I blame it on Food Network

When I read the post on my favorite cupcake blog Cupcakes Take the Cake, I got really excited - I immediately forwarded the post to my hubby and a few friends and I started planning how I was going to spend my long weekend baking some creations to photograph.

I "designed" last night and selected 6 creations to bake and decorate today and tomorrow. My friend Ronda Sells is going to take the photos for me tomorrow and I'll get my packet together to send in.

So what cupcakes am I creating?

• candied sunflower and honey
• chocolate covered kirsch
• mojito
• butter, scotch and rum
• coffee, kahlua and cream
• champagne dream mini wedding cakes

and there might be a surprise 7th item, but well see...

Stay posted for some pictures and notes and get ready to cheer me on!!!

This weekend's cupcake plans

I'm taking on the "dried cherry soaked in kirsch" challenge this weekend. I have two designs of a "Chocolate Covered Cherry Kisses" cupcake. They each have the same cake, but have different fillings and toppings.

More on this later!

Cupcake Challenge #2

Okay y'all! We had some interesting suggestions (listed below) for the 1st Cupcake Challenge , so I'm working on these and will let you know how they turn out.

In the meantime, I need a challenge for next month, so think about your favorite cocktail(s) and post in the comments section - I'll pick three to work on and those who had a selected recipe will receive a special delivery of their own crunkycake. You can post as many times as you want, so reach back into those hazy memories and send me the best.

Last month's suggestions:

• Scotch. Hopefully Oban 14 yr.
• Absinthe
• Mojito. Yup, all the ingredients (or at least the flavors) in one nice little cupcake package
• Kahlua with crushed coffee beans
  
• Dried cherries soaked in kirsch
• Something with Ouzo but I can't think of an appropriate filling. Maybe a white chocolate ganache infused with ouzo?
• Kahlua and baileys irish creme
• Lemon drop
• Beer
• Pomegranate Martini
  

Happy posting - can't wait to see what you came up with!!!

The top 3 challenges - coming to a kitchen near you!

Okay, we've got three great challenges and we're going to start working on them this weekend.

1. Mojito - there are 4 (count them, four) designs currently in the mix, although one of them is not testing well with the author. I will probably only attempt two of them this weekend.
2. Kahlua and Coffee - we have a design that is probably going to work right out of the gate, so this one will probably be the first to be attempted.
3. Cherries and Kirsch - well, there are two designs, both equally interesting, both with chocolate (which is another reason that I need you tasters to sign up below) and I think these are going to be some of the more popular

I'll post pictures, feedback and thoughts this week/weekend.

Feel like you are missing out on the fun? Sign-up to be a tester and/or taster and come get your cupcake on!

Cupcake challenge #1

Okay, I was at a party where I brought Margarita cupcakes and Rum and Coke cupcakes and some of the guests were dreaming up new flavor combinations for *adult cupcakes* (can you bet this is what prompted this blog?) and I thought I'd give you a chance to submit three flavors/ingredients (one has to be alcohol) or a cocktail recipe and I'll take one of them on as a challenge.

Deadline to submit your idea is June 30th - if you are the one selected, I'll make you a dozen (if local) or send you an equally good prize (if not in Los Angeles).

Okay - get to it!