It's Been A While ........ :-)

Well this really has been too long!

In between changing jobs, starting a new management course and going on holiday, I decided in my infinite wisdom to become a bodybuilding baker!

If anyone decides they want to follow in these footsteps, heed my advice ... don't do it!! I never realised how much self control I had until I embarked on this crazy journey, now, I can keep myself from sneaking a peak at Christmas presents under the tree, I can even stop myself from buying new shoes every pay day . . . but steering away from a Mr. Whippy ice-cream cupcake . . . . I'd honestly kill for less.

It's a crime, I'm almost sure of it. Nothing short of a miracle is stopping me from breaking this zero-carb diet and cramming my mouth full of buttercream frosting and chocolate cake, however, end results  . . . . most definitely worth it, although I do admit the blogging and baking has suffered.

Now I have settled into routine and my self control has decided to man up, it's time to get back to what I enjoy the most :-)

I've missed that Saturday morning smell of hot baking vanilla cupcakes filling the house! I've missed the peace and tranquility of being alone in the kitchen with my thoughts and most of all . . .I've missed CAKE!!!!!!

I can't honestly say I dont enjoy it though, I enjoy the buzz and I love the end result . . . . but I really, really, REALLY just want to survive life in a onesie, watching questionable TV with a slice of cake and an electric blanket!!

For the meantime, I'll stop my complaining and come back soon with new cake pics :-)

Cakey Hugs and Kisses,

Vici xx

Plant Pot Cupcakes :-)

I would like to say a big hello to summer........

But it's Britain and apart from a week of sun last month, that's as close as England has had to summer this year. I don't think it's set to get any better, but there is a silver lining to every situation....... for example....

You get a vastly overpriced phonebill, sure, it's a shock but you've enjoyed the conversations. You break your ankle in ridiculously high heels, sure, it hurts but you looked hot doing it. See! Silver linings are all around!!

So, English 'summer' may be a no show, but I have a nice cool kitchen, perfect conditions for buttercream and I have a good excuse to stay inside and no-one can drag me out to burn to bacon in the 'English sun'.

This weekend has been another prime example of 'summer' (I use that word loosely).  The rain has meant outdoor activities are a no and the kitchen is most inviting!

The smiles were firmly plastered on whilst making these summery cupcakes and what better way to make summer inside than to make plant pot cupcakes?

These have been on my mind since seeing some creative posts online, but have I been able to find the silicone cups? Have I heck!

Imagine my delight when, due to the weather, I go to town (can't stay in all weekend!!) and come across exactly what i've been looking for! I'm delighted, that is until I get to the till.

60% off sale! Im no longer delighted, i'm euphoric!!

Few things make me as happy as a sale in a bake shop!

Having said that, hot chocolate in winter, snow gently falling outside, fire on and a good soppy romantic film will set that smile too! (apparently this lack of summer has got me thinking about winter!)

Back to where I should be thinking ....... summery plant pot cupcakes!

Chocolate sponge, and two varieties of buttercream - chocolate orange and mint chocolate. Im salivating and it takes all my restraint to stop me hiding away with the spatula and left over buttercream!!

The buttercream is the same standard recipe I always use except with cocoa and different flavourings

Buttercream:-

4oz Butter
8oz Icing Sugar
1tsp Milk
2-3 Drops Flavouring (in this case 1 was mint, 1 was orange)

Chocolate Sponge:-

4oz Self Raising Flour
4oz Caster Sugar
4oz Butter
2 Large Eggs
1 tbsp Pure Cocoa
1tsp Vanilla Extract

The flowers and butterflies were made using standard fondant icing, coloured using gel colours and cutters. Simple, beautiful and eye-catching.

Hope you enjoy these as much as I do!