Everything you ever wanted to know about cupcakes but were afraid to ask. Don't be afraid, just email me at allisonATcrossfitnycDOTcom and put "Ask Allison" in the subject line of your query!
Here's this week's question:
Q: I made cupcakes with a "buttercream" made from butter, powdered sugar and milk. I put a cut fresh strawberry on top and after a few minutes noticed that juice was accumulating and ruining the look of the beautiful cupcake. I see pictures of cupcakes with fresh strawberries on top of the frosting and no juice. What can i do to remedy this problem?
Thanks.
Karen
A: Karen, there's a few things you want to consider in reducing the wateriness of your strawberries. First of all, how you clean the strawberries can make a difference. Instead of pouring lots of water on them, instead use a damp paper towel to clean them off. Then let them sit out a bit, preferably on a dry paper towel to soak up any additional moisture.
The next step is--to cut the strawberry or not to cut it? If, like the photos above, you don't cut the strawberries, you'll really have no problems whatsoever with unwanted liquid.
You might want to try to find smaller strawberries so they don't overwhelm the cupcake and appear out of proportion. If you can get strawberries while they're in season locally (most likely at a farmers' market) you'll have a better shot at getting smallish strawberries. (Unfortunately, lots of Americans can only find those huge supermarket strawberries that are grown in California and often don't have the best flavor, in my opinion.)
If you really prefer the cut-strawberry look, then by all means give it a try, but here's what I recommend: be sure to lay the cut sides down on a couple layers of paper towels for at least a few minutes. Be gentle, but do press a bit on the strawberry to try to extract excess moisture.
Finally, you must not place the strawberries on the cupcakes until right before you're going to serve them. Yes, it's a pain, but if you're going for looks as well as taste, it's worth it.
If anyone else has other suggestions, please list them in the comments!
Here's this week's question:
Q: I made cupcakes with a "buttercream" made from butter, powdered sugar and milk. I put a cut fresh strawberry on top and after a few minutes noticed that juice was accumulating and ruining the look of the beautiful cupcake. I see pictures of cupcakes with fresh strawberries on top of the frosting and no juice. What can i do to remedy this problem?
Thanks.
Karen
A: Karen, there's a few things you want to consider in reducing the wateriness of your strawberries. First of all, how you clean the strawberries can make a difference. Instead of pouring lots of water on them, instead use a damp paper towel to clean them off. Then let them sit out a bit, preferably on a dry paper towel to soak up any additional moisture.
The next step is--to cut the strawberry or not to cut it? If, like the photos above, you don't cut the strawberries, you'll really have no problems whatsoever with unwanted liquid.
You might want to try to find smaller strawberries so they don't overwhelm the cupcake and appear out of proportion. If you can get strawberries while they're in season locally (most likely at a farmers' market) you'll have a better shot at getting smallish strawberries. (Unfortunately, lots of Americans can only find those huge supermarket strawberries that are grown in California and often don't have the best flavor, in my opinion.)
If you really prefer the cut-strawberry look, then by all means give it a try, but here's what I recommend: be sure to lay the cut sides down on a couple layers of paper towels for at least a few minutes. Be gentle, but do press a bit on the strawberry to try to extract excess moisture.
Finally, you must not place the strawberries on the cupcakes until right before you're going to serve them. Yes, it's a pain, but if you're going for looks as well as taste, it's worth it.
If anyone else has other suggestions, please list them in the comments!
Comments
What is the different between a cupcake and a muffin. Alot of people think they are the same.
Can you tell me the different?
Cupcake Lover
You've been tagged by Australia Entertains! Please visit us for the details... http://australiaentertains.com.au/
Love your blog, kudos!
Kathryn
(even then you have to dry them off though.)