Review: Cupcake Couture

So today I got to pick up a treat after work.  Cupcake Couture cupcakes!

This is a cupcake shop in Manhattan Beach, CA and was also featured on Cupcake Wars!


My dad brought us home a bunch to try.  So far we've tasted 2 (one each).


I'm guessing at what I had but I'm pretty sure I know which one hubby had.


I think this is the Glitz and Glamour Cupcake which the website describes as follows:
"Roasted Tahitian Vanilla Bean Cake with a creamy Vanilla frosting garnished with Candied Madagascar Vanilla Bean."

I really like the pink wrappers.  They were really pretty to look at.  They even smelled good.  This one smelled like a florist.  I think it had to do with the Madagascar vanilla.  Fact:  According to Wikipedia...Madagascar is responsible for 97% of the world's vanilla bean production.

Anyways there was some type of fruit in it.  It may have been apples but it tasted good.  Overall it was OK, the "exotic" flavor tasted a little like I imagined a carnation flower to taste...spicy sweet.  Don't think I'd get this one again.  But you live and learn.

Hubby had this one...

I think it was the Hot Chocolate described as

"Blackout cake filled with a liquid chocolate center and topped with toasted marshmallow"

It looks soo cute.  The cracker thing is some type of cookie.  He said he was disappointed by the marshmallow because it wasn't what he was expecting.  Also the saving grace to this cupcake was the liquid center.  Without the center he said it "tastes like a little Debbie".  Isn't he cruel?  He did say he wanted to try another one of the cupcakes so they couldn't be terrible. 

More to come...

Kristi

Put the Coconut in the Cupcakes

Don't know why I opted for coconut but why not?


I found this recipe for coconut cupcakes and gave it a try.


Bon Appetit Vanilla Coconut Cupcakes


Apparently the secret to this recipe was the "reduced coconut milk".  If you don't know where to buy coconut milk, check the Asian food aisle at your local grocery store.  Do not buy light coconut milk you need the fat.


Anywhosers...


Here is a clip of the coconut milk boiling away...

They warn in the recipe that the coconut milk will boil higher than you think, which is true, so use a bigger pan than you think you should use. 


The reduction time is about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Sweet Home Alabama was on so I was able to pass the time quickly. 


When done, let the milk cool and when it's cool, put it in the fridge!


Then make your cupcakes....

 Eww the coconut milk is kinda gray... Don't worry it's fine

Don't overfill your liners or you will have cupcake hats.  These are not conducive to traveling with cupcakes...

To kick it up, I added some melted semi-sweet chocolate and swirled it around.

Therefore making Chocolate Coconut Swirl Cupcakes!

 All dressed up with the Coconut Buttercream frosting and Toasted Coconut

 Loving the Houndstooth cupcake liners

SOOOOOO stinking good!  You should make them.

Cupcake Rating Time

1-5 (1 low, 5 high)

Hubby

Cake Texture:  3
Cake Flavor:  4

Frosting:  5+

Topping:  4

Appearance:  4
Overall:  4

Cinnamon Chocolate

Cinnamon Chocolate Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese frosting.  David picked the frosting color because it represents Cinnamon he said.  Not feeling too creative this week, however making two batches of cupcakes.  I need ideas for next week....

-Kristi