I am spending a lot of time today thinking about, talking about and even actually making cupcakes.
It's cupcakes on my mind today.
Now cupcakes are huge in the US, I don't necessarily mean huge in the gigantic portion size kinda way though I suppose those exist too. I mean in the trend sorta way. They are everywhere and there are even dedicated cupcake bakeries. Here in the UK the trend hasn't had quite as much momentum but it's definitely here. When I first started doing cupcakes a few years ago, there really wasn't anyone else who made them. These days it's rare to pass a deli or a cafe without seeing some version of a cupcake on offer.
So, what is it that is so appealing about a cupcake? I know I love them and even just looking at them brings a smile to most faces. I'd say that 99% of people who come across a batch of cupcakes displayed will smile or make a comment. I am convinced that the remaining 1% are not responding solely because they have in fact just finished eating a cupcake!
I think there are two sides to the cupcake. The first is the fact that they evoked some sort of childhood birthday party, sticky indulgent feeling in people. The idea of being allowed a WHOLE cake covered in whippy sweet frosting all to ourselves is pretty appealing even as an adult. Then of course there is the fact that cupcakes are often adorned with crunchy colourful sprinkles, big gaudy flowers and anything else one conjure up. There is nothing graceful about a cupcake. It is pure, messy, untamed fun.
At the same time there is something grown up about a cupcake and especially sharing it with someone you love. Cupcake eating can be a sensual experience. First there is peeling back that wrapper, the little paper cup that it comes in, to reveal the gorgeous tender sweetness that lies within. Then there's deciding where to start. It's a little too big to take a bite delicately so dive right in! Do you go for the frosting and lick a little of that of first or tilt your head angled just so for a bite with both cake and frosting mingling for that perfect balance?
Whatever you do, lick your fingers when you are done and smile. If you don't want to share, there's always enough cupcakes to go around, enjoy!
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14 comments:
Those cakes look gorgeous!
We always had "cupcakes" in our house when I was growing up, though we call them buns. I think it's a northern thing (born in Sheffield) because not many other people seem to know what I mean when I say buns, meaning small cakes with icing on. My favourites are still the ones my mum makes, with a little white icing and a large chocolate button on top. Yummy. I think I might have to do some baking when I get home tonight!
Wow they look gorgeous! and your description of eating them has me drooling!
yummy yummy, they look absolutly georgous!
Oh my - these look delicious!!! I am obsessed w/ baking - so these are definitely up my alley! yum!
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Your cupcakes look sooooo yummy!! Cupcakes are great arent they? Like you said, you get to eat a "whole" cake by yourself.... but without as much guilt because they are small. ;)
oops.
Erica
littleworm23@yahoo.com
Mmmmm they look great:) Still making homemade oreos?
mmmmm, I haven't made those oreos in ages! Must get back to that. Stay tuned in the next few days for naked gingerbread people. Yes, you read that correctly!
Having been blessed to have tasted your cupcakes, I am qualified to say you are the best cupcake maker in the world. Oh, yes.
My mom used to make cupcakes. I love them. I love to bake,but alas, I have never been able to get the hang of cupcakes. I have numerous recipe books, but nothing seems to work for me. I always lick a little of the frosting before I take the first bite.
Those cupcakes with the cherries on look fab! Makes my mouth water just looking at them.:)
God those look good. Wish I had your baking skills! When I was a teenager and was left alone in the house, I used to make buttercream frosting. No cupcakes, just frosting. I suppose that's a bit weird :)
The cupcakes look amazing! Are the flowers edible?
I would love to be able to bake but my skills are not that good.
uummmm cupcakes! I never thought of them as sensual before. Wouldn't they leave lots of crumbs in the bed?
Bonita x
Mmmmmmm, they look amazing!
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