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Caramel Frappaccino Cupcakes

8/30/2014

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​Starbucks has mastered the art of creating irresistible drinks that appeal to a massive audience.  Seriously, I can hardly go to a grocery store without seeing small children walking around with Starbucks cups overflowing with whipped cream, adults sipping on hot drinks as they shop and seniors meeting at small tables over Starbucks coffee drinks.  I don't know of any other company has been able to market their products to  - well, EVERYONE.
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I also hold Starbucks personally responsible for introducing Americans to a whole new set of words too: Frappaccino, Macchiato, Expresso Con Panna, Dolce Latte, Americano.  Is it just me or does anyone else get nervous in the line at Starbucks line because they don't know how to pronounce half of the words on the menu?
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​The last time that I was at Starbucks, I ordered a decaf coffee.  A simple, small decaf coffee.  (Which I was informed is referred to as a "tall".)  The barista who took my order absolutely insisted that I change my order to a decaf cafe Americano instead.  She claimed that it would be "INFINITELY" better than a plain old decaf coffee.  (I think she really didn't want to brew a new pot of decaf for me because it was easier to make a decaf expresso, add hot water and call it a decaf Americano.)  
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​I think that part of my concern with the fancy coffee drinks is the calories and fat.  A tall white chocolate mocha has a whopping 470 calories and 18 grams of fat!  (Sorry if I just burst your bubble.)  I would much rather EAT those calories than drink them.  My solution - cupcake versions of the famous Starbucks coffee drinks.  

Apparently I am not the first person to come up with this idea because the internet is FULL of cupcake recipes that are a direct result Starbucks restaurant genius.  I chose the Caramel Frappaccino Cupcakes from thequotablekitchen.com for my very first Starbucks cupcake. 
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Caramel Frappaccino Cupcakes
Yield:: 15 cupcakes
Ingredients::
All-Purpose Flour - 1 & 1/2 cups
Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon
Sea Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
Unsalted Butter, at room temperature - 1 stick
Light Brown Sugar - 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons
Eggs - 2
Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
Buttermilk - 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons

Buttercream Frosting
Caramel Sauce - 1/4 cup, plus more for drizzle
Preheat oven to 325°. Line muffin tins with paper liners.  Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
​Cream butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy.
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​Add eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated. Add vanilla. Mix well and scrape down sides of bowl as needed.
​Add flour mixture in three batches, alternating with two additions of buttermilk, beating until combined.
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​Divide batter evenly among muffin tins, filling each about halfway full.
Bake for about 25 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
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​When finished baking, transfer tins to wire racks to cool 10 minutes; then turn out cupcakes onto racks and let cool completely.
Prepare Caramel Buttercream. 
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​ Prepare caramel sauce.
Cut a hole in the center of each cupcake
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​Put a spoonful of caramel in the center of each cupcake.
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​Pipe buttercream onto each cupcake.


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Drizzle with caramel sauce and insert a straw.
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Viola.  I've never tried a caramel frappaccino from Starbucks so I can't really tell you how it compares to the drinkable version but I can tell you that the cupcake version is pretty awesome.  The homemade caramel filling and caramel drizzle just puts these cupcakes over the top.

Ciao! 
Click here for a printable version of this recipe
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Black Forest Cake

8/29/2014

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​Anyone remember the cherry bomb cupcakes that I made a few years ago?
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​I wondered what it would look like if I took that same recipe and turned it into a bakery-worthy three layer black forest dream.  
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​I had to make a few minor modifications to the recipe but in general, this cake turned out very similar to its cupcake inspiration.   
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​Layer of rich chocolate cake and dark chocolate ganache and cherry buttercream - nothing wrong with that.  

So here goes - my very basic recipe for black forest cake.
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Black Forest Cake
Mocha three layer cake (or three layers of your favorite chocolate cake)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 Tablespoon corn syrup
pinch of salt
2 cups chocolate chips
6 Tablespoons butter
1 Tablespoon vanilla
3 cups frozen dark cherries
3 Tablespoons sugar
2 Tablespoons water
1 recipe of sweet vanilla buttercream


​​Put the cherries, sugar and water in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil.  Cook and stir until thick and syrupy. 
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Use an immersion blender to break up the cherries slightly.  Transfer to another bowl to cool.
​Heat cream and corn syrup until just boiling.  
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​Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 3 minutes.  
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Whisk to blend and stir in room temperature butter, one Tablespoon at a time.  Stir in vanilla.  Allow to cool to spreading consistency.  (I put mine in the frig for 30 minutes.)
Prepare buttercream frosting.  
Fold in cooled cherry mixture.
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To assemble the cake, start with a cake layer on the cake circle and then a layer of chocolate ganache. 
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​Top with a layer of cherry buttercream.
​Repeat cake and ganache and buttercream layers.
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Finish with third cake layer on top of cake.
​Spread a thin layer of buttercream over entire cake.  Refrigerate 30 minutes.
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​Spread remaining buttercream on sides of cake and then spread a thick layer of chocolate ganache over the top.  
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This cake reminds me of the cherry bomb cupcakes because I would describe them both as a beautiful mess.  I never claimed that this was a neat cake - just a good cake.

Ciao!
Click here for a printable version of this recipe
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Meatball Subs on a Stick

8/28/2014

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​I love to have helpers in the kitchen and I'm always looking for new ways to entice the kids into helping me with dinner.  It's never too hard to convince Courtney to come help me in the kitchen - especially when meatballs are involved.  (I've never known any other kid who loves to play in raw meat like she does.)
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The girl seriously loves to get her hands into the meat mixture and I must say that she's learned to  make some pretty awesome meatballs.  

I found a recipe for meatball subs on a stick from cookiesandcups.com and it was perfect for Courtney.  I had to modify it slightly but it really turned out great.
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Meatball Subs on a Stick
1 lb lean ground turkey
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp dried Oregano
1 Tbsp dried Basil
1 Tbsp dried Parsley or 1/4 cup fresh chopped
1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can Pillsbury Original breadsticks
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 (10"-12") wooden skewers
Marinara sauce for dipping

​In bowl combine ground turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Oregano, Basil, Parsley, red pepper flakes and garlic. Form into 1 inch meatballs.
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Spread dough onto counter and slice into strips.  Alternate dough-meatball, ending with dough. Make sure to spread dough and meatballs away from each other by about 1/4", so the meatballs bake through and the dough has room to expand.
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Bake for 20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.  (I had better luck putting my skewers on a rack set over a baking sheet.)
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Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for sipping.
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​These meatball subs on a stick are perfect awesome.  They are super easy - especially when you have your own meatball maker on hand - like Courtney.  

Ciao!
Click here for a printable version of this recipe
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Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter "Cookie" Frosting

8/27/2014

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​I love summer rain showers.  Maybe it's because we don't get a lot of rainy days in the summer in Atlanta or maybe it's because I don't have to worry about keeping my garden watered on rainy days - either way - I'm a fan.  I headed out recently with my camera and took some pictures of the rain - under the covering of the front porch of course.
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​We should have at least one rainy day a week because it forces me to stay inside and that usually translates to cleaning.  Rainy days = clean house!  Some days, the rains has a reverse effect though, it simply makes we want to curl up with a good book, a cup of coffee and some chocolate.  (Not a bad way to spend a rainy day either.)

The next time that you're having a rainy day - and you don't feel like cleaning your house - whip up a batch of chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter cookie frosting from Annieeats.com.   Brew yourself a pot of coffee and find a good reading spot.  (You may even find yourself wishing for more rainy days.)  
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Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter "Cookie" Frosting
For the cupcakes:
1½ cups hot brewed coffee
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp. baking soda
¾ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
12 tbsp. (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
For the ganache:
6 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
½ cup heavy cream

​For the peanut butter cookie frosting:
9 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cups creamy peanut butter
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
​To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350˚ F.  Line cupcake pans with paper liners. ​In a bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the hot brewed coffee and cocoa powder until dissolved. 
Set aside.  In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 
​
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​In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and sugars.  Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
​Blend in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed.  Blend in the vanilla.
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​With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions alternating with the coffee-cocoa mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.  Mix each addition just until incorporated. 
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​​Divide the batter between the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way full. 
​Bake about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Let cool in the pans briefly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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​When the cupcakes are cool, make the ganache by placing the chopped chocolate in a small bowl. 
​Bring the cream to a simmer, pour over the chocolate, and let stand about 2 minutes. 
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​Whisk together until a smooth ganache forms.  If needed, let cool briefly at room temperature to thicken slightly before using.
​To make the peanut butter cookie frosting, combine the peanut butter and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium-high for 1 minute. 
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​Turn off the mixer, add in the confectioners’ sugar and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.  Increase the speed to medium and mix until smooth, about 2 minutes. 
​Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and use clean, dry hands to form it into a patty. Use the tines of a fork to make the classic crisscross pattern on top of the “cookie”.  Repeat with the remaining peanut butter mixture.
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​Spread 2 teaspoons of ganache on top of each cooled cupcake.
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​ Top each with a "cookie" patty.
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​ Bring on the rain - I've got my chocolate cupcakes ready!

Ciao!
Click here for a printable version of this recipe
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Millionaires Cake

8/23/2014

2 Comments

 
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​Chocolate cake to the extreme.
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Dark chocolate cake covered in creamy, fudgey chocolate frosting.
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​With a sprinkling of sea salt.
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​And a layer of homemade salted caramel.
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And a sprinkling of shortbread crumbles.
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Let me just give you the breakdown:
Chocolate Cake + Vanilla Buttercream + Salted Caramel Buttercream + Shortbread Crumbles
Chocolate Cake + Chocolate Ganache 
Chocolate Cake + Vanilla Buttercream + Salted Caramel Buttercream + Shortbread Crumbles
Chocolate Cake + Chocolate Ganache Chocolate Cake + Vanilla Buttercream + Salted Caramel Buttercream + Shortbread Crumbles
Chocolate Cake
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​Have I convinced you that this is the best chocolate cake EVER?  
Millionaire’s Layer Cake
Cake
​2 1/4 cups (285 g) all-purpose flour 
2 1/4 cups (450 g) superfine sugar 
3/4 cup (90 g) dark Dutch-process cocoa powder (I use Cacao Barry Extra Brute) 
2 1/4 teaspoons (10 g) baking soda 
2 1/4 teaspoons (10 g) baking powder 
1 teaspoon (8 g) salt 
1 cup (240 mL) buttermilk 
3/4 cup (180 mL) brewed coffee or espresso, hot 
1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil 
3 eggs, room temperature 
1 tablespoons (15 mL) pure vanilla extract 

Vanilla Swiss Meringue
6 egg whites
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 cups butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
Pinch of salt 

Salted Caramel
2 cups (400 g) sugar 
1/2 cup (120 ml) water 
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (whipping cream) 
2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter 
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 
Generous pinch of sea salt 

Shortbread Crumbs
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour 
1/4 cup (50 g) sugar 
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, cut into cubes 

Chocolate Ganache
1 pound plus 6 ounces (700 g) best-quality dark chocolate 
2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream (whipping cream) 
1/3 cup (110 g) corn syrup 
1/4 teaspoon sea salt 
8 tablespoons (120 g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes 
1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract


​Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
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​Combine the buttermilk, coffee, oil, eggs and vanilla. 
Add liquid mixture to dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute.
​Divide batter among the 3 cake pans. 
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Bake about 20-25 minutes.
​Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes and then turn onto a wire rack until completely cool. 
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For meringue, combine egg whites and sugar in a bowl of standing mixer and place over a simmering pot of water. Cook and whisk occasionally until temperature reaches 130°F and the sugar has completely dissolved. (about 8-10 minutes) 
Transfer bowl to standing mixer and whisk until stiff peaks form.  Switch to a flat beater and beat in butter, 1 Tablespoon at a time.  Beat until smooth.  Add vanilla and salt.  (See buttercream blog for more details if needed.)
​


For the salted caramel:
​In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir the sugar and water until combined. Brush down the sides of the saucepan with a wet pastry brush and increase the heat to medium-high. 
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​​Stop stirring, and let the mixture bubble until it reaches an amber color (about 350°F).
​Promptly remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream (be careful, as this will bubble and steam aggressively for a moment) until smooth, followed by the butter.
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Clip a candy thermometer onto the saucepan and return the mixture to medium-high heat until it reaches 248°F).
Transfer the caramel to the heatproof bowl and stir in the vanilla and sea salt.
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As the caramel reaches room temperature it will become thick and spreadable. Store in a sealed jar in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. 
For shortbread: Combine the flour and sugar. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers (or food processor), until you have distributed the butter and achieved pea-size bits.
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Turn the mixture in an even layer onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove the tray from the oven and, using a heatproof spatula, gently break up the mixture and return to the oven for 10 more minutes.
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Let tray cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. ​
Place chopped chocolate (or callets) in a large heatproof mixing bowl (I find a stainless 5QT mixer bowl works well).
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream, corn syrup and salt and bring just to a boil.
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Pour hot cream mixture over the chocolate and let sit for about 1 minute.
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Using an immersion blender (or whisk, if necessary) combine the chocolate mixture until smooth. Add butter and vanilla and mix again until smooth.
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Mixture with thicken to spreadable frosting consistency, and eventually become solid at room temperature. To soften, simply warm and bring to desired consistency.
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​Prepare your fillings and frosting and ensure they are all at spreadable consistency. For the ganache, this will take about 15-30 minutes after making it, and about 30-60 minutes for the caramel. If you have made ahead, simply warm the ganache and let cool until spreadable, and do the same for the caramel. 
Slice all three cake layers in half horizontally, so you have a total of 6 cake layers.

Smear a small dollop of the ganache frosting on a cake plate, pedestal or cake board, and place your first layer cut side up (so bottom of the cake layer is touching plate), and using a small offset palette knife, spread about 1 cup of buttercream on the layer leaving about 1-inch around the edge.
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Spread one-third of the caramel and then a generous handful of shortbread crumble.
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Place your next cake layer on top, and spread about 1 cup of the ganache frosting all the way to the edge.
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Repeat previous step until you get to the final cake layer.
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Place last layer face down (cut side down) and frost entire cake with the ganache frosting. Let sit for about 15 minutes.
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Use a turntable and palette knife to create texture (as in photo)--use one hand to turn the turntable and hold the palette knife in the other hand. Keep palette knife in place and let the turntable do the moving. Use a small offset palette knife to create texture on the top of the cake and sprinkle on some Fleur de Sel.
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​Finished cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 8 hours. Keep refrigerated if longer than 8 hours, but serve at room temperature.
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​So there you have it - a KILLER chocolate cake recipe.  This cake is not for the average chocolate cake fan - this one is for the really intense chocolate lover.  Apparently - I fall into that second category.

Ciao!
Click here for a printable version of this recipe
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