52 Cupcakes

Oh, Harvey Wallbanger Cupcakes...Thanks for the Memories!

2008-06-08T18:08:00.000-04:00

I have no idea why I decided to bake these cupcake...I think I just wanted to buy this cool bottle of Galliano! It's beautiful and it's so frenchy. Earlier in the morning I had come across the recipe for the cupcakes in Ann Bryn's Cupcakes From the Cake Mix Doctor. Yes, I do read cupcake books...I know, it's so bad...but I just can't stop.

So, I went to the Montgomery County Liquor Store in the Cabin John Shopping Center to buy the Galliano. They only had this very tall bottle which was way more expensive than I really wanted to pay...hmmm...what to do? Just buy it! They said I could go to another one of their stores, but I was so hot (it was about 95 degrees here yesterday) and I just wanted to go home. I'd already been to work out, Montgomery Mall, Giant and this was my very last stop. I asked one guy there if there was a smaller bottle available and he looked at me like I was crazy...he'd never heard of Galliano...luckily...or not...the other dude working there heard our non-conversation and put in his two cents about the other stores.

In the end, I plunked down my money...and I also bought a bottle of pink champagne so it wasn't a totally unfulfilling excursion.

We served the "Harvey" cupcakes at a brunch we had today, and later this afternoon, Laura and I were chatting about the Harvey Wallbanger drink or should I say "cocktail"?...and how we used to drink it way back when...and I remembered too much about it, but we won't go there...I"m sure my brother remembers THOSE days...but I regress...back to Laura;s and my conversation...we couldn't remember exactly what they tasted like...so we whip out the laptop, get the recipe, grab the vodka, Galliano, two glasses and some ice. Ahhh...magically, I was transported back to the good old days of watching Redskins at my parents' place with my family and acting all crazy! I can even remember this dark burgundy dress I used to wear. Who would have thought that cupcakes could do that?

Theme of the week: “Every exit is an entrance somewhere else” (Tom Stoppard) but this has nothing to do with cupcakes....on the other hand, I guess it could.

Hope you have a great week...next week I head to Vegas for a conference and a meet-up with my family!

Rock On, CQ

P.S. Layla says hi and she's sorry she didn't get in the cupcake photos this week...she was just too worn out from the heat. Here she is napping the afternoon away!

Fire Up the Grill for Hamburger Cupcakes!

2008-05-27T16:30:00.001-04:00

Saw these on the web and couldn't resist trying them. They were actually very easy to put together.
And, the funny thing is that everyone thought they were real "sliders"...your eyes tell you they are really hamburgers!

You make 12 white cakemix cupcakes and 12 chocolate cakemix cupcakes. When baked, you cut the top off the white cupcake...and the bottom, essentially leaving the middle to be eaten asap. Then you make the "hamburger" part with the middle of the chocolate cupcake.

The lettuce, catsup and cheese are colored frosting!

Just look up "hamburger cupcakes" in google and you'll find the recipe. It was lots of fun!

Hope you have a great week...rock on, CQ

Cupcake Queen Interviewed by Maryland Newsline!

2008-05-23T09:30:00.004-04:00

Surcie and Peggy: Thanks for your kind words!

Cupcake Queen was interviewed a couple of weeks ago by Tamra Tomlinson from Maryland Newsline. Here's the link to Tamra's article: newsline.umd.edu/etcetera/cupcake_queen050808.htm.

And, this is the video that Tamra shot showing the set up of the 50,000 cupcakes here the night before Maryland Day...Tamra's graduating today from the School of Journalism!

Thanks for the interview, Tamra. I really enjoyed meeting you.

Rock on, CQ

Move That Cupcake!

2008-05-21T20:52:00.000-04:00

This was just for fun...little people moving cupcakes. I found these guys at the hobby store.

Then I made Lemon Ancho Chile Cupcakes with Vanilla Lemon Frosting....I dug out the middle of the cupcake and put in a spoonful of lemon curd. It was quite a combination!

Then I took everything out to my driveway and created the scene. It was so much fun!

Here are the boys all finished loading the cupcakes onto the tray!

And, of course, here is Layla...being Layla...so stoic...and what a good girl she is!

Have a great week....Rock On!

CQ

Twin Cupcakes Welcome Anna and Logan to the Cupcake World!

2008-05-11T19:22:00.001-04:00

My colleague and buddy, Brian (above) and his wife, Angie, recently had twin kidlets Anna and Logan...they...the babies...that is, are still in the NICU.

I heard from Brian that Angie likes yellow cupcakes...and I got inspired to make "twin cupcakes" for the new mom!

The twins were born on April 28th! They should be ready to go home in a couple of weeks.

Here's a link to the twins' web site...their dad, Brian, is a computer geek...the twins even have a blog! Brian is the best video editor I've ever worked with...and he has a sense of humor just like mine! Yikes....

Have a great week...and remember...Happy Mother's Day...and ROCK ON!

CQ

Rocky Road Cupcakes with Starbucks Mocha Dark Chocolate Frosting for May Birthdays!

2008-05-05T15:42:00.005-04:00

#1 BIRTHDAY IN MY BOOK: My Mom...She is 85 years young to day...pictured with Nigel!

So many May Birthdays! Mom, Carol Ann, Margaret, Dianne, Rick and Harry (Catherine's french bulldog!). The sugar cookies were made from a Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix (they recently sponsored a cookie recipe contest called "Bake Life Sweeter")...very easy to use and quick to make.

This fellow only has eyes for Rocky Road Cupcakes with Starbucks Mocha Dark Chocolate Frosting!

I used Starbuck's new Mocha Dark Chocolate: "rich, dark chocolate meets the citrus and cocoa notes of Guatemala Cai Cielo coffee for a delightfully sublime indulgence"...it gave the frosting a rich, deep flavor!

This is Harry's very own cupcake...but of course, he can't eat it...no dogs were harmed during the photo shooting of these cupcakes!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL MAY BABIES!
Rock On~
CQ

50,000 Cupcakes for Maryland Day!!!

2008-04-22T15:15:00.003-04:00

Maryland Day - the University of Maryland's annual open house - is 10 years old! We're baking with 50,000 cupcakes to celebrate - and the entire Washington, D.C. region has been invited to join us! The day kicks off with a grand opening ceremony at 10 a.m. in Hornbake Plaza featuring WMAR's Mary Beth Marsden as the host. Shhh - don't tell anyone - but Testudo has a special surprise in store.

Update: 4.24.08: we're test tasting the Maryland Day cupcakes this afternoon!!!!

The Cupcake Queen has been invited to be one of the judges for the Cupcake Decorating Contest on Maryland Day!

Here's the recipe for the 50,000 cupcakes provided by our Dining Services folks:

White Cake Recipe

1415 lbs cake flour.. sifted..
78.33lbs baking powder
46.33 lbs salt
707.55 lbs high ratio cake shortening
1769lbs granulated sugar
177 gallons 2% milk
2.5 gallons flavoring
117.93 gallons fresh eggs

Total weight 6,392.15 lbs

Icing

4275 lbs 10 x sugar
541.5 lbs Margarine
541.5 lbs Icing Shortening
912 lbs water
1.75 gallons flavoring

Total weight 6,284 lbs

This video features our president...Dan Mote and his wife, Patsy, beginning the baking process:

The Cupcake Queen will have to show up with four stitches in her cheek to do her judging...what do you think happened to her? Several good stories have been put forth:

CQ was sleep walking and tripped over Layla. (Deb)
CQ was working out on her treadmill, dropped her ipod and hit her cheek on the handrail. (Meg)
CQ was in a car accident. (Barb)
Somebody said shut-up and CQ thought he said stand up. (Mac)
CQ fell in the hallway...tripped over the cat...hit face on floor. (Millree)
CQ got bite by her dog. (Beth)
CQ was outside on her deck..it was raining...she slipped on the stairs and hit her cheek on the railing. (Peggy)
Something hit CQ. (Joanne)
CQ was out mowing her lawn. Her mower handle caught a tree branch and the branch swung back and hit CQ on the cheek. (Brian)
CQ walked into a pole. (Herb)
CQ heard a noise outside in her backyard. Layla ran out to see what it was. CQ picked up a dustbuster and a cupcake and went out to find Layla. There was an extraterrestrial vehicle in the yard and little ET things running around. They got scared when they saw CQ's dustbuster and shot her in the cheek with an ET laser thinggie. And, then they flew away! (Ellen)
CQ got bite by a dog. (Tom)
CQ was watching Law and Order with a friend. The friend got so carried away during one scene that he/she punched CQ in the cheek. (Dave)
CQ was gardening and fell on a hoe. (Holly)
Mo says that CQ hit herself with something...then Mo says that sounds goofy, doesn't it!
anonymous said...I think CQ was fast & furiously icing cupcakes when the icing spatula slipped from her glazed fingers, flipped in the air, and came crashing down on her tender cheek.
bro said...I think CQ was jumping on the bed and her brother pushed her into a radiator.
cupcake queen said...bro...that is the BEST laugh I've had all day...and you are so right...however, this time it was left cheek!
sam said...LOL...too funny! Thanks for sharing and wish I could be there for the cupcakes!
CQ tripped on on something in the yard (Sapienza)
CQ was hit by a kitchen cabinet (Brodie)
CQ got smacked by Laura (Bonnie)

What do you think happened to CQ??? If you can, come to Maryland Day and find out!

The truth will be revealed in CQ's next posting.

It's About Time for Some Cupcake Bling!

2008-04-14T16:33:00.001-04:00

You just have to love this bracelet!!! I'm not going to say too much about it...but just look at the detail.

When I wear it to work, everyone asks me about it...where'd I get it...so cute...you know!

The cupcake is from Wholefoods...it's a mini chocolate!

The cupcake bracelet is from Rockerjewlz. I ordered it onlline at Etsy.

..made by a jewelry designer in Union City, near San Francisco! Here's her blog: rockerjewlz. Go see her and say the Cupcake Queen says hi!

You'll love this bracelet!

No cupcakes this week...the BLING is enough!

Rock ON!

CQ

All You Need is Love...and a Few Cupcakes!

2008-04-06T18:24:00.002-04:00

The kids went to a couple of weddings this weekend...one in Binghamton, NY, and one on Amelia Island in Florida...this inspired me to look into making some wedding cupcakes!

I found just the right one in A Baker's Field Guide to Cupcakes by Dede Wilson.

Then I added a bride throwing her bouquet to a small crowd while the groom looks on....

...and so does Layla!

All you need is love!

CQ

Yearning for Spring = Creamsicle Cupcakes With Fluff Frosting

2008-03-31T12:52:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend, a jingle of the ice cream vendor's truck made me want to enjoy a little Spring right now...even tho the temp was 48 degrees and overcast...and reminded me of what I always got: a Creamsicle! Then...the question was could I create a creamsicle cupcake?

I just happened to have a Duncan Hines orange cake mix...oh boy!...and vanilla pudding...another oh boy!...and Marshmallow Fluff! All this was too much heaven....

BTW: did you know that the popsicle was invented by 11-year-old Frank Epperson in 1905. Epperson (1894-1983) lived in San Francisco, California. He had left a fruit drink out overnight (with a stirrer in it), and it froze, making a new treat. His frozen treat was originally called the Epsicle. Epperson got a patent on his "frozen ice on a stick" many years later, in 1923. The Epsicle was later renamed the popsicle. Epperson also invented the twin popsicle (with two sticks so it could be shared by two children), Fudgsicle, Creamsicle and Dreamsicle.

Layla...who doesn't eat popsicles...but does really enjoy Frosty Paws...definitely was interested in these cupcakes...but isn't she always??

One question....what song does your ice cream truck play as it winds its way around the neighborhood?

Here's the recipe for a little early Spring:

1 box Duncan Hines Orange Supreme Cake Mix
1 box Jello Vanilla Pudding (not instant)

Follow directions on box and add in the box of vanilla pudding
Follow rest of box instructions.

Fluff 7-Minute Frosting

1 c. Marshmallow Fluff
2 egg whites, at room temperature
1 c. sugar
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/8 tsp. salt
1/4 c. water
1 tsp. vanilla extract

In double-boiler top over hot, not boiling water, combine all ingredients except vanilla. With hand mixer, beat until soft peaks form. Remove from heat and continue beating until stiff. Beat in vanilla. Makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes.

Have a GREAT week!

And remember to Rock On, CQ

Cupcake Cars Gone Wild!

2008-03-28T15:26:00.001-04:00

from boingboingtv

Enjoy!

CQ

Peep Family Overrun by Family Favorite Rum Cupcakes with Rum Glaze!

2008-03-23T17:06:00.001-04:00

Take a "peep" at the Peep Family breakfast...seemingly unconcerned that their house has been over run with Rum Cupcakes...as they all...mom, dad, brother and baby...enjoy reading their Washington Post...even the dog and cat!

Cupcakes based on "Hugh Pearson's Rum Cake"...much rum!

More Peep Family Fotos here

Have a great week!

CQ

Better Than Cupcakes: Aiden the Easter Bunny!

2008-03-21T12:17:00.004-04:00

What a bunny photo!

Martha Stewart's One Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes Make for Happy Birthdays!

2008-03-18T23:28:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to Lesley, Chris and Kate...our March birthday stars! I know how much Kate loves Martha Stewart's One Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes...so I made them for everyone!

Adding Martha's Mocha Buttercream Frosting made the cupcakes taste like Starbuck's drink! YUMMMMY!

I don't know how we're going to top this for April birthdays.....But, you know how much Layla loves a party!

Have a great week....CQ

Layla Does It For Her Boys: Fear the Turtle Cupcakes

2008-03-10T13:59:00.000-04:00

You may know that the Cupcake Queen and Laya are ardent fans of the Maryland Men's Basketball Team...the Terps...well, they lost to UVA last night, and now they are going to have to win the whole &#$*&! ACC Tournament to get into the NCAA Tournament!

Layla and I quickly whipped up some "Fear the Turtle" cupcakes because we're so nervous! Nothing like a good cupcake when you're nervous....These are dark chocolate cupcakes with either vanilla or chocolate frosting, topped with a chocolate turtle and a candy basketball.

Layla loves her Terps...and these cupcakes!

Have a great week!

CQ

The Cupcake Queen's Birthday Bash!

2008-02-27T21:35:00.002-05:00

This past weekend we celebrated the Cupcake Queen's Birthday which was officially on Friday, Feb. 22. It all began with lunch at the University of Maryland Golf Course with Autumn (who came all the way from Ohio), Catherine, Margaret, Nancy, who all work with the Cupcake Queen....and Diane Louise and Grannie (who drove all the way from Syracuse)! We had so much fun and laughed ourselves silly....and, of course, a couple of us enjoyed a couple of gold margaritas! Nancy...we promise we won't say anythng about that guy on the airplane...you know the one whose leg you grabbed!

Then, Friday night...the Cupcake Queen was taken to dinner at Il Pizzico on Rockville Pike that was to die for...the Queen was accompanied by Laura, Diane Louise and Grannie!

The feasting continued on Saturday with the most awesome Italian subs from Marchone's Italian Deli...then, a fantastic queenly Italian dinner that includes 48 meatballs driven to Rockville from Syracuse...homemade canellone, ceasar salad, much champagne and all the tremendous desserts that you see on the entry.....
Catherine made the three layer chocolate cake and presented the Cupcake Queen also with the very nice cherry pie from Wholefoods...which CQ dearly loves...Grannie made the lemon bars...Kate brought the Starbucks' cupcakes...and....Princess Robin...CQ's sister...who also brought CQ's mom to spend the night...one BIG SLEEPOVER!!...made the adorable raspberry-filled cupcakes!

What a nice birthday CQ had! Hope you have a great week!

Rock On!

CQ

Update to on Terps Cupcakes!

2008-02-20T09:48:00.001-05:00

CQ recieved this email from the Maryland Men's Basketball team:

"On behalf of the team and coaches… thanks for the cupcakes. The guys & staff loved them….Greivis must have eaten about 5!"

Good luck tonight, Terps!

And remember...It Never Rains in College Park!

CQ

Layla Takes Care of Her Terps!

2008-02-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

Layla helped me make cupcakes for the Maryland Men's Basketball Team to eat at their Thursday night dinner tonight! We made vanilla and chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream and chocolate buttercream frosting.

These are a few of Layla's boys!

We made the cupcakes with everyone's numbers for Valentine's Day. The chocolate cupcakes had chunks for bittersweet chocolate in them and dark chocolate frosting. Layla was so tired from all the baking,...she's back in her bed right now catching up on her sleep. The last thing she said was that she wanted to register for Gary Williams Basketball Camp!

The vanilla cupcakes had vanilla paste in them so make them extra vanilla-ee...and the vanilla frosting has chunks of white chocolate shavings in it. OMG!

Maybe next time Nigie will help us...he was out in the yard chasing chipmunks last night!

Super Duper (GO GIANTS!) Chocolate Overload Cupcakes

2008-02-03T18:36:00.000-05:00

Dark chocolate cupcakes with mini-marshallows, mini-chocolate chips and Godiva Chocolate Liquor with Godiva Chocoalte Liquor Frosting!

This all started out with a double chocolate cake mix! Then I just went cupcake crazy...adding a box of instant chocolate pudding, a cup of yogurt, mini-marshmellows, mini chocolate chips...well, you get the picture, right?

They were so moist and, OMG...chocolat...E! I made Laura take them to her office...I COULD NOT have them around the house. There's just something about chocolate.

And, Layla...what can I say about Layla...she is such a good doggie. I had had had to give her a big kiss after this photo shoot because you know dogs cannot have chocolate...I did, however, give her some pieces of sliced apples which to her seem to have the same affect that chocolate has on me....drool!

Stay Tuned for next week...big contest announcement...for Starwars Transformers...what does that have to do with cupcakes...not a thing...well, maybe a little thing.

Special SHOUT OUT this week to my sister, Robin...she's havng a relationship crisis right now...so, if you see, give her a BIG hug!

Have a great week...and be sure to "ROCK ON"...

CQ

SAM'S BIRTHDAY!!! We've Had Lots of Birthdays This Month!

2008-01-14T14:40:00.000-05:00

We've had lots of birthdays this month....this one is for Samantha...she lives in Pittsburgh with her mom...Steffi...and her dad...Chris...and her sister...Ali. Sam and Ali's grand pop (my brother!) sent me this recipe. Just the opportunity I needed to use my Silly Cups that I got for Xmas! Happy Birthday, Sam! Your box is in the mail!

These cupcakes are called Italian Cream Cupcakes...they are loaded with butter and cream!

Layla...aka drooling dog...at least got a tiny taste of the frosting!

Have a great week!

CQ

Only Martha Stewart's BEST for ARAY's 30th!

2008-01-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

Today's is ARAY's (aka Autumn) 30th birthday! And, unfortunately, she won't be able to eat these lovely cupcakes made in her honor because she has moved to OHIO...does Ohio have a primary?...and because she cannot eat salt...I would have made her something different if she was right here...no kidding...even tho I'm against changing the chemistry of the tried and true cupcake!

I made these cupcakes from the Martha Stewart Collection at Macy's....it the White Cake Mix ($11.99) and it makes 28 cupcakes....and I must tell you that it is amazing! If you want to check it out: this is the link.

Then I made Martha's "fluffy vanilla buttercream" frosting...recipe of which is on the box. OMG! It is just about the best thing since sliced bread. I know that even ARAY would have to have a bite of one of these cupcakes!

Don't worry...these babies won't go to waste...my daughter, Catherine, is taking them to an AIGA meeting tonight. She said all the designers love homemade treats! They may even sing Happy Birthday to Autumn.

Layla, who got a little bite of the frosting because she's the best sous chef I've got, is wishing ARAY a Happy Birthday, too.

Happy Birthday, ARAY....and we miss you!

Rock on, CQ!

TODAY IS MR. VINNIE'S VERY MERRY UNBIRTHDAY...ALL DAY!

2007-12-20T11:48:00.000-05:00

Mr. Vinnie is a Maryland grad...he used to be my intern before he graduated...now he works at the National Journal in Washington, DC...if you see him today, Dec. 20...Say Happy VERY MERRY UNBirthday, Mr. Vinnie!

Peppermint Brownie Cupcakes with Pink Peppermint Frosting

2007-12-13T11:52:00.000-05:00

Doing some xmas shopping...I ran into this can o' brownies...love the packaging...at Williams Sonoma. Such great appeal...peppermint brownies. Yum! Of course, I bought the mix!

Here's a photo if you want to buy it...all the ingredients are in the can...except the butter and eggs.

Then, I made peppermint frosting and threw in crushed candy canes! They colored the frosting pink!

Found these little xmas balls at Michaels a while ago...thinking about putting them on my cupcakes. They worked perfectly. I also thought it would be fun to have some frosting on the side to add to the cupcake...after you eat the frosting! A little pot au glaçage!

Layla got to taste some of the mint frosting!

One of the reasons I haven't been able to blog is because we have been so busy at work. Here's one thing we've been working on:

I'm in here somewhere...can you find the Cupcake Queen? Enjoy...both the cupcakes and the video!

Rock On!

CQ

Amanda's Birthday: Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes!

2007-11-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

Monday was Amanda's birthday! She really likes both chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with vanilla and/or chocolate frosting! So easy!

I suspended the Candy Series and only added mini chocolate chips to the chocolate cupcakes!

Happy Birthday, Amanda! You're the BEST daughter-in-law ever!

Have a great week!

CQ

Just Got Back From Vegas!!

2007-11-07T12:56:00.000-05:00

Just can't say enough about Aiden...