Giving thanks on Thanksgiving for cupcakes

University of Wisconsin - Madison's newspaper The Daily Cardinal weighed in on which foods people are thankful for, and here is one answer"

The classiest cupcake There is a certain type of cupcake called red velvet that reigns supreme over all other cupcakes. Granted, one can’t really go wrong with any flavor of this quintessential dessert. Warm cake and sweet icing is a duo that is difficult to beat. And yet, there is something in the rich decadence of a red velvet cupcake that makes it appear extra fancy.

Each moist bite feels as if it is a treat to be savored. Even the name red velvet conjures up images of a sweet, somehow royal, individual specialty cake. Its fluffy layering, dark red cake and soft cream cheese icing makes for a dessert that feels more grown-up than your average run-of-the-mill chocolate or vanilla baked good.

One of the joys surrounding cupcakes is that we associate them with nostalgic memories of our past childhood. There was no better feeling than knowing someone’s mother had brought cupcakes to the playground. Cupcakes were the embodiment of excitement felt during childhood that couldn’t be articulated beyond a wide, icing-laced smile. As adults, we are now able to relive this youthful delight with each bite.

Red velvet is the epitome of the adult cupcake. Its extraordinary richness adds an extra measure of guilty pleasure, as it is a top-tier cupcake. Stepping into a bakery that carries a perfect red velvet cupcake provides a link to the delight we felt on the playground as a kid. So go ahead, adult college student, be thankful for such a delectable treat and take a bite out of childhood. —Jessica Ward

Comments

Anonymous said…
It must be an American thing but as an Australian I can't really wrap my head around a red-dyed chocolate cake. It sounds like it tastes great but why the red colouring? I have not seen one in Australia or Asia yet.

I guess the same might be said about why we love Vegemite in Australia. Tastes odd, smells odd, looks odd but it sure does remind each of us of those childhood sandwiches.

As kids it sure was fun to squeeze black Vegemite worms out of the holes of rye wheat biscuits.

I do want to visit the States one day and try all the yummy cupcakes and desserts I've read so much about in the magazines and BabySitters Club books.