Milkshake Cupcakes

I was so excited to make these as soon as I had the idea for them! Again, I used a Betty Crocker boxed mix. This time I used regular white cake mix and the whipped icing. It was a nice crisp white (rather than the off-white of the regular vanilla frosting) and had a fluffy texture so it really looked like whipped cream, which was perfect for these cupcakes. 

I baked and iced, and then decorated using sprinkles...

Image credit :rb94teg 

Marachino cherries (my fave. I could eat them all day long)...

Image credit: Lori Greig

And then a cut up a bunch of drinking straws into little 2 inch pieces and stuck them into the cupcakes! (I only used red ones).

Image credit: DaleEu

Next time I want to find/find a way to make cupcake-sized waffle bowls so I can make little icecream sundae themed cupcakes! 

Note: I had to use stock images for this post (besides the picture of the actual cupcake, which I took) because I got too wrapped in actually making them I forgot to take pictures of the process!

Saint Patrick's Day Cupcakes

I know this post is a bit late, but I only just got around to uploading the photos.

For these cupcakes I used the Betty Crocker rainbow confetti cake mix and vanilla icing. I know, I know, not from scratch, but when I make cupcakes I'm more into the decorating than the baking. Plus, I've never been able to make cake from scratch that's tasted as good as confetti cake!

I added food coloring to the batter to make the green cupcakes. Then I iced them and got ready to make my chocolate shamrocks.

For the shamrocks I went to the grocery store and bought these guys from the bulk bins.

Then I used my shamrock ~mini~ cookie cutter. Actually, I think it was meant to be a club from a deck of cards because there was also a spade shaped cutter in the pack.. but it's the same thing, right?

Then I just stuck each of my little shamrocks into my cupcakes and tada! Shamrock cupcakes. 

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Got any over ripened bananas? Make some banana bread!

Blend until creamy...

• 1/3 cup shortening
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice

Beat in...

• 1-2 beaten eggs
• 1 1/4 cups ripe banana pulp

In a separate bowl, mix together...

• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add the dry ingredients in about 3 parts to the sugar mixture. Beat the batter after each addition until smooth.

Fold in...

• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Place the batter in a greased bread pan. Bake the bread for about one hour or until toothpick inserted into centre comes out clean. Cool before slicing. I like to warm up slices for a few seconds in the microwave or toaster and spread a little butter on them.

Angel Food Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups egg whites
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp almond extract

Sift flour, sugar and salt together. Using a mixer, beat egg whites, water and lemon until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue to whip until stiff. Fold in the vanilla and almond extract. Fold in the sugar and flour mixture 1/4 cup at a time. Pour batter into an ungreased bundt pan and bake approx. 45 mins. Once baked, invert the pan onto a dish and let cool about an hour before removing.

Serve plain or with whipped cream, fruit, ice cream or sorbet. 

Nanaimo Bars

Bottom Layer

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups graham crackers
• 1 cup coconut

In saucepan on low heat, melt the butter. Stir in sugar and cocoa powder and gradually whisk in the egg. Cook, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, crumbs, and coconut. Press mixture evenly into pan.

Filling

• 1/4 cup salted butter
• 2-3 tbsp custard powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups icing sugar

Cream the butter. Beat in remaining ingredients. Spread filling over bottom layer. Cover and refrigerate 30 mins.

Chocolate Top Layer

• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

In a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter. Spread over filling and refrigerate.


Once chilled and hardened, cut and serve.

Jello Shooters

image from merely-anger on deviantArt

Jello versions of your favorite cocktails! These recipes are a little different because they don't involve baking, but they're still fun!

Prepare all recipes according to directions on the Jello box, substituting the cold water with the alcohol.

Pina Coladas

• Pineapple Jello Mix
• Coconut Rum

Rum and Cherry Coke

• Cherry Jello Mix
• Coca Cola
• Rum

Substitute the cold water with half coke and half rum.

Margaritas

• Lime Jello Mix
• Tequila
• Triple Sec

Substitute the cold water for 3/4 tequila and 1/4 triple sec.

Strawberry Daiquiris

• Strawberry Jello Mix
• White Rum

Orange Dreamsicles

• Orange Jello Mix
• Vanilla Vodka

These are especially good with whipped cream on top! 

Meatloaf Cupcakes

Not your usual cupcake.

The Meatloaf

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 8oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Directions:
Preheat Oven to 350°F. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped onion, tomato sauce, egg, and seasonings. Mix thoroughly and spoon into cup-lined cupcake pan, just like you would for real cupcakes. Bake for approx. 1 hour.

The Mashed Potatoes

• 3 large Russet potatoes
• 2 Tbsp Butter or margarine
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/4 cup Cream
• 5-10 drops Food colouring

Directions:
Skin potatoes and slice in half, then cut halves into 1/2 inch pieces. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add your potato pieces. Lower to medium heat and cook until pieces are soft and easily pierced with a fork. Drain water. Add your butter, cream and garlic powder and mash potatoes until all lumps are gone. Add more milk or butter for desired consistancy. Finally, add your food coloring to get the cupcake icing effect.

When meatloaf cupcakes have cooled enough, remove them from their pan and dollop the mashed potato icing on top. "Decorate" as you wish. You could even use an icing bag and tips for a fancier icing look, but make sure the potatoes are completely lump free or it will clog the icing tip.