cupcakes & flill

Flill
is a word that just came into my head today. It doesn't mean anything but I just thought the word. That happens to me sometimes, is that weird? Probably. So I searched the word on Google and found this. This is such a good idea, if only it worked. I was really excited when I first realized what it was, but was then disappointed to find that it wasn't very entertaining. If I ever happen to find myself with some spare time after completing my long life list of things to do, then I will create a much better version of this idea. Flillustrator.

In other news, prepare yourself when looking at the following photos and recipe. If you happen to like chai as much as I do, then you will probably be baking these sometime this week. Or atleast craving a chai latte, or chai tea. A nice frothy creamy chai latte sounds delightful right now, but in Paris, those are few and far between. And by that I mean, I suppose I will make a quick stop at Starbucks tomorrow. Shame on me, but this is a chai-emergency.

I have just found the most delicious website. A website entirely of everything cupcakes. I have always loved cupcakes. The shape, the taste, the creativity; a perfect little personal dessert. If you don't like sharing your desserts, then cupcakes are the ideal dessert. I don't mind sharing. When I make these I will definitely be sharing.... if I can manage the recipe.

Chai Spice Mix

2 teaspoons fennel, whole
2 teaspoons cloves, whole
1 tablespoon cardamom, ground
2 teaspoons cinnamon, ground
2 teaspoons ginger, ground

1. With a small food processor, grind up the whole fennel and cloves.
2. Transfer to a small bowl and add remaining spices. Mix to combine.


Chocolate Chai Spice Cupcakes
24 regular cupcakes / 350 degree oven

200 gram bar of Valrhona 61% cacao
3 sticks butter
2-1/4 cups sugar
8 eggs
1-1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons chai spice mix
pinch of salt

1. Chop chocolate and transfer into the bowl of a standing mixer.
2. Add butter to the chocolate and place the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir until chocolate melts and butter is combined.
3. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Let mixture cool for 10 minutes.
4. Beat in an electric mixer for 3 minutes.
5. Add one egg at a time, mixing for 30 seconds between each
6. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, chai spice mix, and a pinch of salt into the mixture and mix until blended.
7. Scoop into cupcake cups and bake at 350 F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.


Chai Spice Buttercream Frosting

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
4-5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons chai spice mix
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

1. Beat butter until creamy, scrape bowl.
2. Add 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar, milk, spice mix, and ginger. Beat until combined.
3. Add more powdered sugar as needed to get piping consistency.

Note: Everyone's personal preferences differ. With frosting, the flavor is up to you. If you are unsure of how much of a chai flavor you want, start light on the spices and add a teaspoon at a time until you get to a flavor you like. Same goes for the sugar. It's a matter of taste and what consistency you want to work with. Experiment until you get at what works for you.

Thank you Chockylit for the lovely photos and the recipes.

All this talk about cupcakes reminds me of muffins, which reminds me of muffinfilms. My best friends and I were obsessed with that site all through high school. One friend and I went as far as basing our final assignment in communication technology course on "Muffin Woman". A feminist muffin who saves the day. I wish I still had that video. Also in high school another friend and I made "spinach-feta muffins" in cooking class. I will try and find that recipe another time. It is 2:05am and I have been typing about muffins and cupcakes for far too long. Bonne nuit.