Cupcake Secrets

I'm fighting through a frosting hangover to bring you a post this morning. Isn't that dedication? I really must love you. A lot. But what would kitchen week be without so much as mentioning The Cupcake? It would be boring, that's what.

Last night, B and I went to a cupcake class. It was one of my Christmas presents from him; and it was so much fun. Of course, when you combine my favorite food and my favorite person, it's an equation for a pretty good night. Even after nearly 8 years of marriage, I learned something new about my husband: he's surprisingly dextrous with a pastry bag.

I didn't even try to take photos of ours (blame the frosting hangover) so I just jacked this nice one from Martha Stewart. But you can be certain that ours look equally as lovely. Probably better. But I did learn a few great tips last night. (Anyone else feeling a tutorial coming on?) I'll get to that after I recover from my binge last night.

My list of must-have baking gadgets just increased. To make all your cupcakes evenly sized, grab yourself a #12 scoop. Brilliant, I tell you. Scoop out the same size each time, and use the little button to plop it neatly into the cupcake tin. Just like an ice cream scoop. Or one of those scoops the lunch lady used to serve up your carrot and pea medley in grade school. Tasty.

A gigantic pastry tip makes decorating cupcakes a cinch; and a bowl scraper keeps the frosting down in the pastry bag, instead of blobbing out all over the top and your hands. So if you're up for some fun, grab yourself some of these items and we'll meet back here for a little cupcake party next week. :)

{image via Martha Stewart}