My son-in-law is not a big fan of cakes or of chocolate or, for that matter, of any sweets. For the past ten years, I’ve made birthday treats for my grandsons (one 6 and the other about to turn 10) and for my daughter (more than 10 years!) , but never anything for my son-in-law.
This year was the turning point. I was on a fondant roll and came across a great idea that would fit him. If, I asked my daughter, he was to eat a cake, what kind would it be?
Pineapple Upside Down Cake, she said, he had recently had a piece of it and really liked it. So, I decided to see what I could come up with in the cupcake department with a pineapple taste.
The results was these amazing Crushed Pineapple Cupcakes from a blog called Life Made Simple. They are topped with a Pineapple Buttercream Icing.
I made one change when the heavy cream I bought went sour, so I subbed what I had: 1 tsp. low-fat milk.
I also made one addition--a surprise bite of one maraschino cherry in the middle of each cupcake.
As far as I’m concerned, Crushed Pineapple Cupcakes with Pineapple Buttercream Icing are winners and have a permanent place in my recipe collection.
Don't go away yet. Remember I mentioned fondant? My daughter and son-in-law are redoing a bedroom, tearing things out right down to the lathe and plaster, plus replacing framing around a window and putting up new sheetrock. So that means lots of tools, particularly hammers and nails.
I found what I was looking for on a blog called the Frosted Cake and Cookies which looks like it’s no longer maintained, but this June 2009 entry is still there for our use.
My advise for coloring the fondant and shaping the hammer and nails is to take your time and be willing to make mistakes and start over. It’s well worth the time and energy to produce these little gems.
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PEANUT BUTTER CUP BROWNIES
I made these little treasures again recently for a fundraising dinner. So rich and tasty. Easy to make.
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SOUTH AFRICAN BOBOTIE
I made it. I ate it. I loved it! Thanks to Bam’s Kitchen.
Love those little hammers and nails -- and those pineapple cupcakes sound so yummy! Did your son-in-law enjoy them?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jama, yes he did like the cupcakes and the decorations. I made enough that he could take some to work, too.
DeleteClever idea of the cake decoration, made the cakes special! Your son-in-low might say 'Oh no, again!' :))
ReplyDeleteThanks, Selena. The cupcakes and the decorations were such fun to make.
DeleteNow these are really nice! Very creative and that cherry in the center is reminiscent of those in the center of the pineapple rings of an upside-down cake. And the hammer & nails are perfect toppers. Nicely done, Kathleen.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the encouraging words, ChgoJohn!
DeleteHow creative my friend and beautifully decorated :)
ReplyDeleteCheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thank you, CCU, for your sweet words and for taking time from your intense studying to visit me.
DeleteThe hammers and nails are so cute! Love the recipes and must give them a try. The cherry in the center .. GENIUS ... it's like a little prize in the middle!
ReplyDeleteThe cupcake and icing recipes are winners, as far as I'm concerned, and will go into my permanent file. I'm working on a new one this weekend... fondant owls. Easy but time-consuming. I plan to do your chicks and your green filled, choc-dipped cookies for a potluck being held between St. Patrick's Day and Easter. Brenda, no one ever called me a genius before--wow! LOL.
DeleteWow you are so patient to make little hammers and nails with fondant. You are a much braver women than me to carry this tedious task. I am sure they tasted fantastic. I am so glad you gave my South African Bobotie a try. It's real easy comfort food. Happy birthdays to your family... BAM
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, BAM. Still having problems with the new site, eh?! I'll do your link for you 'cause you have such a fantastic food blog.
Deletehttp://bamskitchen.com
I love the hammers and nails! This is wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Judy, so glad you stopped by and commented. And, very happy that I found your food blog.
DeleteEverything looks so delicious Kathleen! Love the sound of those pineapple cupcakes and those hammers - adorable! I bet they were a hit.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Reeni. Yes, they were well received. Such fun to successfully put together the hammers and nails, and very pleased to have a new cupcake recipe to permanently add to my collection of favorites.
DeleteThey look wonderful!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Apu. i just looked at your blog, and I like the Indian recipes using tofu.
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