Braaaaains (and Eyeballs)

My Betrothed had his birthday this past Friday (more on that later), so I decided to make him some delicious cuppin' cakes for the occasion. And why not make them Halloween-themed? I baked up some vanilla-almond cupcakes and whipped up some vanilla buttercream, and got to work on making brains and eyeballs!

The eyeballs were flat-iced then I added green for the iris and red for veins. I finished off with a black pupil. For the brains, I mixed up a brownish pink brainy color and used a Wilton tip 5 to freehand the folds. To divide the two "hemispheres," I ran a warm spatula down the middle.

The cupcakes were a definite hit! Perhaps the next time I make these, I should add a gooey filling. Mwahahaha! *cough* *ahem* Anyhoo...

These cupcakes inspire me to be an awesome zombie next year. I'm talking eyeball hanging off and a huge open wound on my throat and greenish. Ahh, yes... Stay tuned for that one!

Have a fun but safe Halloween, everyone!

Pumpkin Cupcakes with Vanilla-Ginger Buttercream

Hello, all! I've returned with yet another pumpkin recipe (trust me-there will be more to come). This came up out of my love for all things pumpkin, which stretches back to my childhood. I actually have my mom to thank for introducing me to this delicious gourd. Every Thanksgiving, she'd make pumpkin muffins, and since the first bite, I was fascinated by them-- and their ability to stain surfaces orange. After that, I wanted to eat other things with pumpkin: pies, cakes, ice cream, scones, lattes, anything. So it's only natural that I also love the spices that help enhance the pumpkin flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and in this case-- ginger! I started with the Pumpkin Spice Cake recipe I used last year. I used the full recipe so I could make a few cupcakes and two 6-inch layers (more of that later).

While those were baking, I made the Vanilla- Ginger Buttercream.

• 1/2 c shortening
• 1/2 c (1 stick) butter, room temp
• 2 tsp vanilla
• dash salt
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 4-5 c powdered sugar
• 2-3 Tbsp milk

1) Cream butter and shortening then add vanilla, salt, and ginger.
2) Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on medium speed.
3) Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time and beat on high until completely blended.

And voila!

Like my cute little fondant pumpkin?

These cupcakes were amazingly delicious and deliciously amazing. I must say, these cupcakes have left a huge orange stain on my heart. :)