Apricot, Almond and White Chocolate Cupcakes
My reputation precedes me, I've come to find out. It's generally expected that I'll bring some sort of dessert when I go to a party, and I've found that it's a good way to guarantee an invitation back. That's been the case at a semi-regular get-together some friends throw, so I was expecting the invitation and the request for cupcakes a week ago. What I was not expecting when my husband and I arrived last night, was to find that the guests had all already been talking about my cupcakes.
I believe the exact quote was, "my world is a happier place knowing that your Fluffernutter cupcakes exist in it."
I strayed a bit from the traditional when coming up for the flavors for this cupcake, but it seemed to go over pretty well anyway. I think one friend had four before the night was over. The base is a traditional white cake with almond meal substituted for some of the flour, and almond extract added. It makes for a tender, subtly almond flavor that pairs quite well with the apricot preserves I used to fill them.
Truthfully, I could have eaten them just like that, but I've been playing with the flavors of white chocolate and mascarpone cheese together lately, and that was truly the inspiration for this cupcake. I love the flavor that mascarpone adds. It's a little lighter, and a little less tangy than cream cheese, so it really lets the white chocolate speak for itself while adding just a little undertone of deliciousness.
I am so glad to see you have a blog now. That rocccckkkks.
Panna Cotta's been my thing lately. I wonder if this will show html images. If not, the link will still be sitting there:
Made this yesterday:
Chocolate Cinnamon Panna Cotta with Raspberry Sauce
And this last week after a visit to the Boulder Farmer's Market where I found fresh peaches and the tastiest, juiciest little strawberries I've ever had:
I am enjoying your amazing creations and promise not to publish anymore self-serving pics. You are a master-baker. Wait.
Posted by: sebastian6 | August 10, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Crap.
1.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2750367371_cc137433fd.jpg
2.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2727678140_c73ef8360b.jpg
Posted by: sebastian6 | August 10, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Love your flavor combo for these! They sound so tasty!
Posted by: My Sweet & Saucy | August 11, 2008 at 09:23 AM
STOP TEMPTING ME WITH YOUR CUPCAKES. oh my god. <3 sara
Posted by: Sara Schlussler | August 24, 2008 at 12:28 AM