How did I spend Sunday morning? It was spent washing dishes after spending a few hours baking and frosting cupcakes with my step-daughter Lila. I will tell you it was fun , and I’m really only complaining about the washing of the dishes. Who wouldn’t?
Lila is 11 years old and really loves all there is to do with food and baking, and is not timid about trying something new. Her little brother is equally as interested in food, and takes to eating it like a trooper. He’s not so keen in helping to prepare it, typical of 6-year-old I suppose.
Lila and the fruits of our labour
So we decided to make chocolate cupcakes and though the recipe called for a yield of 24 delicious little morsels, we found ourselves with much more than 24 cupcakes,and had to make them in batches as I only have two muffin pans.
We also made a vanilla meringue butter cream icing, which was delicious! About twenty minutes and three bowls later, I was kicking myself for just not buying some Duncan Hines frosting when I was at the store. But alas it was soft, light, airy, and really really good. Much better than “what’s his name Hines” makes.
Lila also made little decorations out of some chocolate brownie bites. She made flowers shapes and hearts, and topped the cooled cupcakes with the frosting and her edible creations. I also made a quick chocolate frosting that was ok, and frankly was made by a very desperate woman by this point. It was ten minutes to noon, I had two sinks full of dishes, and the boys were starting to ask about lunch. I promptly informed them Chef Campbell Soup would be heating up lunch soon enough.
So were the chocolate stained floor, batter smeared cupboards, and frosted t-shirts worth it? Definitely, as friends and family enjoyed the cupcakes with oohs and aahs.
It makes my heart sing to see young people who are curious about food its preparation. My niece Maryn has by the tender age of 12 already accomplished birthday cakes and frostings, as well as Pavlovas and lemon curds with little help from my sister-in-law or brother, who are not self-proclaimed chefs. Sorry guys for outing you.
This was also a good ‘prepper’ for me as we are having Kidz in the Kitchen classes over March break. I am glad to say I was less frazzled then I had anticipated. If you have a little Julia Child at home, check out the events at The Good Earth web site, http://www.goodearthcooking.com/upcoming_events.htm
Heck while your at the site, check out the rest of the classes we’re offering this Spring. We’re offering some very different fair.
And so, I’m heading into the kitchen to check out how many cupcakes are left. Maybe I can finally put my feet up and enjoy one. I’ll be using a napkin for this one. No more dirty dishes please!
Shine on!
Isa