Thursday, May 27, 2010

“Bee” Happy Cupcakes

If you came to the garden party yesterday, thank you! I had fun recreating the Pottery Barn catalogue cover. To show my appreciation, I want to serve dessert. After all, I want my guests to “bee” happy!

CIMG2067

We’ve been invaded by bees…the friendly kind…more importantly, the edible kind. And yes, I am shameless once again. This is idea was taken directly from Woman’s Day Magazine. That’s what it’s for…right? :)

CIMG2084

Last week I gave you a link to make homemade fondant. The store-bought kind tastes like rubber. This, on the other hand, is made from marshmallows, costs much less, and doesn’t require a trip to the craft or baking store. This was my first time to work with fondant. I was intimidated, but found it surprisingly easy!

CIMG2063

I bought a few basic tools at Michael’s. The bands on the edge of the fondant roller help you roll the fondant to the correct thickness. Both the roller and the cutters were made by Wilton and were inexpensive.

CIMG2044

Did you play with Play Doh when you were a kid? Yep, you’re qualified!

CIMG2050

I made the fondant flowers the day before. They could actually be made several days in advance. I attached the smaller flowers to the larger ones with a drop of Karo syrup. These don’t get as hard as purchased fondant (that’s one of the reasons they taste better). From here, it was smooth sailing and time to make the bees!

CIMG2052

You’ll need Tootsie rolls, yellow peanut M&Ms, and clear spice drop candies. I bought several small packs of M&Ms and felt obligated to eat the unneeded colors :). Just tear off a piece of Tootsie Roll and roll a thin string with the palms of your hands. Flatten the spice drop and cut into about a 1/2 inch circle I had to get creative here since I don’t own a 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Just look around the kitchen—I used the clip on a candy thermometer. Cut each circle in half. NOW-wrap the Tootsie Roll strings around the M&M. Attach the “wings” by pressing into the front band of the Tootsie Roll stripes. Make two little eyes with a brown food marker.

CIMG2068

These cupcakes have so many possibilities:

For birthdays—It’s great to “bee”__________(fill in the age)

For baby showers-_______is going to “bee” a mom!

For bridal showers—Hoping you’ll “bee” happy!

As a thank you—Thank you for “beeing” a great____(teacher, friend, neighbor, hostess, etc.).

I used a lemon-honey cupcake recipe. They are just right for the theme, but you could use any recipe you like. I’ll be making this one again.

Lemon-Honey Cupcakes

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon each baking powder and baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

1 1/2 tablespoon grated lemon zest

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup honey

1/4 cup sugar

3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350. Line about 24 muffin cups with paper liners. Whisk first four ingredients together in medium bowl. Whisk sour cream, milk, lemon zest and juice in a small bowl until well mixed. Beat butter, honey, and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy and light. Beat in eggs, one at a time. With mixer on low speed, beat in 1/2 the flour mixture and then the sour cream mixture. Add the remaining flour mixture until just combined. Spoon 1/4 batter into muffin liners. Bake 18-20 minutes. Cool on wire rack completely before frosting.

Lemon-Honey Frosting

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup honey

1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

7-8 teaspoons lemon juice

A few drops of yellow food coloring

Beat butter, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl with an electric mixer. On low speed, beat in the confectioners’ sugar until blended. Beat in lemon juice and a few drops of yellow food coloring until you have the desired color. Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes.

I am joining Michael Lee West at Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday. Click on the FF button for transportation—I know you’ll “bee” amazed! Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend and remember to fly your flag in honor and memory of those who have served us in the military forces!

ps-Liz over at Hoosier Homemade told me about Cupcake Tuesday at her place--cupcake Heaven for me! You can find this delicious party here!

35 comments:

  1. Oh my Susan, those are just adorable and I am sure delicious!! You are so clever, great ideas! I am so happy I dropped in today!

    Have a great day!

    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Those are so cute and they sound good too.
    Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The flowers and bees are the cutest things ever, Susan. I've never cared for purchased fondant either and can't wait to try your homemade recipe. My grandson has a birthday coming up in a few weeks. I'll have to make bugs that a 7 year old would like.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Susan...

    Ohhh...what adorable cupcakes! I love the cute little bees and pretty flowers! You know, I always see the goodies made with fondant but have never worked with it myself...thanks so much for all the "how to's".

    Well my friend, it's been awhile since we've visited. I hope that my note finds you and your family well! Take care, sweet lady!

    Warmest wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

    ReplyDelete
  5. These are adorable! I get Woman's Day, but I have been so CRAXY busy lately that I haven't even read the past several issues. Sigh.

    I have been wanting to try the fondant recipe.
    I'm qualified, I guess because I was a major playdough gal.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Look at you go! Those look tasty for sure and I love the ideas you gave for parties. Hey, what did you think of the Idol finale? We were Team Lee over here so Yippee!
    xoxo,
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  7. They are darling! I've never worked with fondant either so I'm really glad to have the homemade recipe. I used to be pretty good with Play Doh...maybe there is hope for me.

    ReplyDelete
  8. These are soo cute!! Great ideas on how to use the "bee" for other parties!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What a fabulous idea! These are so cute. You are insoiring me to work with fondant. It's something I have been wanting to do. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Too cute -- but I am afraid I couldn't do this!

    Scribbler

    ReplyDelete
  11. So cute! How talented you are!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love your cupcakes. I saw the bees on the cover of Women's Day and wanted to make them. Yours look sooo good. I also bought the daisy fondant cutouts too! Joni

    ReplyDelete
  13. You made this look especially easy. Your creations are lovely and wonderfully colored. I always love to visit here. I love your positive attitude and gentle style. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Have a wonderful holiday. Blessings...Mary

    ReplyDelete
  14. Buzzing by to say these are bee-utiful!

    ReplyDelete
  15. My son would love these cakes as he is a honey NUT! He would eat it by the spoonful if he could!

    I didn't see your previous post so am off to check it out now!

    Best wishes,
    Natasha.

    ReplyDelete
  16. OH, ADORABLE! THe bee's knees! No pun intended.

    XO,

    Sheila :-)

    ReplyDelete
  17. These are the cutest things I've ever seen. I just love them. Thanks for showing!!
    ox bj

    ReplyDelete
  18. These couldn't be cuter, I just love the bright flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Well, I'll bee!
    They are adorable! I have the roller, but it didn't come with bands..yours did?
    Don't eat too many, or you won''t fit into your bee kini!:)
    Have a wonderful weekend, and the flags and bunting will be flying..as well as 4 little gkids flying around my house! There will BEE no quiet here!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Happy Memorial Weekend my friend…Hugs and Smiles Gl♥ria

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh do you happen to have an extra plate?

    I hope you'll stop by and see my video for a French Macaroon video. There are bloopers. :)

    I am also hosting a giveaway for a French Basketeer tote.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Susan! Oh, these are the most darling things! Your hard work paid off.

    Thanks for popping in to see me. About the hydrangeas - someone said to plant rusty nails in your soil and they'll turn blue! Sound silly doesn't it!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Had to come back and say that I've never been to the cafe in NO so I am in Heaven ea. time I eat the sweet French donuts. I hope you WON'T be disappointed when you make yours...just play like you are smack dab in the middle of the cafe...maybe that will help..:):):)
    xo bj

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh, these cupcakes are just adorable. I'll have to try making a batch!

    Bonnie

    ReplyDelete
  25. Those are super cute! You did a great job on them! Thanks for stopping by Hoosier Homemade and commenting on my Memorial Day Cupcakes!
    I'd love for you to add your to my Cupcake Tuesday next week!
    ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  26. Bee-utiful cupcakes.

    Thanks for visiting my strawberry soup post. To answer your question, Greek yogurt is quite a bit thicker than regular yogurt, but you could easily substitute the regular stuff. Just adjust the sugar and half and half so you don't end up with a soup that's too soupy.

    :)
    ButterYum

    ReplyDelete
  27. Those are the cutest cupcakes EVER!!! They make me happy just looking at them. I bet they taste good, too!

    ReplyDelete
  28. These are gorgeous! And I copy Pottery Barn all the time because I like the look!

    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  29. These look amazing! I will have to try them, I love honey. Thank you for posting your recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Beautifiul and more so, adorable cupcakes.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Susan, those are sooooo cute! I'm really behind on my blog reading. I missed your fondant directions. I'm going to have to go back and find them! Thanks for this cute idea! You are so smart. laurie

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm so glad you had a minute to add your creation to Cupcake Tuesday!
    Thanks!
    ~Liz

    ReplyDelete
  33. cutest thing I've ever seen and I love the recipe for the cupcakes too!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am so inspired by all that i have seen on your blog!!! I would so enjoy making the above cupcakes, but cannot locate the "homemade fondant" recipe. Would you please let me know where i can find it? Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful creations, events, and home with us. <3

    ReplyDelete
  35. Love the cupcakes and pinned it to my account on Pinterest. It has your link so hopefully you get new follower from it! http://Pinterest.com/Linda_Burt

    ReplyDelete