Don’t these look pretty? Guess what… the cupcake fairy brought these cupcake stands I’ve been pining over! It’s been a crazy week. I’m betting we’re all feeling the same way. The boy and pup have watched me zip from one task to the next, wondering when the crazy person who invaded their mom’s body will go away. I was so overwhelmed, I went so far to leave my house with dirty dishes in my sink. I even went to bed several nights knowing dirty dishes were conspiring in my sink. Gasp! I admit, I have an obsession with dishes, so when I come to your house for dinner, please don’t argue, just give me the sponge. Dishes, dessert, and Kendall J, ease my anxiety. I can’t completely relax until I know my dishes are clean. Crazy, I know! But I also know I’m not the only one out there afflicted with the clean dish disorder. You know who you are!

These cupcakes were for two events.  Forty of them were an order for a Polar Express themed party and a few dozen were brought to  my work holiday party. The chocolate snowflakes got lots of “ooh’s” and “ahh’s”. I am the queen of making simple things look fancier than they really are.  

 The cupcake itself…yum! Remember that bottle of Godiva White Chocolate liqueur I bought for the holiday season, I found a way to bake with it. Short on time, I grabbed a box of devil’s food cake mix and fancied it up a bit. I added one third of a cup liqueur into the mix, tossed a handful of mini chocolate chips in the bowl, and prayed that they taste good, so I wouldn’t have to start over. Thankfully, the cupcake gods heard my prayers! They turned out fabulous – super moist and flavorful! See recipe below.

Much more to post, and if anyone is wondering, I didn’t forget about the martini that never got posted this past Monday. I’ll make it up to you this Monday ~ promise! Happy shopping, baking, celebrating, and whatever else you’ve got planned this weekend. And if you’re on overload, leave those dirty dishes behind and banish the guilt!

White Chocolate Snowflakes

White chocolate candy melts

white or silver sanding sugar

Candy pearlized sprinkles (I use Wilton)

Step One: Prepare snowflake pattern

Print out snowflake graphics or draw freehand. I did several different sizes for variety. Cover the printout with waxed paper. Tape down to avoid shifting when piping.

Step Two: Prep chocolate

Melt ½ cup chocolate candy melts in the microwave for about a minute, stirring after 30 seconds to avoid burning.

Prepare a piping bag. I used the Wilton #2 piping tip. Don’t have piping supplies? Pour chocolate into a small Ziploc. Press out excess air and seal. Cut a small piece off of the bottom corner and pipe.

Step Three: Decorate

Pipe onto waxed paper, tracing snowflake patterns (2-3 at a time). If you want the dots on the ends, squeeze with a little more pressure, then release pressure, and slowly pull bag up. Sprinkle sanding sugar before chocolate sets. Continue piping snowflakes. If the chocolate starts to harden, you can place piping bag (minus metal tip) in the microwave for a few seconds to soften. The snowflakes will set pretty quickly. Once set, add a dot of melted chocolate in the center and place candy pearl. A tweezers is much easier.

Step Four: Garnish!

Once set, remove snowflakes with a small spatula. They are fragile, so make more than you need. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Triple Chocolate Godiva Liqueur Cupcakes

1 box devil’s food cake mix

1/3 – ½ cup Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur (amount depends on taste preference)

1/3 – ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Make cupcakes according to the package (same amount eggs and oil). Substitute 1/3 cup of the water for chocolate liqueur (i.e. if the box calls for 1 1/3 water – add 1 cup water and 1/3 cup liqueur) Blend in electric mixer. Stir in mini chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

My Go-to Buttercream Recipe

1/3 cup white Crisco shortening, softened

1/3 cup stick butter or margarine, softened

4-6 tablespoons cream, unwhipped (you can use half and half or milk)

Pinch of salt

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

4 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted

Ina a large bowl, using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat together shortening and butter. Add whipping cream, salt and vanilla and continue mixing until smooth (about 2 -3 minutes). Add in sifted flour, gradually, beat well until smooth and fluffly. To reach the consistency you need, you may need to add more confectioner’s sugar or cream. Add food coloring and blend well. Remember, gel or paste coloring will darken over time. 

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