Wednesday, November 26, 2008

jelly donut cupcake


jelly donut cupcake
Originally uploaded by tuffcakes
Sugary goodness. Time for something sweet and adorable. Jelly donuts remind me of my dad. Every once in a while, my pops used to get us dunkin donuts on saturday. My favorite was this nasty hot pink number posing as a strawberry glazed donut, his was the jelly filled. Now, Im not necessarily a jelly donut lover but I will try almost anything in cupcake form. The texture of the crumb is just like that of a cake donut with that lovely hint of nutmeg. I chose to use good ol grape jelly for my filling. These are even better the next day with a good cup of coffee for dunking.

recipe from the Veganomicon

Jelly Donut Cupcakes

makes 12 cupcakes

1 cup soy or rice milk
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 Tbs cornstarch
1 1/2 cups all purp flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup canola oil
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs granulated sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
About 1/3 cup raspberry jam or preserves or whatever flavor you prefer
2 Tbs confectioners sugar

Preheat oven to 350F. Combine milk, vinegar, and starch into a measuring cup and set aside. Line pan with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour all the way thru to the salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the milk mixture, making sure the starch is completely dissolved. Then add the oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Stir until well incorporated.
Fill the liners about 3/4 full with batter. Drop a heaping teaspoon full of jam on the center of each cupcake. No need to press it down, it will sink in as it bakes.
Bake for 21 to 23 minutes. Tops should be firm. Remove and let cool. It is suggested to let them sit overnight in a cool spot. The tops will dry slightly and become crispy and more donutlike.
Top with sifted confectioners sugar.

On a side note:
I used tapioca starch subbing for the cornstarch and it worked just fine. Please try to find vanilla without alcohol in it! This is somewhat difficult to hunt down, but well worth it. Especially with a recipe where vanilla plays an important role in the flavor profile. The alcohol dilutes the real vanilla and you can literally see the difference.

This is one of those treats that can step up for breakfast or dessert.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

sunday brekkie


sunday brekkie
Originally uploaded by tuffcakes
Everyone seems to have their own variation on scrambler recipes. When I make it the ingredients are a bit of a mish/mash of whatever is on hand, thus creating a new variation every time. Well this time I hit pay dirt...GOLDEN BEETS, sprouts, broccoli, carrots, and of course tofu. I grew the sprouts myself and the beets, carrots, and broccoli came from my CSA box.
The bread is cinnamon raisin from Brunos Organics. http://www.thejuicegarden.com/ Brunos is a family of bakers from Gary, Indiana who may possibly make the finest baked goods in the area. Sad to say a loaf usually only lasts a couple of days in our house. Total gluttony.
The smoothies, like the scrambler, vary according to mood and whats kickin around. This powerhouse came together with soymilk, bananas, blueberries, pineapple, and Vitamineral Green. The Vitamineral Green is a vegan herbal supplement that is a good source of green superfoods and probiotics.
All in all this breakfast was a great way to start the day.