Friday, November 6, 2009

Red Velvet Cupcakes!

Red Velvet Cupcakes

VIA Wiki
The reaction of acidic vinegar and buttermilk tends to better reveal the red anthocyanin in the cocoa. Before more alkaline "Dutch Processed" cocoa was widely available, the red color would have been more pronounced.



Red Velvet Cupcakes

I had a craving for some delicious Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. You can't beat them if you want both chocolate and vanilla deliciousness!

So I found some recipes online and synthesized them into the following:

Dry Mix
  • 2.5 cups of cake flour
  • 1.5 cups of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 2 teaspoon of cocoa powder (you can also use 1 t if you want less cocoa flavor)

Wet Mix
  • 1.5 cups of veg oil (or you can also use a 1/2 a cup of melted/room temp butter)
  • 1 cup of buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 Tablespoon of red food coloring (or beet juice)
  • 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1 pound of cream cheese, softened
  • 2 sticks of butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Top with pecans, raspberries, or strawberries for garnish!

DIRECTIONS
  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Line pans with cupcake papers. (I like using the foil ones)
  • Sift together the dry mix in a bowl
  • Mix together the wet mix in a hand/stand mixer
  • Add the dry to the wet mix by slowly incorporating the dry to the wet in 3 batches
  • Mix till smooth
  • Fill each cupcake liner up to 2/3rds full
  • Bake for 20-22 minutes (depending on your oven!)
  • Turn pans half-way through for evenness
  • Test the cupcakes with a toothpick or dry spaghetti pasta. If no cake is on there, they're done!
  • Let cool for 15minutes before frosting. Cake must be cool or the frosting will melt!
For Frosting:
  • For frosting use the hand/stand mixer and beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla till smooth
  • Add the sugar and incorporate till fluffy.
  • Garnish and enjoy!






***

Please ask permission if you would like to use any of my personal images or postings.
Unless noted, all images and content are Copyright Catherine Maske.
All Rights Are Reserved.
www.agreencat.com/copyrights




Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Pork Chops with Succotash


Pork chops with Succotash, originally uploaded by tingeisha.

Cooks Illustrated: Cooking for two.

Made breaded/dijon mustard boneless pork chop with a simple succotash and a small side of potatoes. The mustard was a delightful touch to a simple dish.

BLOGGED: cats-catfood.blogspot.com


All Images are Copyright CJM 2009
All Rights Reserved
www.agreencat.com/copyrigts





***

Please ask permission if you would like to use any of my personal images or postings.
Unless noted, all images and content are Copyright Catherine Maske.
All Rights Are Reserved.
www.agreencat.com/copyrights



Churros in Melbourne Australia


Mmmm Churros .., originally uploaded by Dollzilla.

My friend Bec took this photo during her stay in Melbourne. She's a native so she would know the nummies. =d

Friday, October 16, 2009

CUPCAKES!


CUPCAKES!, originally uploaded by tingeisha.

DSCF9011

www.cakobakery.com/main/index.html

All Images are Copyright CJM 2009
All Rights Reserved
www.agreencat.com/copyrights


Cute little cupcake shop located in Union Square. The cupcakes were yummy, but not spectacular. It's better than something you may get mass produced. Everything looks very handmade and was a nice little treat before a concert. They had cookies, cupcakes, mini cupcakes, and served lunch boxes as well as catering. Go to their website for more info.


Also, get a free cupcake with the mention of the YELP posting before october 31st 2009.






***

Please ask permission if you would like to use any of my personal images or postings.
Unless noted, all images and content are Copyright Catherine Maske.
All Rights Are Reserved.
www.agreencat.com/copyrights



Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Pasta and Fried Egg


Pasta and Fried Egg, originally uploaded by tingeisha.

This was surprisingly yummy. It reminded me of Pork Palabok which is a type of Pancit or Rice Noodle dish. Of course it didn't taste exactly like it, but the textures and *non-fishy* flavor made me happy. yay!

This one is a bit more western of course. It is made with spaghetti noodles, toasted garlic, red pepper flakes infused into the olive oil, bread crumbs, fried egg, parsley and Parmesan for garnish. The slightly cooked egg made an amazing sauce, the red pepper flakes made it have a delicious kick, and the crumbs gave it a simple crunchy contrast to the chewy/al dente pasta. YUM YUM YUM!

Recipe from Cooks Illustrated: Cooking for Two

All Images are Copyright CJM 2009
All Rights Reserved
www.agreencat.com/copyrights

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Blythe Tea Party


Blythe Tea Party, originally uploaded by tingeisha.

Had a blythe tea party at Lovejoy's Tea Room.


Delicious and completely worth having tea time everyday!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Strawberry Shortcake


Strawberry Shortcake, originally uploaded by tingeisha.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake from Cooks Illustrated: Cooking for Two. The cake was unbelievably delicious! I will be making this again! But, not for dessert. It is sooo filling! I suggest having it for breakfast!

Fleur de Lys


Fleur de Lys, originally uploaded by tingeisha.

Had my birthday dinner at Hubert Keller's Fleur de Lys. For some reason they didn't have our reservation. Fortunately it wasn't full and we were early enough to beat the dinner crowd. I have to say my vegitarian dish was AMAZING!

More details later, and enjoy the slideshow!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Chicken Burger


Chicken Burger, originally uploaded by tingeisha.

Homemade chicken burger with spicy slaw and sweet potato fries.

Recipe adapted from Cooking Light: Cooking for Two

All Images are Copyright CJM 2009
All Rights Reserved
www.agreencat.com/copyrights

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Tummy Friends



Okay not really food, but food related.
I love toys and I love food. When they come together, it is mind blowingly cute! Just like San-X and simlar toys here comes The Tummy Friends!

And who can say no to Miss Fruitcake Muffin?