Nicole's Vanilla Cupcakes

Ok, so I was invited to my son's girlfriends' going away party as she is relocating to California as a result of a job promotion. I made some of my vanilla cupcakes, using my slightly modified pound cake recipe. Some were iced with my fresh strawberry frosting, some with (my NEW favorite-all improved!) chocolate frosting. I don't know why, but my 1st batch didn't look too pretty, with most of them a little sunken in the middle. Not to mention, I used regular cupcake liners, doubled up so the colors would be vibrant. Typically, when I bake with regular liners, the butter leaches through, giving the liner a greasy, transparent look that I detest. Thankfully, I had the grease proof kind and let me add, I can't ever go back! The colors stay true and your fingers don't get oily from holding your cupcake! No need for doubling up either, since that doesn't work for me anyway.

I plowed ahead and made a second batch, and they were picture-perfect! Not to mention, they tasted lightly sweet, moist and buttery. I frosted them all, while picturing how they would look perched on the new pink cupcake holder I bought at T.J. Maxx, of all places!!

Quickly, I showered, got dressed, grabbed my charged up camera (so I could take pix of the folks at the party as well as the cupcakes on display), the cupcakes and the holder and headed out the door. I fought torrential rain, a road detour and a highway accident before arriving at the party, late of course! AGGHH!

All obstacles aside, the party was som much fun and I feel llike I made some new buddies. Not to mention, the cupcakes were a hit! I am so glad, humbled and elated all in one. I may have said this before, but when anyone compliments my baking it ALWAYS feels like I am heraring this for the very 1st time!! Today I end by letting you know that before all was done, I took a picture of my "naked" cupcakes but TOTALLY forgot to take a pic of the finished product...What a doof I am!