Vegan cupcakes DO rule the world!

[sinkwriter]

My dear friend coffee_imp has been going absolutely mad trying to finish sewing her own wedding dress in time, so a few of us got together for a fun "crafting day" on Sunday. I have no crafting abilities so I was not any help with sewing, but I hope I helped her keep her sanity with some fun conversations and lots of laughing.

And I brought cupcakes. Nothing says "I love you" like baked goods. *GRIN*

Homemade cupcakes.

And in a move that might've done Emily Deschanel proud, they were even vegan cupcakes and icings. From a really cool cookbook hilariously entitled "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World", by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Come on, how awesome is that?

I chose two different recipes, and they were really fun to make:

1) The Basic Chocolate Cupcake, topped with Rich Chocolate Ganache Topping

and

2) The Crimson Velveteen Cupcake, topped with Old-Fashioned Velvet Icing

The red velvet cupcake came out a bit burgundy -- I think the measurement for the red food coloring may have been a bit too much. Next time I may try it with less and see if it comes out more bright red instead of brick red. Still yummy, though.

And that chocolate ganache was fascinatingly vegan, wickedly fun to spread on each cupcake, and totally delicious.

I'm saying, you'd never guess these were vegan cupcakes. I can't wait to try another recipe!

Click the link below for pictures of my process and final product. Hey, I never said I was an excellent decorator. That was the very best I could do. (Heee.)



The 'crimson velveteen' batter:


Both flavors before hitting the oven:



Cooling on one of the racks: (sorry for the picture quality on this one, odd lighting!)


Decorating... how fun is that sparkly icing??



Drum roll, please! The finished products:





Next time I'll remember to cut into one of the cupcakes and show it from another angle, like they would in a food magazine.

Whee! This is fun. *does a wacky baking dance of joy in the kitchen*

Comments

[mordainlove.livejournal.com]

seriously, nothing says "love ya" like a homemade cupcake.

and those turned out so cute! they look tasty, too. mmm, cupcakes.

that said, i really need to buy myself that book. everyone keeps mentioning it and everything made from it always looks so good.

ooooh, have you ever been to the "recipes to share" group on flickr? you might find it interesting. people post pics of what they've made and (usually) a recipe or link to the recipe. :)

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

*waves at mordainlove*

They were very tasty. I'm telling you, cupcakes are evil... they're the kind of food group that I could eat many of, in one sitting. *sheepish grin*

So far, I highly recommend it. Those were the first recipes I tried from that cookbook, and I have to say, I really liked them. I'm looking forward to trying some of the more exotic flavors. I think it will be fun and yummy.

I've never seen that or really been on flickr except to browse someone's photos. I had no idea they do anything like that. Where might I find it? Are you part of that 'recipes to share' group? How cool. :)

[geezbones.livejournal.com]

Sherry, THOSE ARE GREAT!!! They look amazing, and you ARE an excellent decorator. Sure thing.

Emily definitely would be proud. ;)

mmmmm now I want some! This is the part in which I say I hate living so far away!

[wendelah1]

They look great. I don't suppose you'd post the recipe?

[bardsmaid.livejournal.com]

Glad to see you doing a happy dance about something. :-)

[jordle.livejournal.com]

Those cakes look amazing *wants one*

[pinktealeaves.livejournal.com]

Oh, those look totally yummy!!!!

Emily would be proud and I'm jealous, because I suck at cupcakes big time. Every single time I try I end up burning them, or anything that ruins them.

I need to look for that book.

[coffee-imp.livejournal.com]

Yummmmmmmm. They were sooooooo good. Thank you so much for making these and for your fanatabulous company. Seriously have got to make seeing you a more regular thing ^_^

Great photos! My favorite is the one with the plate, the colors complement each other really nicely.

Much Much Love!
Sonnett

[greatbriton.livejournal.com]

*Nom Nom Nom*

That's some beautiful icing. And very true, Nothing says "I love you" like baked goods.

[riddledfate.livejournal.com]

Oh man, this post is delicious!

Nothing says "I love you" like baked goods.

Awwww ♥

[ladysophiekitty.livejournal.com]

I've got an idea:
You (along with a few others on my f-list) come to California and make me some food! Because this looks really, really good! *wants*

Thanks for sharing!

[accordingtomel.livejournal.com]

*dies*

Mmmmmmmmm.....CUPCAKES!! *drools* ;D

Seriously those look AMAZING! I really want an cupcake now. I've only had red velvet cake a couple times in my life, but I thoroughly enjoyed it when I did.

Anyway, I was starting to get worried about you Sherry! I was going to send out an APB if I hadn't seen or heard from you in another couple of days! Glad to see you're back around :D

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

*waves*

Thanks, Sofi! *GRIN* I did my best.

It's funny -- I know Emily talks about vegan cooking and how much she likes it, but I was really afraid that these recipes wouldn't be as yummy as the full-fat, non-vegan versions. I was wrong! They're really good. I'd definitely try something else from that cookbook.

Yep, it's too bad you're so far away. We could have a cupcake party. Heee.

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

*smiles* Sometimes it's good to do a happy dance. Sure helps that it's sunny outside today. ;)

Personally, I'm just grateful they turned out well and I didn't have to go to my Plan B back-up route: a box cake mix and canned frosting. LOL. I'm sure that would have been tasty too, but I really wanted these to be good. It's fun to try a new recipe and be pleasantly surprised. I just wish you were closer (or I was out there), so I could bring you and your family some. *GRIN*

Did you get my email yesterday? I hope it was helpful for your story, and not a big pain in the ass. *grabs some big spoons and starts stirring all the creative pots on the burners*

Hope you are having a lovely Friday.

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

*wishes you were here so I could give you one*

*hugs Jordan*

:D

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

*comes back again just to admire your beautiful TJ user pic*

*covets*

;D

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Hi, pinktealeaves!

Isn't it fun?

I would highly recommend that cookbook. They even offer tips for getting the cupcakes to turn out (and give reasons for why you might have had a problem, like what happens if you bake them too long or overstir the batter). That might help you with your own baking! For example, I had trouble getting my red velvet cupcakes out of the muffin tin once they'd baked, and I think it's because I filled the muffin cups too high with the batter, so it spread over the edges and got stuck. I had to use a knife to get them out (and cover up any ragged edges with the icing -- heeeee, can you tell?). The chocolate cupcake batch turned out much better; I think it's because I followed the rules that time. *GRIN*

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

The only thing I didn't make myself was that sparkly colored icing that I used for the decorations (the words and pictures and squiggly marks). Those I got from a grocery store baking aisle, and I confess they're not vegan. But at the party I brought them to, who the hell cared? *GRIN* Still, it was fun to use.

I just wish I could spread the frosting on like the pros do. I once saw a featured baker on the Food Network, a woman who had her own cupcake shop, and she makes these awesome-looking cupcakes, and she was just such a whiz with the frosting/icing knife, making it look so professional and beautiful. And she was so fast at it. I was impressed, but I couldn't duplicate her style when I tried to do my own on those red velvet cupcakes. I think I needed more icing (and more talent, LOL).

Every time I see your Cam user pic, I laugh. She just looks so hilarious and fun in it. :D

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Your user pic is also delicious. Heee. (And I can see that scene in my head, LOL.)

:)

[geezbones.livejournal.com]

That's what is all about, trying and seeing for yourself that they don't taste as bad as they may seem ;)

Yep, it's too bad you're so far away. We could have a cupcake party. Heee.

Never say never!

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

That would be cool! I've never been to California. *entices you with more cupcakes* What are your favorite flavors?

Thanks for stopping by to indulge me in my cupcake wacky fun. *GRIN*

P.S. Cool Cordy icon. You have the best Buffy & Angel character-themed user pics. *still loves your Tara one most of all*

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Heeeeheeeeeeee

Well, come on over, Mel! I'll make more. *BIG GRIN*

I'm sorry I haven't been around or responding lately. I got back from visiting family over the Easter weekend, and after that just didn't feel like being on the computer. I wasn't in the mode for any major thinking either; thus, no big Bones episode commentaries. Though I did post one for Cinderella in (on?) the Cardboard over on TJ Thyne's website. I was thinking about posting a copy of it to DaysOfOurBones, but I wondered if it was a little too late, given they've now shown three more episodes. I may still comment on the newer episodes, though. We'll see how ambitious I get.

Glad you didn't send out that APB. I'm not sure how I would have explained myself to the cops. *laughing uproariously*

I hope you've been well! *hugs*

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Exactly. I had my doubts about whether they'd taste good, because I've tasted some packaged vegan foods that were just nasty and tasteless and boring, but these ... you'd never know they were vegan. They just taste like cupcakes. So I love that I have this alternative, and know that they'll be just as yummy (if not more so, because they may be a little bit healthier in some respects). Very cool.

Never say never!

I know! I have this odd fantasy in the back of my brain sometimes, where all of us Bones fans (or TJ fans, heh) get together for one big party where we finally get to meet each other, face to face. Could be scary or could be really fun. Heee.

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Aw, look at your cute Scully user pic. *GRINS*

I could send the recipe to you privately in a PM. I probably shouldn't post it online since it's from a published cookbook. Want me to email it to you? (Would you like either recipe or both?)

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

I am SO glad you gals (and David, heeee) liked them. I still say you and I should get together sometime (after your trip!) and make one of the more 'exotic' recipes from that cookbook. Like the Smores cupcake, or the Boston Cream Pie or Chocolate Mint or Banana Split cupcake! *looks at the table of contents* What else, what else... Chai Latte cupcakes? Lemon Macadamia cupcakes with Lemon buttercream? Mexican Hot Chocolate cupcakes? COME ON! That sounds awesome!! *claps hands giddily*

Thank you so much for all the fun and good conversation, Sonnett. I had such a great time. And you're right, it would be wonderful to see each other more often. We'll have to see what we can work out. :)

*HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS HUGS*

Much Love.
Sherry

[geezbones.livejournal.com]

Could be scary or could be really fun. Heee.

I bet it could be fun. At least all the expierences I had when meeting other fans (some of which I see once per month) were all fun and awesome. Besides, how could not be fun if the whole point would be to worship TJ, huh? :P

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

You're right -- I've only met one person from online so far, but we've had a really rewarding friendship and I'm so glad I took the chance to meet her. Sometimes it's important to go with your gut and be careful, but other times it works out really well. And like you said, we TJ fans are awesome (hahaha) so I think we'd have a fantastic time! ;)

[geezbones.livejournal.com]

Sometimes it's important to go with your gut and be careful, but other times it works out really well.

Actually the first time I met five Bones' fans here in Bs. As. we were all nervous at the beginning but at the end one of the girls said "you know what, I'm glad none of you were a rapist." And we, all 6, burst out laughing because it was true! And we all went with that kind of thoughts on our minds. In TV shows we often see storylines where the bad guy is a cyber-friend of the victim, but in real life it's different. Well at least nothing happened to me yet!

But yes, we TJ fans are abslutely awesome! And you have more chance than me to meet the ones that are up there like you. heh

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Or maybe we need to take a trip to Buenos Aires! Whee!

I've never been out of the country before, so that would be an experience in itself! :D

[geezbones.livejournal.com]

Be my guest! Plus, you know, in terms of money it's 3 times cheaper for you to come here than for me to go there! :D (1 dollar = 3,5 Argentine pesos) I could be your tour guide, even less to pay! hahaha

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

*pauses to daydream about the possibility*

Ahhhhhh... so wonderful...

So, what's the weather like there, Sofi? *GRIN*

[geezbones.livejournal.com]

The weather...well let's see, it's normal..(huh?) :P We are in autumm right now. It never snows, it could be freezing but it doesn't snow. The summers are way too hot, if you stay in the city you definitely have to have an AC. Spring and Autumm are the nicest times of the year. Spring more than Autumm. All in all we have nice weather, it doesn't rain too often and the sunny mornings are my favorite time of the day. They make me feel so happy! I don't know why.

And that's pretty much it. :)

[ladysophiekitty.livejournal.com]

Honey, when it comes to cupcakes and cookies and sweet stuff, I'm not picky.

Thank you! Buffy/Angel have so many awesome characters I need more room to have icons for them all!