Southern Living Big Book of Cupcakes

 

 

Cupcakes are everywhere! They have gone beyond the kids' classroom and bake sales and have become part of the elegant and elaborate. It is quite common to see cupcakes as wedding cakes  and at other black tie affairs. Cupcakes are no longer, simply a basic cake with a little frosting spread on top, they are now elaborate works of art! 

Now comes the challenge, just how are we, the average Jane, supposed to create these delightful little works of art? Well, luckily, we have help! Southern Living has teamed up (again) with celebrated baker Jan Moon to create a book for those of us who would love to make beautiful cupcakes but are quite sure how (and for you experts out there who just want some new recipes & design ideas), called Southern Living Big Book of Cupcakes: 150 brilliantly delicious dreamcakes (Little cakes that make you happy!) (Oxmoor House, 2011). 

Here is the brief synopsis from the back cover of Southern Living Big Book of Cupcakes:

Find big inspiration in these pint-size confections!

• Loaded with cupcakes for every season and occasion

• Bake-assured recipes created by Jan Moon of Dreamcakes Bakery

• Brilliantly flavored cupcakes that taste as terrific as they look

• Easy & creative ideas for decorating that home cooks will love

I was given a copy of the Southern Living Big Book of Cupcakes to review. I love to bake, so I was super excited to see this book and I was not disappointed. I have made cupcakes many times throughout my life but I always felt a bit intimidated by the decorating aspect of them and this book breaks down to the basics for me, from her section called "Cupcakes 101" to the "baker's secrets" scattered throughout the book. I love that many of the recipes have a "flip it" option that gives you ideas on how to tweak the recipe/decorations to create an entirely new themed cupcake.

I love that there are cupcakes and designs for most every occasion that I can think of. I have the cupcakes I want to make for my son's next birthday already picked out (Under The Big Top), I would never even though about doing something like that around the edges prior to looking at this book--so simple yet perfect for a little boy. Some of the cupcake recipes/designs are pretty unique, such as the Maple Bacon, which I am quite tempted to try (besides I can "flip it" to maple nut by switching the bacon to nuts or do a combo to try out the recipe). Honestly, my "want to try" list is super long--it's a good thing I frequently have potlucks and bake sales that I need to take things too!

 Thank you to the Big Book of Cupcakes for my sample used in this review.  Opinions are honest.  Review by Michelle.

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