We are leaving for Paris today, and Eric had some last minute reservations to make on the phone. Neither of us studied French, but he has been diligently using Duolingo (a free language app) so that we will at least be able to pretend like we know something. We’ve heard that the people there appreciate it if you at least try to speak French instead of presumptuously launching into English.
He just made a call early this morning and I heard him from the other room, “Puis-je faire une réservation s’il vous plaît?” And then a very long pause and a “Um.” Then he asked his question about reservations in English. Afterward he told me that the lady on the phone listened to his poor attempt at French and just said, “Mm-hmm.” And then sat and waited. Oh boy. What are we in for this week!! I’m kind of scared!!
My mom is arriving soon to take care of the kids at our house, but my youngest Valentine just woke up with a cold. Why, why?? My mom and dad are so nice to take the kids whenever we are away, but sick kids are more than they bargained for I’m sure. Crossing my fingers it’s a short cold!
How to make Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes
I should be posting something French today, like French Silk Pie or French Dip Sandwiches. But instead I’m following up my very American 7 Layer Dip that I posted earlier this week with these Homemade Hostess Chocolate Cupcakes. Nothing says ‘Merica like factory made cupcakes, am I right?
But this homemade version is WAY better. Actually I rarely eat Hostess stuff anymore, it just doesn’t taste the same now that I’m an adult! The nostalgia is there but the flavor is not, and I try to only eat sweets that are worth the calories. These, my friend, are worth the calories. The cupcake recipe is adapted from The Only Texas Sheet Cake You’ll Ever Need, one of my favorite chocolate cakes. The glaze is the best part, it’s a cooked frosting that is perfectly fudgy and slightly grainy (anyone who’s had Texas Sheet Cake knows what I’m talking about.)
Then we are filling the cupcake with marshmallow whipped cream. It’s whipped cream with a jar of marshmallow mixed in. It’s so delicious!!
Finally, we are making a really simple royal icing for the loop de loop on top. You can’t call them Hostess chocolate cupcakes without the loop. Because all egg whites are slightly different sizes, you will have to play with the amount of powdered sugar you add to get the right consistency. I used one egg white and about 2 cups of powdered sugar, give or take a tablespoon. Practice making loops on a plate (or on your counter if you’re a heathen like me) to make sure that as the frosting sets it doesn’t bleed together and turn into loop de blobs instead of loop de loops.
I just got a notice from my kid’s school that we are not allowed to bring cupcakes or any sweets on our kid’s birthday anymore (the district suggests we bring healthy snacks like carrots. I’m not kidding.) Apparently by banning all joy and fun, they are going to solve the obesity problem, which is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Healthy eating starts at home, and no cupcake denials will change that.
Who wants to come egg the district office with me? Or maybe we could throw these Hostess chocolate cupcakes at them?? I’m going to be that crazy lady on my kid’s birthday, ambushing all their classmates with covert cupcakes as they exit the classroom. Fortunately I talked to the principal about it and she told me that she would definitely be upholding the district standard, while winking heavily. I like her. I think I’ll bring her one of these cupcakes on my kid’s birthday.
More delicious treats you are going to love!
Cream Cheese Chocolate Cupcakes « my favorite cupcake ever. Today’s recipe might be giving it a run for it’s money. (Chocolate with cream filling…I’m noticing a trend here.) The Only Texas Sheet Cake You’ll Ever Need « today’s recipe is based on this cake! Mint Oreo Cupcakes « I haven’t made these in years! But seriously, how can you go wrong here? Also, how do you like my food styling circa 2012?? This was taken on the ledge of the balcony of our apartment, with a baby blanket thrown over to make it look like a napkin. Oh, Karen. Ding Dong Cake from That Skinny Chick Can Bake Ho Ho (Ho) Cake from Brown Eyed Baker Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram
