Baking Monday – Vanilla Cupcakes

I have a chocolate cupcake recipe that is terrific, but my current go-to vanilla recipe is only just okay. It's really challenging to match the texture of boxed mix when it comes to vanilla/yellow cupcakes. Most homemade recipes that I've tried turn out more dense and pound cake-like. Not that I'm complaining, because I love pound cake, but cupcakes are expected to have that fluffy, springy texture that I haven't quite figured out how to duplicate from scratch.

This recipe is pretty good. I would consider using it as my stand in until something more perfect comes along. They didn't have quite the springy texture I was hoping for, but were very moist and vanilla-y. I don't like that this one requires ingredients that we don't usually keep on hand (sour cream) and uses only egg whites. (Though this would be a perfect recipe to try with Boston Creme filling … another cupcake on my to-bake list this summer!)

The other thing that's hard to get is a perfectly rounded top … these looked great just out of the oven, but quickly sank in the middle. No worries, since they were being decorated with a generous amount of buttercream!

Not that we ever need an excuse for baked goods, but these were for an impromptu World Cup cookout party yesterday. USA!!

Last Year / This Year

Last year: Spent class field trip slowly walking behind group, complaining loudly, low energy.

This year: Happy to see me, checked in occasionally, but spent most of the time with his class, listening to the guide, asking questions.

Last year: Had to leave the talent show early because he was so unhappy and disruptive.

This year: Sat next to me for the whole show. Recognized songs from the radio. Complimented the performers.  

Last year: School party was too loud, too chaotic. Spent a slow thirty minutes eating ice cream and left without playing a single game.

This year: In and out of the obstacle course over and over again. Played every game. Asked a friend to play frisbee on the playground.

Last year: Refused to participate in his first badge ceremony.

This year: Happily walked up, shook hands, proudly received his first belt loop and activity patch!

Last year: Teacher sending emails every day, listing one problem after another.

This year: Teacher sending emails, listing problems and then … coming up with a list of solutions. Strategies. Help. Encouragement. Compassion. Support. 

Last year: Had to be practically held in place to keep from bolting during the Flag Day ceremony because he was so uncomfortable.

This year: Proudly wore scout uniform to school. Got up on stage with his fellow cubs to lead the pledge. Stood up on the risers with his class … and even sang some of the song!

Life with this quirky kid has not been easy, but what a difference a year makes. He is sharp as a tack and makes me laugh every day. His heart is full of love for his pet and his family (in that order). He reads everything he can and asks a zillion questions (to which he absolutely expects an answer). We are navigating this bumpy road together and are right now doing pretty well. 

Baking Monday – Just Because Cookie Cake

I cannot believe it's been almost a month since I've had a chance to post! And I absolutely have been baking, but mostly old standbys. Between all the end-of-the-year parties, ceremonies, and activities going on this month, MANY batches of cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies have left the kitchen. And on one day that I was feeling a little blue, I did some just for fun baking … which is the best kind!!



I like the idea of a cookie pizza, but you can only get one (or two, depending on how it's sliced) toppings per serving. I'd been wanting to try one with multiple toppings per slice … but since this was an unplanned experiment, I didn't have a big variety of toppings on hand to choose from. (A trip through the bulk candy aisle would probably inspire many options!)

This was fun to make and everyone enjoyed it!