Cupcake Hero

I've got a busy weekend ahead of me in what I like to call my "Cupcake Corner." My cousin has offered to give me a hand in testing out some new cuppies. So, I will be baking TONS of cupcakes, practicing really yummy recipes with my cuz, and working on...CUPCAKE HERO!!


Now that I've given the *double fist pump* to Cupcake Hero, I'm getting really excited about my submission. This will be my first time ever competing in the Cupcake Hero competition hosted by CB of the iheartcuppycakes blog.

This month's ingredient is none other that the delectable BANANA! Yum! I'm conflicted about what cupcake to submit. AlthoughI know my Banana Split cupcakes are completely kick-ass delicious, I'm afraid that it is completely unoriginal and there will be hundreds of admissions of the same cupcake. I've got to think outside the box, if I want a good split.

I am pretty confident in my recipe for Banana split and have not had one complaint yet! (in fact I usually get a quite *whisper* orgasmic response when people taste them *giggles*)

I also came across what I thought was a pretty cool idea for the presentation of it all. I want to treat this cupcake like an actual Banana Split! I got some really great inspiration this week from Beanstown Baker's Cupcake in a Jar.

I'm not saying my entry will look exactly like this, but it inspired me to think of creative solutions to present a cupcake that may be a very common entry. Hopefully, CB give points for creativity! My creative thoughts are flowing. All I know--this cupcake must be eaten with a spoon!

Now, THAT's a banana split. Really, The whip cream frosting that I make is sol ight and delicate...I'm not sure another would stand up to it. It always taste so fresh and whole.

Stay tuned to see how my submission turns out and how my cousin and I weather baking in the same kitchen together :-) (oh, yeah there might be a few other recipes along the way ;-) ).

Until my next cupdate,
LN

Chicago Cupckaes: Swirlz Cupcakes Make People Happy

I recently visited one of my most FAVORITE cupcakes shops here in Chicago--Swirlz cupcakes--where the motto there is "Cupcakes make people happy!"

I would definitely agree with the folks at Swirlz--just the smell walking in and seeing the tasty little treats before me makes me happy. Swirlz is the cupcake shop that inspired my love for cupcakes and the cupcake as a business.

The cupcakes here are (in my humble opinion) the best cupcakes that you can get in Chicago. They have--after all--perfected the "Anatomy of a Cupcake".

The cake is very moist and the Italian Buttercream frosting is unlike any frosting I have every tasted. It is a light fluffy delight. So delicious. It adds to the experience of the flavor, complements the cake and never overwhelms the dessert like some overly sugared frostings can.

One of Swirlz claims to fame here in Chicago, is their variety of vegan and gluten free cupcakes. When you get together with your friends and family at Swirlz there is something for everyone to enjoy--no matter their diet.

Daily, Swirlz serves 4 staple flavors and 1 surprise flavor of the day.

My fav (which I get like every time I go..) is the vanilla. This trip I had the Carrot. It was tasty, but doesn't top the vanilla. (The key to knowing a good cupcake bakery is all in the taste of the vanilla.)

My only complaint this time around was the heat. It was a 95 day here in Chicago and it seemed that the Swirlz A/C was on the fritz! Phew! It was so hot in the shop, we decided to eat outside even the cupcakes were warm! But, the total deliciousness of my happy cuppy treat was well worth overlooking the heat.

I've got a work ahead of me to live up to the cupcake rep in here in the Chi ;-)

Until my next cupdate,

LN

Dark Chocolate Peanut Buttercup

Dark Chocolate Peanut Buttercup Cupcakes
$2.50/pc.
Email: tutucupcakes@gmail.com

A friend of mine recently asked me to make cupcakes for a party she was throwing for her Husband's 30th birthday. When I asked if she had any special requests she said, "something with Peanut Butter." I've been testing different peanut butter recipes and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter cup was so rich and delicious--it made Tu Tu's Menu.

Dark chocolate cake with moist peanut butter chips topped with a fluffy peanut butter frosting dipped delicately in a milk dark chocolate ganache. (Is your mouth watering yet?;-) --Mine is!)

First, sift the dry ingredients and mix sugar and butter togther.

Yum! Prepare the chocolate!

Alternately combine dry ingridients and dark chocoloate mixture ending on chocolate.

Add peanut butter chips before baking.

Mix peanut butter, butter and confectioners sugar on medium speed to create a light, fluffy peanut butter frosting.

Melt the chocolate chips to create the ganash. While preparing ganache, freeze frosted cupcakes to set frosting for dipping.









Gently dip frosted cupcakes into slightly cooled ganache.








Dark Chocolate Peanut Buttercup








If you'd like to order Dark Chocolate Peanut Buttercup for your party event, or just everday enjoyment--email me at tutucupcakes@gmail.com



Until my next cupdate!

-LN.

Banana Split

Banana Split Cupcakes:
$2.50/piece.
Email: tutucupcakes@gmail.com to place your order.

As I continue to test out new recipes and narrow down my menu selection, Banana Split has always been a favorite of mine that I have had to perfect. And BOY did I ever! Check out my adventure.
Ladies (or gentlemen--TuTu does not discriminate) I don't know about you, but when it comes to baking, it always goes better with a bottle of red wine. Nothing to sooth the soul (and nerves) after a 10 hour day at work. Pictured here is none other than the Trader Joe's Two Buck Chuck!

Now that the nerves are relaxed it's time to get down to business. First thing was first, we need some overly rip bananas for just the right flavor.

If I know anything about Banana Splits, it's that the whip cream is just as important as all the goodies that go in it. So a nice smooth, cool whip cream frosting is important

Whip up heavy whipping cream until frothy and place in the refridge for AT LEAST 30 minutes. The colder the better. I cooled my bowl and whisk in the refridge as well. We want to make frothy peaks with that cream when it is ready.

While the whip cream is incubating. It's time to make the cake. I always mix my wet and dry ingredients separately, and add them together alternately.

For this recipe, I made sure to mash up 1 Cup of overripe banana's and add as final ingredient to the batter. Once the batter is complete, I add to my cupcake pan, filled with liner and fill about 2/3 full.

P.S. The secret ingredient that you see here is HOT FUDGE....YUMM!!

While the cupcakes are baking, it's time to get back to work on the frosting. With a cool cream, bowl and whisk, I whisk the cream and add sugar and vanilla until I see stiff peaks.

When cupcakes have cooled, frost with whip cream frosting and garnish with peanut mix and maraschino cherries.

DEELISH

Everyone at my work tasted and said "This is the BEST cupcake I have ever had in my ENTIRE life!" It's like they died and went to cupcake heaven! :-)

To purchase Tu Tu's Banana Split cupcakes for your party, event, or just any night home, email me at tutucupcakes@gmail.com.

Until my next cupdate,

LN

Yeah! My First Blog Follower!

Thank you very much to my first blog follower! I am happy to have you here. To show my appreciation, I will hand craft exsluively for you one dozen delicious TuTu Cupcakes!

Thanks for following and helping to spread the word!

Until my next cupdate!

LN