Earth Day Cupcakes!!!

My new baby arrived just a few days back and boy was I excited!!!!! I wasn't able to do any baking for awhile as my old oven's door had come ajar. As the screws were too rusty, we were unable to change just the door and thus went oven shopping at Courts 2 weeks back. I personally handpicked the new Made in France TECHNO, 7 multi-function oven.

With the same excitement, I started brainstorming on the cupcake to bake in my brand new oven!! Tht's when I recalled the date April 22nd - an annual date dedicated to increase the awareness and appreciation of Earth's natural environment globally. Wala! What would be a better theme then the colour Green to emphasise the efforts to Go Green. It wasn't exactly my inital idea. My idea was to incorporate the drawing of the 4 elements through my frostings on the cupcake. However, as the frosting became abit too runny , it didn't hold my design that well. I guess that is the reason why sme designs are better portrayed through fondant then frosting. Nevermind.... I will definitely execute my idea 1 day!!!! For now, presenting to you, my version of the Earth Day Cupcakes - Devil's Food Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting

Well I'm not very satisfied with the results. SO I definitely have to try this recipe again a other time... And Deepa.. Thanks for being my guinea pig sweetheart.. Hehee!!! Happy Earth Day!!

The most important things you need before you can bake...

Of course the baking equipments !! This Journal is dedicated solely to the baker's basic tools. It is based on my on line research. I hope it will serve as a basic guide for aspiring bakers like me.

Measuring Tools

• Measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients
• Scales
• Set of measuring spoons
• Kitchen Timer

Mixing Tools

• Wooden spoons
• Flour sifter
• Whisks
• Set of different size mixing bowls (The best ones are stainless steel bowls as they tend to last longer and don't break as easily. Plastic bowls are not good for mixing because plastic is a porous material that can absorb butter or oils thus affecting or even ruin your baked goods)
• Rolling pin
• Rubber spatulas
• Pastry blender
• Pastry brushes
• Pastry boards

Decorative Tools

• Aluminium foil, parchment baking paper and plastic cling wrap
• Cake comb
• Cake turn able
• Decorating stencils
• Pastry bag and decorating tips
• Metal spatula

Others

• Oven mitts
• Wire racks
• Knives

Baking trays
Quality pans and baking dishes are necessary for creating perfect baked goods. The best cake pans are medium weight aluminium pans.

• A few essential baking pans are:
• 2 or 3 9-inch round cake trays
• Square baking trays
• 1 11-by-7-inch brownie tray
• 1 or 2 12 cup muffin trays
• At least 2 cookie sheets
• Set of different size loaf trays
• 9-inch, 10-inch and 11-inch spring form trays
• Set of different size Bundt cake trays
• Set of different size pie trays
• Tart trays
• Baking cups

Electric Equipment
As almost any baker will attest, having the right electric equipment can make or break a recipe. In fact, many modern recipes cal specifically for the use of certain electric kitchen tools.

• Stand mixer
• Food processor
• Electric hand-held mixer
• Electric blender
• Double boiler

Pantry Items
Your pantry is the place to store all your non-perishable food items. It should ideally be a cool, dark room or cupboard within easy reach of the kitchen. Here are some standard pantry items.

• Assortment of flour (self-rising, cake flour, bread flour, all purpose)
• Assortment of sugar (white, brown, icing)
• Salt, baking powder and baking soda
• Active dry yeast
• Solid vegetable shortening such as Crisco
• Vegetable oil
• Cooking spray
• Assortment of different flavourings and colourings (most importantly pure vanilla extract)
• Powdered milk and buttermilk