Woah, it’s been a while, huh? Well, I’m back and I’m bearing pretty awesome news. Circa Ceramics, a Chicago-based ceramics team, fired me these amazing Bake and Destroy baking bowls and asked me to master the art of baking in ceramic vessels. I’m happy to report all went well and I’ll be posting a how-to video which will also include a recipe I developed just for Nancy and Andy- Ceramics Ceramics Cannoli Cupcakes. That’s right, the Quad-C.

No word yet on whether or not Bake and Destroy bowls will be made available to the public, but keep an eye on the CC Etsy shop for other baking vessels and dinnerware. You really can’t appreciate how beautiful their work is until you’ve picked it up and held it, but I’m sure  this post will get some comments from faithful customers of theirs.

With all the green-this and eco-friendly- that what could be greener than reusable cupcake baker-inners? And what could make for a fancier presentation? Like I said, I’ll give you the recipe and all the ins and out of baking in ceramics in my video this week end. If you’re just dying to hear me talk you can watch my stupid “nutritious cupcakes” video I made for one of my classes.

Magpies Bakery, in Knoxville, TN, will be holding a premiere tasting Monday, June 30 from 1-6 pm for their July flavors of the month. July’s Flavors of the Month are Lemon Blueberry, Black Forest, and Banana Split.  Please visit their website, Magpies Bakery, for directions and more info.    

Who doesn’t like free cupcakes?

4th of July Cupcakes Tie $30.80

• Made of silky 100% polyester fabric
• 55″ long, 4″ wide (at widest point)

4th of July Cupcake T-Shirt $23.65

The classic t-shirt, made specifically for women. Pre-shrunk, 5.0 ounce 100% super-soft cotton, baby jersey knit. Coverstitched 3/4″ bottom hem and sleeve opening. Custom contoured fit. Made by Bella.

Also available…

4th of July Cupcake Postcard (8) for $7.04

4th of July Cupcake Sticker – Small, 1½ inch (sheet of 20) $5.10

Available at The Candy Store!

I stumbled upon this awesome shop on etsy. Check out these cupcake items!!

Cupcake Heart Necklace

Description: I love this so much. A pink heart I mounted a little cupcake to with a swarovski rhinestone “cherry”. Above is an antique style bow.

Measurements: top of bow to bottom of heart 2 1/4″ – 16″ chain.

$16.00 on Etsy

Clear Cupcake Necklace

Description: A beautiful lucite heart with a cute cupcake on the front! It hangs from a hot pink bow with green swarovski crystal.

Measurements: Pendant about 1 1/4” wide – 17” chain

Materials: vintage lucite heart, gold tone hardware

$13.50 on Etsy

Cupcake Necklace

A cupcake inside a white cameo w/ a little ribbon bow and on a thin 18″ chain.

$12.00 on Etsy

Big Purple heart Cupcake ring

A big lilac heart shaped button with a little cupcake and bow. Silver tone ring base.

$7.00 on Etsy

this cute little necklace features blue birds holding a cupcake in the middle. these charms are approx. 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. made from hard cut plastic and coated in protectant to seal the paint, they are sure to please. chain is adjustable and is approx. 18 inches long with an alligator clasp closure.

THIS ITEM YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE! WHEN YOU ORDER JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT ON THE CUPCAKE BANNER! WILL FIT PROBABLY ABOUT 5 LETTERS MAXIMUM.

$25.00 on Etsy from Art All Night

This recipe was sent to us from Marta of Sugar Crush Cupcakes in Miami Florida. This recipe made my mouth drool from the start and I loved the story behind it. Thanks Marta!

Marta Ebra has a baking business that she runs from my home.  She lives in Miami, Florida. Here is what she said:

“My inspiration for this entry comes from some of the tropical flavors and colors that can be found all over the city.  I hope you can taste and see a little slice of our “Magic City” with these cupcakes.  I chose to make a lime cupcake with a mango buttercream.  The mango I used actually came from my grandfather’s tree, so needless to say it’s something very familiar to me as well as very abundant and popular in Miami.  I have included a picture of me and my family (hubby and kids) with my grandfather on his 95th birthday from this past April.  He is so very special to us and is truly a brilliant example of our Cuban heritage.  I hope you enjoy my entry (wish I could send you some to taste)!”

Recipe:
 
For the cake:
A basic vanilla cupcake recipe or boxed vanilla cake
1 large lime
 
For the Frosting:
2 sticks softened butter
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
6+ cups powdered sugar
1 ripe mango
1 lime
 
 
 
Prepare the cupcakes as directed for your basic vanilla cupcake recipe.  Add the zest and juice of a whole lime (if avaliable Key Limes can be used here) to the prepared batter and fold in until it is incorporated.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.  Remove from oven and allow to cool. 
 
While the cupcakes are cooling peel and dice one whole mango (about 1 cup).  Place the mango in a saucepan and add the juice of 1 lime.  On medium heat cook this down until the mango has become soft (stiring with a whisk helps this allong), about 7-10 minutes.  When the mango peices have all broken down in the pot, transfer to a food processer and blend until smooth.  Set aside and allow to cool.
 
In a large bowl beat the softened butter until smooth.  Add two cups of the powdered sugar and beat until smooth.  Then add two more cups and beat until smooth.  Then add the milk and vanilla and two more cups of powdered sugar.  Once that is blended and smooth, add the cooled mango puree and blend.  Add more powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.  Place frosting in a piping bag with a tip and frost the cooled cupcakes.  Decorate with a slice of lime.

Etsy and Ebay seller artallnight makes gorgeous painted plastic accessories. I’ve purchased from her before, and was thrilled with the cupcake necklace. She recently started making cuff bracelets, and one has an adorable cupcake design! It’s a steal at only $18!

from her etsy description- here we have a cute tattoo style cuff bracelet. hand made from hard cut plastic, this measures approx. 2.5″ high and approx. 3.5″ across (the bracelet is curved), features an adjustable silver plated chain that connects the bracelet around your wrist. item is handpainted.