Cupcakes

My first attempt at making cupcakes. Admittedly, I have been somewhat late in the cupcakes craze. Inspired by photos posted by friends on facebook recently, I started doing some research on the internet about cupcakes creation, and stumbled upon a website www.ilovecuppacakes.com with truly creative and inspiring designs. Just like doughnuts, cupcakes can be a versatile base for many wonderful designs and toppings. I decided to ask for a tried-and-tested recipe from a homemaker friend in KL, who has been baking cupcakes for sale from home. The recipe was simply marvelous and easy to make. It took less than an hour from start to finish. I created my own toppings using dark chocolate mixed with butter, and melted them in a pan over simmering water. I adjusted the consistency of the chocolate mixture by slowly adding corn flour and constantly stirring it. Once the cupcakes are cooled, one can pour the chocolate mixture over the cupcakes. It will glide easily over the surface, and takes a mere few minutes to cool and set. Thereafter, one can garnish the cupcakes in a variety of ways. Here, I added grated white chocolates over the chocolate toppings for color and texture.

Here's the recipe for the cupcakes (courtesy of my friend, Rozaida):

1 1/2 cups of self raising flour

1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

1 1/2 cups of caster sugar

1 cup of butter (softened at room temperature)

4 large eggs

1 cup of milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Line muffin tins with cupcake papers

2. Combine all dry ingredients. Stir to combine.

3. Cream butter using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth

4. Add sugar gradually and beat for 3 minutes

5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition

6. Add milk in 3 parts, alternating with dry ingredients

7. Spoon batter into cupcake liner to about 3/4 full

8. Bake 20-25 minutes at 350 deg F

9. Cool cupcakes in the tin for 15 minutes

10. Remove from tin and cool on wire rack before icing