Gorgeous beaches, a few hot men, beautiful women and constant sunshine, I'm reminiscing about my previous holiday to Ibiza. This song reminds me of chilling in a bar on the white island watching the sunset. Now I can't stop listening to it whilst cooking and running. I think Florence and The Machine has been knocked off number one as my most repeated artist!
I recently organised a surprise party for a special family member and wanted to make a batch of interesting looking cupcakes. The main birthday cake was a zesty rainbow cake which will be on the blog soon.
As well as toffee popcorn I wanted to bring in a classic sponge with an indulgent twist.
These cupcakes have strawberry jam oozing out the centre, strawberry essence, milkshake and a fresh strawberry in a chocolate cup, tempting anyone to grab it.
This is a lovely recipe to make with children too. Especially dipping strawberries in chocolate.
Ingredients:
125g unsalted butter
125g golden caster sugar
1 tsp strawberry essence
2 medium eggs at room temperature
125g self raising flour
Half a teaspoon of baking powder
2 tbsp milk
An apple corer would be handy.
12 fresh strawberries, washed and dried on kitchen roll.
Organic milk chocolate about 100g melted.
Organic strawberry jam
125g unsalted butter
250g icing sugar
Poppy gel colouring
1 tbsp strawberry milkshake
Method:
Preheat oven 180° c.
Cover a plate that will fit in your fridge with baking paper.
Melt chocolate and dip each strawberry in, making sure only half is covered. Place on baking paper and refrigerate.
Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, then add eggs.
Add flour, baking powder, essence and milk.
Scoop mixture into 12 muffin cases.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Once risen and slightly golden, take out immediately and leave to cool until cold to touch.
Once risen and slightly golden, take out immediately and leave to cool until cold to touch.
Using an apple corer on each cupcake, add half a teaspoon of jam and replace sponge lid.
Butter cream:
Whisk butter, icing sugar, bit of colouring and strawberry milkshake. I normally coat the end of a teaspoon with colouring gel and stir through mixture, then whisk for an even colour.
Pipe generously on each cupcake.
Take strawberries out, pop them onto each cake and then you're done!
This was how they were all presented. You know if I came to your picnic I would totally rock up with a basket full of cupcakes.
M.x
