Couture Pastries

Banana Caramel Cupcake w/ Banana ButterCream drizzled over...

cici-duh — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:52:09 -0400

Banana Caramel Cupcake w/ Banana ButterCream drizzled over Caramel topped with Caramel Decoration!

Banana Caramel Cupcakes!

cici-duh — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 08:51:13 -0400

This is a recipe I just can’t give out if I wanted to. I’ve had my complications with it but I finally got it down about some months ago. I’ll say April or May, because I can’t quite remember when I mastered it. This is a Banana Caramel Cupcake with a Banana Buttercream Frosting drizzled over Caramel.

I’ve made this recipe before but I did not have the banana buttercream frosting on lock, because when I first tried it I put too much bananas and the frosting would not set correctly. I ended up using a vanilla buttercream for it. I also did not know how to make caramel so that was left out of the cupcake. Yes, the cupcake still came out good but it wasn’t perfect and it did upset me a bit. I like to try a recipe, get all the ingredients down and it comes out delicious. I hate to have something missing. No stress I let time go by and I was slowly but surely realizing my mistakes and thinking of how to fix them. Thanx to me making the Caramel Cake I HAD to learn how to make caramel. Once the caramel came out good I knew I could make it again for the cupcake recipe.

When I finally started to make the cupcake again I thought everything through first and started. Yes, I was nervous about the frosting but I had to get it done. THIS time I put less bananas in so the frosting would set up better but still have a banana taste. It came out so good. I know next time I will puree the bananas to avoid banana chunks in the frosting. Then I did the caramel and stayed calm, because I did not want to mess up this recipe at all.

Once everything to the cupcake was done, I put it all together and VIOLA….a masterpiece was created. The Banana Caramel cupcake came out even more delicious than the one in the past. I’m so glad I learned a better way to do the frosting and learned how to make caramel. I’m really proud of myself.

Then the next day I saw in my cupcake book a recipe on how to make caramel decorations. I went to work and started to make some to go on top of the cupcakes. For the end result it came out really nice. The presentation was amazing. I couldn’t even believe I was the one who did it. I’m really glad I got to do the recipe again, perfected it and added more.

Hope you all have a nice day,

Enjoy <3

Cinnamon Brown Butter Breakfast Puffs

cici-duh — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:02:43 -0400

I found this recipe on www.smittenkitchen.com and I knew I had to do it. They just looked really delicious, and I was anxious to make them. I just hoped in all that it would come out as good as it looked.

While making this dessert I was nervous but excited. As I was making it I wondered the whole time how it would come out. I could not even imagine how the taste would come out. I knew it would taste like cinnamon. My mom was really nervous about me making it as well. She did not know if she would like it, especially since she is not a big fan of cinnamon. I think she’s missing out so much. As long as the cinnamon is not over powering completely then the dessert will be delicious. I think cinnamon in a great flavor is desserts, so yummy.

When the breakfast puffs were done, I had to melt some butter then roll them into the cinnamon/sugar mixture. I did not want to do it at first because I thought I would be able to taste the butter. Once I coated a few with the cinnamon/sugar mixture, I tasted one and it was DELICIOUS! I was really in love with the taste. I could not even believe how good the breakfast puffs came out. I was proud of myself though.

I’ll definitely try this recipe out again but this time I’ll do it for breakfast with some oatmeal. Mmm, I can taste it now.

Enjoy,

CiCi <3

Pineapple & Strawberry Fruit Salad!

cici-duh — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:11:41 -0400

Strawberries & Pineapples are my favorite fruits besides Cherries. I decided that I want to get more healthy and eating salads is one of the ways to go. I wanted to make this salad and was very excited for it. My mom had bought some fruit so when I saw the strawberries & pineapple I was very happy.

Of course making this salad was really easy. This salad was also very refreshing. I enjoyed it very much. I recommend that everyone tries out this fruit salad. It’s a great snack and very healthy. All you strawberry or pineapple lovers will absolutely LOVE this.

Enjoy,

CiCi <3

Lemon w/ Strawberry Frosting Mini Cupcakes for College Kids!

cici-duh — Wed, 30 May 2012 12:51:16 -0400

One day I decided I wanted to promote my cupcakes by giving some out to college kids. I wanted to go to this university called Bob Jones University. It was not too far from my house which was great.

I had made some Lemon Mini Cupcakes with a Strawberry Frosting. The cupcake was so delicious and the frosting just gave it extra UMPH! I was definitely happy with how the taste came out. I knew that when I gave them out to the students they would LOVE IT.

My mom was kind enough to take me to the University then I had to go from there. I was really nervous. I wondered what they would think about this little girl passing out cupcakes. I wondered if they would actually like the cupcakes. All of these thoughts were going through my head but I knew I had to pull through. I did just that.

First kid that saw me waved me over asking for a cupcake. By him doing that I felt a little more relaxed and comfortable. Once done with the kids around him, I went over to another section and passed out cupcakes to a bunch of students. They really were happy about me passing out cupcakes. I did not receive any complaints either. They did like the cupcakes and I was happy with that.

I will definitely do it again at another college or go to that one again to give out more cupcakes. I’ll maybe even bring a survey for them to take. All I know is I had fun doing it some months back. It definitely made me step up in my confidence when it comes to facing people.

Enjoy,

CiCi <3

I Want To Do.....DESSERT A Day!

cici-duh — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:41:33 -0400

I’ve been just looking at different blogs and on youtube seeing so many desserts. I want to make them all. I saw this girl on youtube is doing Dessert A Day for 365 days . It inspired me to do one also. I just have to figure out how much I’ll need every week to make all of these desserts. Since I use organic ingredients I know it will be costly but if I just figure out a price maybe I can afford it. Who knows. I just know I would like to do it.

I love baking sooo much and I think this Dessert A Day would really challenge me. See if I’m really ready to run a bakery. Could I handle all of the pressure? I’m sure I could. I’ve done a dessert table and had to bake everyday, but this is a little different. We’ll see.

I know I’ll try out some desserts this week. I wish to try out a Triple Melon Sorbet, Chocolate Mousse Brownie Bites, Churros, and Peaches & Cream Popsicles. All of those desserts look ultra yummy to me and I would love to try them out. I really hope I get the chance to. Tomorrow I’ll definitely be making the Churros. I’ve had them a few times when I was young…might I just say they were delicious. I hope mine come out just as good.

^^^^^^^^

I want to make these one day as well. DONUTS! I absolutely love donuts. They are sooo yummy. I always make sure to get a box of Krispy Kreme donuts when I’m at the grocery store. When my grandparents use to live in New York, my grandfather would always take me to Dunkin’ Donuts so I could get some powdered donuts. Powdered Donuts are my favorite, but recently I have settled for glaze by Krispy Kreme. Why? Because the Dunkin’ Donuts near my house here in South Carolina….is not so yummy. I’ve had too many old, hard donuts from them and it just turned me off. I do hope I master donuts so I can make them all the time and eat them all.

At the end of the day, I hope to do this Dessert A Day challenge, starting tomorrow. You guys have to wish me luck! For now, I’m going to get off and finish up these snicker doodle cookies I’m making!

Enjoy,

CiCi <3

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake

cici-duh — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:22:47 -0400

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes!

cici-duh — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:16:38 -0400

I do not quite remember when I made these cupcakes, but I know they came out good. I think I might’ve got the idea from Cupcake Wars. I thought it would be a nice recipe to try out so I did just that….tried it out.

I know raspberries are not that sweet so I was nervous about how it would come out. I just hoped for the best and went along with it. While I was baking the cupcakes my mom wanted to know what I was making. I did not tell her though, I wanted it to be a surprise. I usually do not like to brag about something new I’m going to try out, especially if I’m nervous about how it is going to come out.

With the cupcakes, I wanted to make a raspberry drizzle. I wanted to give the cupcakes a more POP effect, making it stand out. I wanted the cupcakes to be beautiful. I wanted a raspberry frosting on top of the cupcakes with a raspberry filling inside of the chocolate cake.

Once I put the cupcake in the oven I was sure they would come out delicious. Chocolate and Raspberry definitely seemed like something that could go. I knew the cupcakes would be extra delicious when I tasted the raspberry frosting. It was SO good. I could’ve just ate the whole frosting by itself.

When the cupcakes were done & cool, I frosted them then added the drizzle. The drizzle came out really good as well and it added a great touch to the cupcakes. I let my family try the cupcakes out once they were done being decorated. They LOVED the cupcakes. My one cousin does not care for raspberry preserve (it was the filling) but when he tasted it with the cupcake he loved it. I was really happy with how it came out. I tried one out myself and it was yummy.

I’m glad I tried the cupcakes out and they came out a success. I’ll definitely be trying them out again.

Enjoy your day,

CiCi <3

YUM!

cici-duh — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:08:39 -0400

THIS looks so good. I do not exactly know what it is, but I would tear it up. It looks like a cake of course, filled with whipped cream and like a little chocolate cake on top or just chocolate frosting. Either way, it looks really good.

I would definitely try to make this once I figure out what it is. If anybody knows, please do tell me :)

Oreo Cupcakes Recipe!

cici-duh — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:48:20 -0400

Here’s the recipe for Oreo Cupcakes!!!

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Oreo Cupcakes (with Oreo butter cream)

Ingredients

1 cup soy milk

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

¾ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup of coconut oil

¾ cups raw cane sugar

2 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cups Oreo

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 and line muffin pan with cupcake liners.

In a separate large bowl, use a handheld mixer at medium speed to cream the oil, coconut oil and sugar for about 2 minutes until mixed well together but do not beat past 2 minutes. In another bowl, sift in the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Pour the dry ingredients in the large bowl with the oil and sugar, then beat until there are no longer any lumps.

Coarsely chop or crush up the Oreos in a separate bowl, before adding them to the mixture.

Fill cupcakes liners two-thirds of the way and bake for 20-22 minutes till done. Let cool for 10minutes before, transferring them to a cooling rack. Let cool completely before frosting.

Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

¼ cup vegetable shortening

½ cup vegan butter

3 ½ cups confectioners sugar, sifted if clumpy

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ cup plain soy milk

1 cup crushed Oreos

Directions

Beat the shortening and butter together until well combined and fluffy. Add the sugar and beat for about 3 more minutes. Add the vanilla and soy milk, beat for another 5 to 7 minutes until fluffy.

Add oreos!

Macaroons!

cici-duh — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:25:18 -0400

I want to make these! They look so yummy and the colors make them look even prettier. I’ve never tasted one, but I’m sure I’ll probably make it before I taste it. I want to try to wait to taste it first but I do not know how long it will be before I try one.

Only thing is the recipe calls for almond flour and my mom is allergic to nuts. I would have to make it when she’s not around or tell her to go out for the day. I do not think she would get sick, but I don’t want to take any chances. I would feel terrible if she did get sick because of my baking :(

I do know that these macaroons can be a lot of work. It’s not as easy to make as I thought they would be. I will succeed though when I try it out and get the hang of it. I just have faith in myself.

I do not know when I’ll try them out but hopefully soon. Hopefully they’ll come out good and I’ll eat them all. I’m going to make the macaroons just as colorful as the ones I see on the internet.

Hope everyone has a good Tuesday,

CiCi <3

Dessert Party: March 16th (pt. 2)

cici-duh — Mon, 07 May 2012 22:05:03 -0400

Day of the party, I was very busy. I even had to go out and buy a few things. Once I got back home I immediately started setting the table. I was extremely nervous about finishing on time. That was honestly my biggest concern.

Once I finished decorating the table, I started setting out the desserts. First I started icing the cupcakes and making the banana pudding. I was working fast but taking my time so I would not mess up. The last thing I needed was mistakes. OH, I forgot to mention I did do some fondant bows for the cupcakes. They came out perfect!

When the party started, I swear my body froze up a bit. I was nervous on what everyone would think. Surprisingly, everyone LOVED it. They loved the presentation and the desserts. I was so happy. I was also happy everyone who I invited came to the party. It made me so happy to see that they all came to support me. It was such a great feeling.

Surprisingly, the Ice Cream sandwiches ran out first and they had given me the most trouble. I was nervous on how they would taste, but I’m glad everyone enjoyed them and the other desserts.

Overall, I’m glad everyone had fun and ate up all the desserts I made. The party turned out to be a success. I will be having another dessert party real soon, possibly in June.

Enjoy your day,

CiCi <3

Dessert Party: March 16th

cici-duh — Mon, 07 May 2012 19:13:45 -0400

Yes, I finally did one. The main thing I wanted to do this year was have a Dessert Party and I did it. I’m so proud of myself.

Ever since I saw dessert tables on the internet, seeing how beautiful they are I knew I wanted to do one. At first I wanted to do the party on my birthday in January of this year but I did not want to bake all of those items for MY birthday. Then I thought about doing it February but I was not really feeling it. THEN I thought of doing it in March. I decided to do it on March 16th, a day before my cousin’s birthday. I wanted to do it then so she would be able to come instead of doing it on her birthday.

Soon as I figured out the date, I began to get everything I needed. On the menu I had: Oreo Cupcakes, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Banana Pudding, Chocolate covered Strawberries, Strawberry Pineapple Kiwi Smoothie, and Lemonade.

I started to make everything a week before the event. I wanted the party to be perfect. This party was going to be a big deal for me. It was something I definitely wanted to accomplish. I was just doing a mini dessert party first to test it out and see if I could get it done. If so, I’ll be doing another one later in the year and invite a bigger crowd.

While making the desserts I did face some challenges. With the ice cream sandwiches, while I was putting them together the ice cream would melt before I got it on the cookies. Then it was hard to keep them together. I just kept my cool and thought of how to fix the problem. Once I figured out what to do, I got to work and finished everything. One thing I never do is give up.

I even went out to get all of the decorations. Now if I thought baking was the challenge, I was sadly mistaken. Going to get the decorations was definitely a piece of work. It was not really hard but it was hard to keep focus while in the stores. While in the store I wanted to buy more things than needed or buy something when it was not even for the party. I was just overly hyper, I’m sure it was a funny site if I recorded myself.

…….Part 2 is coming soon! STAY on the look out!

Where have I BEEN?

cici-duh — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:27:55 -0400

I know I haven’t been updating lately. I’ve been so busy with school and doing some traveling AND baking up new recipes. I graduate this year so I definitely have to make sure I pass the 12th grade and get my High School Diploma!!! That’s a goal for me this year. Not just a goal it’s a MUST!

I went to Arizona in March and just got back from New York last night. I went to NY to check out the culinary school I wish to go to. I want to go to French Culinary Institute to study Baking & Pastry. I did more things while in New York but that was the main reason why I was there.

French Culinary Institute turned out to be an AMAZING school. I loved it and want to go there. I really believe that is the school for me. The other schools I went to visit were okay, but FCI took the cake.

While I was in New York I went to Crumbs and tried out their Vanilla Coconut Cupcake. It was alright. I’m just being honest. I don’t think they have anything on me and I’m not even trying to be cocky. It just….something was missing.

I did get to make my family and friends some cupcakes. I made Lemon Blueberry Crunch Cupcakes while I was there. Everyone LOVED the cupcakes. I was so happy that they liked them, because I was nervous on what they would think of the cupcakes. I’m so proud of myself for even making them. I didn’t think I would have the time but good thing I planned everything out for the week and those cupcakes got done.

I am happy I did everything I wanted to do while in NY. I hope to go there again soon or for college. Now I’m back home and ready to try out some more new recipes. I’m definitely thinking about trying out Banana Cream Pie Cupcakes, Churros, Cream Puffs and Éclairs.

Be on the look out for more updates from me!!

Enjoy,

CiCi

Oreo Cupcakes!

cici-duh — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:04:46 -0400

OREO CUPCAKES ! I think my mother inspired me to make these cupcakes. I’m not really an Oreo fan so I know I didn’t think of it. I wasn’t too nervous about the recipe since a lot of people love Oreos. I know I do like Oreos crushed up with vanilla ice cream. That’s just really delicious.

Anyway, making this recipe was really easy. I did not even need to look it up, because I knew what I wanted to do with it. I just hoped how I had it made up in my head would work in the recipe. It did too!

The cupcakes came out DELICIOUS! Again, I’m not an Oreo fan but these cupcakes made me want to be one. These are cupcakes that I just can’t have one. Usually I just eat one cupcake and move on, but with these I must have 2 or 3. I think it’s the icing that really attracts me to the cupcake as well since it’s so good.

Everyone loved the cupcakes as well. I know for a fact these will be on the menu when I open up my own bakery. I can not leave those out.

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(note: Sorry I haven’t updated in so long. I’ve been so busy and haven’t made the time to update. I’m back though so expect more updates SOON!! )

Have a nice Friday!

Enjoy,

CiCi

Ooo yum! Banana Pudding!

cici-duh — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:29:00 -0400

How did I get started with the Banana Pudding? I do not really remember but I know I wanted to try it out. I had found a recipe for it and I went to get all the ingredients immediately. I love Banana Pudding, especially the kind my aunt makes. Her’s is really delicious. If she gave me a whole pan of it I would finish it with no shame. I really would.

Anyway, back to the story. I personally love Nilla wafers, but I also wanted to make my own vanilla wafers. The recipe for the wafers was not that difficult either thank goodness. The only thing I thought was a challenge was the pudding. I started on that first to see how it would come out. To my surprise the pudding came out great! I was really happy with the result.

While the pudding was cooling down I started on the cream and wafers. The cream came out delicious. Last but not least, the wafers came out delicious as well. My mom & dad really loved them. I was really proud of myself for making my own vanilla wafers and they came out good! Yay me!

When I put everything together, the Banana Pudding came out perfect! It was sooo good. I could not believe how good it came out. Of course I had seconds and thirds of it, along with my family.

I’m really glad I tried the dessert out and it came out as a success. I haven’t figured out which recipe I’ll be doing next but you all will know when I do. With that said, Good Morning and I hope everyone has a wonderful Thursday.

Enjoy,

CiCi

Viking Cooking School Class: Baby Cakes!

cici-duh — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:33:47 -0400

On my birthday this year, I went to a baking class at the Viking Cooking School. For my birthday I wanted to go to Atlanta, go to the Cheesecake Factory, and go to a baking class. I was really excited about the baking class. I was hoping it would be everything I imagined it to be….amazing.

When I got to the place, they had a store where you could buy cooking or baking ware. I love bakeware, so I was trying my best not to buy anything and remember I was there for a class. My mom and I were looking around and we saw a really cute kitchen set in the store. I know I would love to have that set in my kitchen when I purchase my own home one day.

When the class started there were about 10 other people there. The class was full. When the teacher gave us a recipe booklet for the desserts we were learning, I was really happy about that. I knew I would want to try the recipes out again at home and see if they would come out the same. I can not lie, our teacher was really funny and kind of crazy.

Once we got started with making the desserts, I was a bit nervous. I’ve never worked in a kitchen full of people before. I was also the youngest person in the class! I’m glad I was at least experienced in baking and some people in the class were not. That was a great advantage.

I helped making the glaze for the Pound Cake Petit Fours. I didn’t know making glaze was so intense. One thing the teacher told us is to never make glaze while it’s raining. It was raining outside that day but we had to make it regardless. I see why she says not to make the glaze while raining though, because it took a while to make the glaze perfect.

….I have to cut this post short, sadly. I’m going out, but I will do part 2 when I get back. Hope you all enjoy and have a great Friday!

, CiCi <3

Caramel Apples!

cici-duh — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 03:29:09 -0400

Caramel Apples were something that have been on my mind to do since I saw them. I know it’s hard to believe but I’ve always wanted to learn how to make them or try one out. I STILL haven’t bought a caramel apple from a store but yet I’ve always wanted to. I do not know why I have not. It’s really weird when I think about it.

I thought about finally making caramel apples after I had made a caramel cake and some truffles covered with caramel. I knew after making caramel twice I could do it again and succeed.

Once I bought the apples, I began to make the caramel apples. I didn’t need a recipe of course because it was so simple. I made sure I cleaned the apples really good and peeled them well. One thing I did forget was to get the sticks! It’s okay though, I gave everyone a fork.

The caramel came out perfect AGAIN. I was really happy about that. I was hoping everyone else would like the caramel apples, because I knew they would come out good. Even if they didn’t like them I would just eat the apples myself then or give them out to neighbors. More for me and them.

When I finished with the apples, I tried one out immediately. They were really good. I do not even know if I want to buy a caramel apple from the store since I can make my own now. I would try one out though if I remember to. Just to see if they taste similar though. I sure hope they do.

I’m definitely going to try out the caramel apples again. OH, also my family loved the apples and said they were yummy.

Enjoy,

CiCi <3

Time for Frying!

cici-duh — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:26:41 -0400

FINALLY. I got a deep fryer. I’ve been wanting one of these since my cousin used her deep fryer to make french fries. Might I say those fries came out delicious! From then on, I wanted a deep fryer. Well…I’ve wanted one before that but she just brought back the spark.

I looked online at a few deep fryers checking out the prices. Once I saw some prices of them, all I had to do was save and get serious about buying one. I didn’t get serious about it until the last week of February maybe. There’s this place here called World Market and they were selling a deep fryer for $50. I knew I had to get it. Soon as I saved my money up for the deep fryer I bought it immediately. No questions asked.

My mom and I used it some days or a week after I bought it to make fries. She wanted to make some and I suggested we try it out with my deep fryer. I was really excited to do so. I honestly didn’t know that the deep fryer needed so much oil though but it was alright.

Once we got started on the fries I was really anxious to see the results. I must say the deep fryer was smaller than I thought but it’s so cute and is great overall. I was glad the oil does not pop as much as it does with a pan when you put the potatoes in. Oil popping is really scary to me. I don’t like it at all.

When the fries were done, my mom & I ate them with some burgers she made. They came out DELICIOUS! I loved how they came out and was really proud of myself for making them. I will definitely be making fries again. I will also make donuts and more things with my deep fryer. I’m really glad I bought it. It’s a great investment. :)

Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

, CiCi <3

The beautiful Chocolate Cake I made! It was really yummy!

cici-duh — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:46:10 -0400

The beautiful Chocolate Cake I made!

It was really yummy!