Thursday, February 7, 2008

Cupcakes from America's Test Kitchen

I lied when I said I'll be using a Betty Crocker mix to make my husband's birthday cake. Well, it was unintentional, since I fully expected to do so. But I decided I'll give baking another try since I have yet to try one of the cake recipes from my favorite cookbook:
 
If you ever need a cookbook. This is THE cookbook to have. The folks of America's Test Kitchen (also behind Cook's Illustrated)  have put together family-friendly recipes. You're not gonna get a Michelin three star worthy recipe from this cookbook - all the recipes are rather simple and easy to make. And if you know America's Test Kitchen, you will know that they have tried multiple versions and are giving you the best. And I have to say that all the recipes I have tried so far have been winners. The best part about the cookbook for me, however, is not the recipes. What makes this cookbook invaluable are the tips, how-to illustrations, the ingredient & equipment evaluations, the explanation of the science of some of the choices. 

I love this cookbook so much that despite my inability to bake, I nevertheless wanted to give it a try. My choice was the carrot cake since my husband loves carrot cake. And I decided to go with cupcakes since they are a little easier for the novice baker. A hour of prep and baking-----and voila!

No comments: