbow of flavors and tinted icings, from lemon to hazelnut, from pretty pastels to vibrant tangerine and hot pink. Cupcakes are doing for many store-front bakeries what 31 Flavors did for ice-cream parlors.

And, there's so much you can do with cupcakes. As with cakes, you can add fillings, sculpt into fun designs and stack them.

While some of the upscale cupcake boutiques use expensive ingredients like Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, you don't have to go all out to create cupcakes fit for a special event like a wedding. Just be sure to use fresh and natural ingredients, such as butter and fresh fruit instead of margarine and frozen.

Cupcakes - Your own 31 Flavors
Here's how you can serve a variety of flavors and a palette of colors - all from a couple cupcake pans.
Divide white icing (snow-white buttercream or cream cheese) into separate dishes. Add flavor and food coloring to each dish. Due to the bitter taste of food coloring, don't use extra to achieve dark colors or red. Instead use a more intense form of coloring such as gel.

Cupcake Baking Tips
For two dozen cupcakes, make enough batter for two 9-inch cakes.
Bake in cupcake or muffin pans, and fill your liners 2/3 full.
Usually cupcakes are baked at 350° F (adjust for high altitude) and for around 23 minutes, give or take a few. Use the toothpick test. As with other cakes, always cool completely before decorating.
Loose crumbs should be brushed off gently before icing.
Smooth icing with a knife and short strokes. Leave smooth or pipe a frosty swirl on top, depending how you want to decorate.

Decorating your Cupcakes
You can decorate your cupcakes with just about anything you use to decorate larger cakes. Some of the most popular cupcake decorations are grated coconut, gum drops, piped flowers and figures, shaved chocolate, whimsical designs created with candies - and of course sprinkles.

Filling Cupcakes
To fill a cupcake, cut out a cone from the top. Then place a teaspoon of filling inside. Before replacing the top, cut off its cone (since the space it filled is not filled with filling).

Cupcake Cakes
Also called pull-apart cakes, these are perfect for birthday parties and youth events. Each guest pulls off a cupcake. Serving's a cinch and clean-up's, well a piece of cake. And a great plus with little ones - everyone gets the same size serving!

You can sculpt a cupcake cake into just about any shape you can imagine: numbers (for birthday ages), sports (footballs, team logos and names, etc.) holiday figures, flowers, Easter baskets and bunnies, cats and dogs, well you get the picture. The shape doesn't have to be exact (and probably won't), but the decorating will add the realism.

Here's how it works:
Bake cupcakes in double liners (for extra strength).
Arrange baked cupcakes on a covered, sturdy cake board. Play around with this until you get the shape you want. Staggering works best, and keep them close together.
Dab icing onto the bottoms of the cupcake liners, returning them as you do to their original positions. The icing will, once it dries, help hold the cupcakes in position.
Crumb-coat. This is optional. Thin some icing or make a glaze. Spread over all the cupcakes. Crumbs will show, but that's ok. When it dries, the crumbs won't be swept up into your final coat of icing.
When the crumb coat has dried, smooth your regular icing over the whole cupcake cake.
Decorate!

Tip: If you have extra cupcakes, decorate to match, and place them on a separate plate. For example, Blue's paw print on each cupcake can accessorize a Blue's Clues cupcake cake.

Serving: Pull up and forward. If the cupcake is stuck, slide a knife under it

Cupcake Tier Cake
Tiered cupcake holders have become quite popular at weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. You can take this to a higher level of creativity by creating a tiered cupcake cake! Assemble wedding cake tiers (straight up in graduating sizes is easiest), and arrange cupcakes and accessories to create a complete look.

Here's another example of how you can work this cupcake magic. Create a Christmas tree by using cupcakes on the tiers as ornaments and tucking sprigs of pesticide-free pine needles between the cupcakes. On the top tier, place a tree topper surrounded by more cupcake ornaments.
Finally, one more cupcake tip. Cupcakes, if stored in freezer bags, will keep well in the freezer for up two months. Be sure to squeeze all the air out you can before sealing the bags. You can have a large variety of cake types and flavors on hand to thaw to decorate!

Samantha Mitchell, Co-Author Cake Decorating Made Easy! Vol. 1 & 2 The World's First Cake Decorating Video Books For more cupcake decorating tips along with step by step videos, sign up for our free newsletter at CakeAnswers.com [http://www.CakeAnswers.com]

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The Perfect Cupcake - 5 Top Tips to Help Perfect Your Cupcakes!

Are your cupcakes as flat as a pancake? Or spilling out of their cases? There are a million and one things that can go wrong when baking cupcakes; the latest trend in home baking. Baking the perfect cupcake is not an impossible task, but nor is it an easy one. In fact, baking the 'perfect' cupcake is an ideology that does not really exist. I mean, what is 'perfection' right? But there are a few fundamental rules that you need to abide by in order to end up with a cupcake sponge that looks as good as it tastes, so we have compiled our top five tips to ensure your cupcakes cook as beautifully as can be, for all to enjoy!

1. Scales are your friend
Yes, it's true - the scales are indeed your friend. Well, in the kitchen at least. Measure out all of your ingredients before you begin mixing your cupcake batter and never try and 'make up' missing ingredients.
Experimenting with flavours is great! Experimenting with bicarbonate of soda as a replacement for baking powder, is not.

2. An over-beaten batter is a bad batter
When you over-beat your cupcake mix, your cupcakes will either be as hard as rocks or simply not rise in the middle, and there is absolutely nothing you can do with a cupcake that didn't rise!

3. Right temperature, right time
If your recipe calls for an oven temperature of 220 degrees, then make sure it is heated to 220 degrees! If the oven is too hot, the cupcakes can 'spike' in the middle and rise faster than they can cook. If the oven is too cool, then quite simply, the cakes won't cook. But always, ALWAYS, take your cakes out of the oven at the exact right time. Even if you think they look a little underdone, the cake will still 'cook' for a little while as they cool when they come out of the oven, so trust the recipe, and take those beauties out!

4. Cool cool cool!
As soon as your cupcakes are removed from the oven, scoop them out of their pans and lay them onto a cooling rack to cool from every angle. This is very important, as the pans stay can stay hot for some time after being removed from the oven and this can lead to one of two cupcake catastrophes; over-cooked cakes, or peeling cupcake cases. When the cupcakes are left in their pans after being removed from the oven, the heat from the pan continues to cook the cake. The heat from within each cupcake once removed from the pan is enough to 'finish' cooking the cupcake to perfection. Plus, moisture can build up between the cupcake and the cupcake case when they are left in the pan, causing case-peel. Not a good look!

5. Eat one warm
Okay, not strictly a tip for the perfect cupcake, but certainly one for the perfect treat! So when you set your cupcakes aside to cool, take the time to enjoy one at it's absolute prime; fresh and warm straight from the oven. Bliss!

For bespoke gourmet cupcakes made to order and deliver in the UK visit us here.

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