Thursday, April 7, 2011

A Posy of Spring Cupcakes & A Giveaway







These fun and fanciful spring flowered cupcakes
could brighten anyone's day.




These vibrant colors were easy to make with
Duff Goldman's Color Gels Coloring (star of the 
television show Charm City Cakes)
which I found at Michael's Craft Store.



Homemade fondant is a breeze to make and it tastes
great too.




If you want to color a whole batch just add the
coloring while everything is mixing

If you wanted a lot of different colors like
for these springtime cupcakes, you can mix
the colors in by hand (more work and more mess
but it is easy to do.)

Easy Homemade Fondant Recipe

16 oz. marshmallows
2-3 T. water
2 lb. powdered sugar
2 tsp. almond flavoring
gel food coloring

Place the marshmallows and water in a large microwave
safe bowl.  Microwave for 90 seconds on high.  the
marshmallows will begin to puff but still will hold their
shape.  Dump the marshmallows and water into a large
mixing bowl (Kitchenaid or other heavy duty mixer)
with the dough hook on.  Add powdered sugar,
flavoring and coloring.  Turn the mixer on and let it knead
the dough, scraping the sides as needed.  Knead for about
5 minutes.  The fondant will be warm, let it cool for a while.
If you try and use it before it cools it will stretch too much.

Place in a ziploc bag to store.

This will cover about an 8 or 9 inch cake.
(Let the kids roll out flowers and shapes, it is like a tasty
playdough.)

Easy Frosting Recipe

1/2 C. softened butter (not margarine)
3 C. powdered sugar
1 tsp almond flavoring
3-4 T. water

In large mixing bowl using the whip beater, mix
everything, adding as much water as needed to make 
a soft and fluffy frosting.  Most people don't add enough
water.  Add it 1/2 T. at a time once you have added the
3 T. until it is light and fluffy.


We had a cake decorating competition at church for
our Young Men and Young Women so I made all of
these colors in full batches.

We divided the youth into 6 teams of about 5 or 6
on each team.  They were provided with frozen cake rounds,
a bowl of frosting, choices of fondant, rolling pins, a plastic
sheet 30x30 inches (I just went to a fabric store and bought
heavy clear plastic for $2.99 a yard), cookie cutters, clear
vanilla (for gluing the fondant on) and cornstarch.  They
had 45 minutes to decorate their cakes.  I walked around and
consulted if they needed help on frosting or rolling fondant.

They showed amazing talent.
Then we gave each cake an award and they got to eat them.



All of these fun flower shapes were made by rolling the fondant
out with a little cornstarch and cutting with various Wilton
shapes.  To get the ones with a little more curl, you use the
 special ball shaped tool and roll the edges on a sponge block.


(Wilton images)

  Use clear vanilla or
almond extract to glue the pieces together.
So fun and so easy.

Check out my Giveaway for a beautiful floral headband
from my daughter in law's Etsy shop


Sunday night.  (Don't you wish the Giveaway included a hug
and a squeeze and an "I love you Grandma!" to go with it?!!)


I will be posting with 




Jacqueline
Jacqueline

Chocolat - French for Chocolate. I adored chocolate from a young age when I had to sneak in the cupboard to find where my mother had hidden the Nestle's Chocolate Chips. Having read about the famous chocolat shoppes in Paris, when I finally got there I was determined to try a chocolate from every Paris shoppe. I invite you to share my adventures in creating, in travel, and in life.

64 comments:

  1. Those look great, Jackie! I'm planning on taking the Wilton fondant class in the near future. So fun!

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  2. Very pretty Jacqueline! I've never worked with fondant, knew I wouldn't care for the taste, but your homemade recipe sounds like fun:@)
    One question, this is enough to cover a single layer 9" cake, or a double? Thanks!

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  3. Those little girls:)

    The cupcakes are all great!Wish we had Michael's;)

    I love making that fondant..and buying it pre made too..

    Fun pretty post!

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  4. These are the prettiest, cheeriest, Springiest cup cakes I have seen...I love them! ;D

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  5. Great job! These are really so pretty and I totally love the colors. I have not made fondant before but have done quite a bit of cake and cookie decorating a few years back using icing. I have been wanting to do something with the fondant and will definitely try your recipe. Thanks for sharing this! I hope you win the contest, they are beautiful!

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  6. Delicious !! your cupcakes looks fine......and sweet !!...love Ria....xxx...

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  7. YUMMY,YUMMY,YUMMY!! OH MY HOW YOU HAVE MADE MY MOUTH WATER WITH THESE OHHHH SOOOO DELICIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL CUPCAKES :)
    I THINK I JUST GAIN TEN POUNDS JUST BY LOOKING AT THEM......GIGGLES!

    XO~MARI

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  8. I've never worked with fondant before but your homemade recipe makes me want to try it.

    What beautifully decorated cupcakes! They would bring a smile to any face.

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  9. Oh you tempt me so! Thanks for the recipe!

    Hugs,
    Maryjane

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  10. Theses are ALMOST too pretty to eat...

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  11. Thanks! My mom did the same thing for me with the wallpaper rolls!

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  12. Very cute!! I have always been scared to make fondant. Thanks for a great recipe and directions. Love the activity idea! I may have to use it!!

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  13. I've never used a homemade fondant but your recipe makes me want to try it.

    Your cupcakes are lovely!

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  14. They are so pretty and springlike. What a great idea for YM and YW! Joni

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  15. I had no idea how to make fondant. I've never actually worked with it, but if I can make my own...I'll try it. You sort of lost me with the sponge block and curling petals, but I'm okay with flat flowers:)

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  16. Adorable, like everything you do! I actually have all the supplies and ingredients in my pantry to make these right now! Since I just made cookies I doubt I will though!

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  17. Your cupcakes are so pretty! I love the homemade fondant. :)

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  18. Gorgeous cupcakes! Love the colors; they're so springy. I need to get some of those nifty tools, then maybe I'll finally feel ready to use fondant! You inspire:)

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  19. These are so adorable, Jacqueline....Christine

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  20. What sweet cupcakes! Sounds like a great activity day for everyone too.

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  21. These cupcakes are so adorable and beautiful! I can never make decorations so beautiful like these! :P I feel happy looking at them! I'm sure I'll be even more happy if I get to taste some... heheh... So perfect for Spring!

    Amy
    http://utry.it

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  22. Just lovely cupcakes and the decorative flowers are just too beautiful to eat! A work of art! Very creative!

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  23. Bonjour Jacqueline,
    I'm so happy and I want to say...
    Merci beaucoup pour tes visites
    Cela me touche énormément.
    Sweetest cup cakes
    With eyes before the mouth! Just want to say Miam!
    Have a nice day
    Frieda

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  24. I had no idea making fondant would be something I would even consider! You are the most motivational blogger I visit, loved the post! Have a great weekend...
    joycee

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  25. Jacqueline,
    This is a fabulous and informtive post! I am thrilled to have a simple recipe for fondant!
    And your colorful flower ladened cupcakes are just precious! They are such a treat for the eyes as well as the tummy.
    Thanks, I'm sure I'll use this recipe!!!!!!
    Yvonne

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  26. Oh, thank you for sharing this with us, Jacqueline! I've been meaning to work with fondant for some time now and I am so happy I saw this post!
    Your cupcakes look beautiful & festive for spring! I will be trying this for sure!!
    xx,
    Tammy

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  27. You make it look so simple. Thanks for the fondant recipe....I just might give it a whirl:)

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  28. You are amazing and these are gorgeous!!

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  29. Hi, Jacqueline! I love this post with those beautiful pastries. They are GORGEOUS and so springy.

    And what a cute, CUTE shop your daughter has. And those children are absolutely adorable. You're right, they are just so huggable.

    Hope you are having a good week and weekend to follow.

    Happy Pink Saturday to you...

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

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  30. Perfect pictures to share in PS :)
    Happy PS!

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  31. Those cupcakes are gorgeous! I am afraid to work with fondant, but after reading this post, I just might give it a try.

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  32. Jacqueline, these headbands are GORGEOUS, but your gr-kid-ling is BEAUTIFUL!

    Have a sweet PS weekend ~
    TTFN ~
    Hugs,
    Marydon

    FUN GIVEAWAY ends 4/10

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  33. Your cupcakes are delightful! They look like lots of edible jewels! Happy Pink Saturday! Terri

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  34. Jacqueline, great minds think alike! How funny! Your cupcakes look divine & J'adore the damask holders (are those from Michaels too...I'm going to get some). Your delights look so tasty!
    Happy PS!
    Licks & Wags, Niki

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  35. Happy Pink Saturday Jacqueline, Those cupcakes look amazing. Thanks for the fondant recipe and the chance to win the sweet headband. I'll take a hug and kiss too. I'm a new follower.

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  36. I don't like the taste of fondant, so I stick to icing. However, I love the look of fondant. Those flowers are cute, and I bet that decorating contest was a lot of fun.

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  37. So pretty - a treat for the eyes and I bet they taste great too. Love your blog (new follower now) Happy PS.

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  38. How lovely! I have never made fondant but am anxious to try your recipe! Thank you for sharing! Happy Pink Saturday and I look forward to following you!
    Best Wishes and Blessings,
    Amanda

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  39. Hi, I'm shug and I love your blog..So glad that I ran across it.
    Guess I'll be your next follower...
    shug

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  40. Oh wow, thank you so much for the recipe and tips! I'll have to try that out!

    HaPpY pInK sAtUrDaY!
    Sarah

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  41. C'est adorable Jacqueline!!!
    Happy pink!
    ✿◕ ‿ ◕✿✿◕ ‿ ◕✿✿◕ ‿ ◕✿

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  42. Your cupcakes are sooo pretty!!! I've never made fondant before. This could be really fun to try!

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  43. These are so pretty and bright! I bet everyone was impressed. I am SO impressed that you made the fondant yourself. I couldn't even imagine me doing that!

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  44. Hi.
    This is my first time being part of Pink Saturday and I am having fun visiting Blogs that are new to me.
    Those cupcakes are making my mouth water and my tummy rumble LOL.
    Have a beautiful Pink Saturday.
    Wishes
    Lynne M

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  45. Jackie,

    These are wonderful. Cupcakes are everywhere. I have been thinking of making some and your decorations are just what I had it mind. (I don't do well with a star tip!)

    Thanks for sharing. Now I have to go to Michael's LOL

    Happy Pink Saturday!

    Carol

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  46. Yum love your post and that chocolate bath on right! HPS!

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  47. Oh, my goodness! You're good! Your cupcakes are gorgeous and the fondant icing is yummy.
    What a cute idea for the youth to do!
    Thanks for popping in to see me and have a great weekend.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  48. Oh goodness! Those cupcakes look wonderful! ALMOST to pretty to eat! :)

    ~Liz

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  49. You have a gift for making everything magnificent yet doable. These cupcakes KNOCK my socks off. We gobbled ours up lickity-split. Very yummy.

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  50. Your cupcakes look wonderful! I am not a fan of fondant, I don't like marshmallows! That could be it. :)
    Sounds like a fun time!

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  51. What great cupcakes. Makes me want to try fondant again!

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  52. Beautiful!!!!!!!!! I turned my friend Sandy onto your blog & she loves it. Soo funny to hear her talk about you now. Loved your Easter table too. Off to sign up for the give away. HUGS!
    Charlene

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  53. These look great! And wow, a fondant recipe as well.

    Thank you for sharing these.

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  54. These are wonderful and I'm sure they are as delicious as they are beautiful. This is my first visit to your site and I've spent some time browsing through your earlier entries. You've created a lovely spot for your readers to visit and I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  55. These are beautiful!!! Thanks for being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  56. Your cupcakes take my breath away. Thanks so much for linking these up to Sweets for a Saturday.

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  57. Love the cupcakes. The colors are amazing! It makes me want to eat one.

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  58. Jacqueline, they are so pretty! You say this is easy, but it looks too pretty to be easy. My grands would love these. What a great idea for the young people at your church. I bet they had a great time! Thank you for linking to Favorite Things. Your dil's head bands look adorable. laurie

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  59. These are so cute and springy. Thanks for the tip about the coloring you used. I've never had any luck with a vibrant color before

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  60. These are just adorable!!! Almost too pretty to eat and definitely edible art! :) The marshmallow fondant sounds pretty easy. I want to try it one day. :)

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