Toffee Cupcakes

I did a little experimenting this week. I decided it was time to try and conquer Toffee. Sugar arts are hard to perfect since they require such exact temperatures and humidity levels. I had my trials with lollipops and other hard candies earlier this year. Toffee was no different. The first batch burnt. Yuck, smokey toffee? No thanks. I lowered the temp a bit for the second batch, and for the third I will go somewhere in between. I decided to make some vanilla cupcakes with chocolate buttercream to showcase the toffee flavor. Yum!

Baker's trick: I use a Silpat almost exclusively when making cookies, meringue, macaroons, hard candies and now toffee. I don't know how it works, but it works beyond any of my greatest expectations. Nothing EVER sticks to it. Everything removes with ease and without any additive. I wasn't paid for this- I'm just a HUGE supporter! :)

Chocolate Cupcakes with Toffee Crunch
Cake - Classic Vanilla White Cake
Icing - Chocolate Buttercream

For the love of art...

I am actually a graphic designer by profession; but I've had a love of baking since I was a child. Birthday cakes have always held a special place in my heart. Can't you remember seeing that beautiful cake baring your name and lit up especially for you? Amazing. I used to go to the baking aisle of the grocery store and stare at the different color icings and tips you could buy. It was if playing with your food was finally a viable option... coloring and sweets- what's not to love?

So on that note- I'd like to present some pan shaped childrens birthday cakes for you...

Sponge Bob for my niece's 3rd Birthday






After the *cough* reliable grocery store forgot to make the cake- this one traveled with Grandpa and Grandma all the way from Florida to Atlanta to make her rock star party complete!