Monday, March 5, 2007

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

What Is Ganache??

CHOCOLATE GANACHE: A rich paste of chocolate, cream, and sometimes butter, used as the basis for truffles and as a filling for chocolate cakes and pastrie


Chocolate Ganache

10 ounces bittersweet chocolate
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar

1. Chop chocolates and transfer into a heat proof bowl.
2. Heat cream until bubbles form around the edge of the pan, pour cream over the chocolate.
3. Let sit for 1 minute then stir until combined.
4. Add butter and vanilla and stir until all chocolate is melted and combined. If the chocolate won’t completely melt, place bowl over a water bath to finish the job.
5. Transfer to the bowl of an electric mixture and let cool for 10 minutes.
6. Sift powdered sugar into the mixture and beat until combined.
7. Continue to beat with an electric mixer until lighter in color and creamy.
8. Transfer to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.


Wish me luck!!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Late Night Cupcakes







I think the title says it all! Click on the pictures to see them huge.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Wacky Chocolate


Yesterday I tried out my first two test recipes for my soon to be outrageously successful cupcakery business.

I began with chocolate, of course. Despite all my shopping that day I discovered I forgot to buy baking powder. I had baking Soda, but no Powder. So several recipes were temporarily delayed.

A recipe called Wacky Chocolate Cake caught my eye. What exactly made it wacky I wondered. I could only guess it was the fact that it called for vinegar--something I am not used to putting in a dessert. Also the recipe didn't require any eggs, and that's always a plus.

Skeptically I measured, sifted and hand mixed my way through the recipe. The batter looked too runny. Not chocolatey enough. I wasn't sure about this at all.

Twenty minutes later...

Wacky nothing!! These turned out beautifully! They rose so evenly and uniformly. After cooling a bit they had a slight crust on top--perfect for decorating.

I carefully removed tham from the pan, picked out the biggest one and took a bite. They were beyond delicious! These will definitely be in the Peace, Love and Cupcakes lineup.


Friday, February 16, 2007

Peace, Love and Cupcakes




Welcome to my cupcake blog!