Treat of the Week: Designer Cupcakes

One of the hottest trends in the baking world right now is cupcakes. Networks are producing entire television programs about these miniature, iced confections. But, when have cupcakes never been in style? Why are we just now showing respect for the cupcake?

I’ve long been a fan of cupcakes. To be sure, I’ve eaten a good many of them. However, I have to say that nobody makes as good a cupcake as my mother. Yes, I know, I’m biased, but it’s true.

We were recently treated to a bright array of homemade chocolate cupcakes. The cake itself—made from scratch—is dense and rich with a deep, satisfying chocolaty goodness. They’ve been beautifully iced in mocha, persimmon red and chocolate icing—giving them a very designer look. With the addition of some colored sprinkles, these cupcakes are the perfect gustatory transition from Pumpkin Pie to Christmas Cookies.

With the cupcake’s natural similarity to muffins, one can make the argument that a cupcake is a suitable breakfast. Regardless, we should all enjoy cupcakes as frequently as possible—as the law and our diets allow.