Sunday, April 10, 2011

Cake and Flowers!

"Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men and animal. Some seem to smile."
Henry Ward Beecher

Decorating with flowers is really fun and helps create beautiful and unusual cakes and cupcakes. As you can see, the yellow miniature roses were accented with mint leaves and fresh lavender and were the decoration on the gluten free, chocolate cupcakes. The red and white baby roses were accented with fresh lavender and were what distinguished the wheat flour cupcakes from the others. They were served at the culmination of a family birthday dinner.  Here's the recipe so you can enjoy it too.

Chocolate Cake

1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour* (or all-purpose flour)
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup sugar (Florida Crystals)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 Tbsp. vinegar lemon juice
1 tsp. pure vanilla
1 cup cold water
1/2 cup chocolate chips



In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in liquid ingredients. Using a hand mixer, blend until batter is smooth and creamy. Work quickly, as the lemon juice activates the baking soda and starts the leavening action. Gently stir in chocolate chips. Measure into cupcake papers in muffin tin. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 20 - 25 minutes. 


*To make your own gluten-free flour blend, consider Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flour Blend or a mixture of equal proportions of cornstarch, garbanzo/fava bean flour, and potato starch. Add 1 tsp. xanthan gum for every cup of flour.

5 comments:

  1. Very unique, La Tea Dah. Thanks so much for sharing and for the photos, too. Susan

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  2. The flowers are a wonderful touch for the cupcakes!

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  3. The cupcakes are beautiful!

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  4. Those are the most beautiful cupcakes I've ever seen! My daughter is thinking of trying a gluten free diet. She thinks I ought to as well.

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  5. Did you grow all of those beauties? I look forward to trying your recipe but I doubt mine will be as lovely as yours... I'm still a bit weak in the flower department at this time. :(

    Blessings, Debbie

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Thank you for commenting on my blog post. I am always happy to hear from blog readers. Your words encourage and inspire me. I am glad you stopped by to share conversation, recipes, ideas, and thoughts on creating a welcoming home.