Thursday, November 11, 2010
EVER since I can remember, cupcakes have been in fad for the longest time. Growing up as a kid, it was always a layer of birthday cake. Cupcakes would play second-fiddle to the cake! It will always be just on the side, just a part of the total package.
However, in the recent years, whether it is because of the ease of preparation, financially cheaper or just more artistically and visually nice to look at, cupcakes has made a major comeback! And not just major, but of great significant change in the way we look at celebrations like birthdays and weddings!
Contrary to what most people believe, any cake mix, cake recipes or quick bread recipes can be made into cupcakes. Sometimes, these are interchangeably also called muffins. Cupcakes are baked in crimped paper or foil cup. Muffins on the other hand can be sweet or savory. It can be leavened with baking powder or baking soda or yeast-raised like the English Muffin. It’s a cake-like bread that usually includes fruits and nuts.
To make the cupcake more “personalized,” anything from candies to fruits, edible photos or picks to plastic ornaments can also be decorated on the cupcake. The choice is endless. As long as there is the “budget,” then anything & everything a customer wants can become a reality!
The simplest would be frosting on the cupcake with some cake sprinkles. Candy flowers would be next in line. But because the availability of edible and non-edible items can be found, and with endless designs one can make with the cupcake, everything is possible! From baptismal themes to birthdays or weddings, cupcake can be done in such a way that it can almost “personify” the celebrant(s)! Just make sure you have a “theme” in mind when you order! And with the different colors and designs of cupcake liners, one is sure to find that would suit their needs.
I would believe people tend to go for cupcakes because it is a lot cheaper. And with the number of guests in mind, one can already calculate the number of cupcakes needed for an occasion. It is also easier to distribute, compared to a layer of cake which would need a knife, plates and forks. Cupcakes can serve as the centerpiece for the dessert table depending on the arrangements. Several cupcake holders are now available in the market. Some can accommodate 5-6 cupcakes to as much as 50-60 pieces and as tall as 3 feet high or even more. Some are disposable (but can actually be used several times as long as they are cleaned and well-maintained) made of Styrofoam or cardboards, some are made of plastic and metal which makes them sturdier and lasts longer.
I know of some people who would have their cupcake stands made into their specifications and that makes the presentation a lot different form the usual ones we see. Some would even use wine glasses as “pillars” to hold the layers of cupcakes placed in a plate. Adding some flowers or fruits would even make the “cupcake tower” look a lot nicer, of course.
Some people would like their cupcake placed inside a “cupcake” box, then tie it with a colorful and fancy ribbon. It truly makes the cupcake even much prettier, but not cheaper. Some would have it in plastic containers or domes. Reason is because having them in individual containers can serve the purpose as “giveaways.” The trend right now is more on edible gifts to give away rather than ceramics or anything that can accumulate dusts in the long run. Guess this is more practical and makes a lot of sense. I have made “eatable” personalized gifts that is given away by the hosts after the party and this includes but not limited to: brownies, chocolate candies or bars and cookies in different sizes, shapes, flavors and designs, popcorns, mini cakes and of course, the ultimate cupcakes and muffins.
Some would still consider the cake as the main “centerpiece,” but with several cupcakes surrounding it. And this definitely makes the table full and cheerful! So, whatever the occasion is, cupcakes now play a big part in our parties and merriment!
Cupcakes are truly universal and much-loved by everyone. Be it a simple chiffon cupcake to the more elaborate and more expensive chocolate or “fruit and nuts”-laden cupcakes. It will always be treasured and remembered by everyone. Cupcakes have been a part of our lives and will continue to do so as long as there is that “child” quality in all of us!
Website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com
Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on November 11, 2010.
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