Getting creative in the kitchen!

While visiting with my adorable goddaughters in Connecticut, we decided to bake some gourmet cupcakes for dessert one evening.  I have to give it to both of them, they were fabulous in the kitchen and unbelievably creative!  We wanted to keep the cupcake base simple so that we could go crazy on decorations and boy did we go crazy!!!  We made a dozen cupcakes.  The first three we called the Rollover.  It had two mini Rolos candies in the bottom of the cupcake tin before we added the batter.  We topped it with vanilla buttercream frosting, a couple more Rolos, and a caramel drizzle.  The second three were called Stroopwafel Surprise. On top of the vanilla buttercream we placed a quartered Stroopwafel and added a caramel drizzle.  This was my favorite creation.  It was like eating a belgium waffle sandwich with cake and frosting in between!  The next cupcakes, Brownie Blast, were stuffed with a brownie chunk in the middle and topped with brownie crumbles and a hot fudge drizzle.  Last, were the Smartie Pants Cupcakes.  Smarties, similiar to M&M’s, were in the bottom of the cupcake tin before the batter was added.  When served, we cut out the top middle section and poured caramel into the cupcake.  We then put the little top back on and finished it off with a mound of fresh whipped cream!  I have to say, all four varieties were fantastic!  I was so delighted with how all our cupcakes turned out.  The cupcake itself had a wonderful vanilla flavor and the buttercream was stiff and sweet!  Our creative decorations turned out to be a huge success with everyone at the table.  Sometimes baking at home can be just as gourmet as going to a bakery!  Our cake recipe can be found at www.cooks.com and the vanilla buttercream can be found at www.foodnetwork.com.  Creative possibilities are up to you!