So, here I am.....

The girl that said she'd never blog. The far from computer savvy girl that is always up for a challenge despite a serious lack of time.My blog goals. Do I have blogging goals? Hmmm, I guess I should. So I pledge to be funny, lighthearted, not vent or complain to much and maybe just maybe share a crumb of wit and wisdom on occassion.I will most likely chat about etsy, my addiction and muse. the incredible artsists and friends I have found in a community that oozes with creativity, friendship, support and a home for all things handmade.You will hear me ramble about the insanity of my life including my 3 boys, ages 12, 16 and 53. Yes, that last one I am married to, but trust me, he is just as much boy as man. After 17 years of marriage I find myself raising him along with them. Then again, he would probably say the same of me at times. I will often speak of friends I would go to the ends of the earth for and a family that more often than not defines dysfunction. Then again, I strongly believe a functional family is the stuff legends are made of.I am a lover of music of all kinds and not so much the TV ( except maybe Glee). I have an addiction to handmade glass, especially venetian and lampwork beads as well as unique pottery. I have made a concerted effort to tame my jewelry fetish with my own creations which can be seen at http://www.kjbeads.etsy.com/If you haven't figured out by now, I can jabber my jaws and my fingers as if someone could care what I have to say.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Let Them Eat Cake (or at least let Tina)

Again, I find myself blogging a recipe for a friend.  I really need to be more attentive to the blog overall, but at least these excuses get me here, and usually with good "Food Porn" pictures.  The truth is, I'm just terminably short of time and most posts are an excercise in procrastiantion.

That being said, I'm not usually a huge procrastinator, especially when under the gun for a craft show deadline (like this weekend), but some things just beg for attention.  Tina, my friend, is definitely one.  How can you deny a girl in love a little indulgence.  Tina is a rare bread, dealt a tough hand.  She is full of talent and love and pain and her perserverance can be inspiring.  On days like today when I am in horrible pain, stressed with a "to-do" list and unmotivated, I think twice before complaining because I know to whom I pale by comparison.  I am reminded of all I have and all I can do and how I have no right to complain.  Long story long, Miss Tina asked for this yummy recipe, so here it is.
The cake and cupcakes are the same recipe, you just have to watch that cake for doneness because honestly, I don't remember how long I baked it in the transition.  I probably compared a few recipes to their cupcake couterparts and went from there.



Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Crème Frosting

• 1 cup butter ,softened
• 2 cups sugar
• 4eggs
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sour cream
• 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add lemon zest, juicel and vanilla; mix well. Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture alternately with sour cream (batter will be thick). Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups ¾ full of batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.


Raspberry Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 pound unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons raspberry extract

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the butter until creamed. Add the powdered sugar and extract. Mmix until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Now, for the cake:



I used 2 - 9 inch round cake pans and sliced each layer to fill with raspberry filling.  Between the 2 cakes is a layer of Lemon Curd.  Unfortunately, I did not photo the final product before it was cut.  What a shame.  I guess that leaves something to look forward to next time around.