Charming Cupcake

I'm signed up for a cake decorating class starting this Thursday throughout the month of March. I am so excited! It was a Christmas present from my sweet husband. Can't wait to make these little cuties:

image via flikr
p.s. I am SOOOO HAPPY March is here! Blossoms, warm weather, play dates at the park!

Helpful hint - baking with raisins

Did you know???

I just discovered something amazing. If you are planning on baking anything in the near future with raisins in it-- make sure you soak the raisins in water first! It makes them plump and juicy! Forgive me if that is already common knowledge -- I just made oatmeal raisin cookies, with pre-soaked, delicious raisins. It makes all the difference.

photo:http://www.flickr.com/photos/minebilder/99278539/in/set-693986/

Sugar Cookie Delight

Deliciousness is:

I found this great recipe here, but made a couple changes:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream (fat free was okay to use)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Frosting, sprinkles, colored sugar, decorations

Beat together butter and sugar. Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla; beat well. Stir in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F

Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thickness. Dip cookie cutters in flour then cut dough into desired shapes. Place cookies 1-inch apart on un-greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes (cookie will be a very light tan on bottom - tops will still be pale). Remove to wire cooling rack. Frost when cooled.

Butter Cream Icing:

• 2/3 cup butter, room temperature (I used Country Crock light margarine and it worked pretty good)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• 2 tablespoons cream or milk
• gel or paste food coloring

Beat together, adding more milk or powdered sugar to desired consistency.