Friday, May 29, 2009

today's happy... cupcakes

Let your inner artist shine. Cupcakes are a fun way to experiment with piping frosting and trying out new decorating ideas.

For Memorial Day, my Mom and I decided to whip-up chocolate, strawberry and coconut cupcakes; we displayed them using this great three-tier cupcake stand.

A yummy addition to any summer picnic or get-together!

Cupcake tips...

• If the frosting is too soft, a bit of powdered sugar will improve the consistency. Too stiff? Thin with milk. Too soft while piping? Chill in the pastry bag until it firms up.

• Disposable piping bags work well and save cleanup time. In a pinch, you can use a plastic storage bag instead of a piping bag and tip. Snip off the corner to make a small hole.

• Before piping, squeeze the air out of the bag and twist the top of the bag shut (or use a twist tie to keep it closed). Practice designs on a piece of parchment or waxed paper to get a feel for the flow.

PS. If you mess up, just eat it!

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