I wanted to make an easy and inexpensive gift for
all of the amazing people that help make Jason's life
easier on Administrative Professionals Day.
But most of all, I didn't want to go to the store.
So I gathered supplies from around the house
(mind you, my house is better stocked than most craft stores)
and got to work.
First I enlisted the help of my appropriately attired sous chef.
Thankfully I had just enough left over jars from the last time I made them.
I have found that this particular size works best.
They are the exact same diameter as my standard cupcake pan.
Each one fits two cupcakes and plenty of frosting.
I mixed the cake while Janey assisted.
Usually when I make cupcakes I like to use paper liners and
only make 18 per box because bigger cupcakes are better, right?
But for the mason jars, I skip the liners
(then I don't have to take them off and there
are no ridges showing in the jars)
and I spray the cupcake pans with Pam.
I also make 24 cupcakes which work perfectly for the dozen jars
that I am using, as well as the size that fits best inside.
While the cupcakes were baking I made the frosting.
I am an admitted frosting snob and can't resist a good buttercream.
But for these I needed something special. I had no chocolate in the house,
(It has been recently devoured by post-Lent-sugar-deprived yours truly)
so I grabbed my iced blended powder and
dissolved one scoop into the milk before mixing.
This happy accident might just be my new favorite version.
Here is the C&H 5 minute buttercream recipe I use:
1 box powdered sugar
1 stick salted butter at room temp.
1/4 cup milk
1 tea. vanilla
Combine and beat until creamy.
Now you have no excuse to by frosting at the store again!
When the cupcakes have cooled, place one with the bottom side down, into each jar.
I have found it easiest to put the frosting in a ziploc bag,
snip a hole and pipe it into the jars.
Put another cupcake on top of the first layer of frosting,
add even more frosting,
screw on the lid.
In my mind I wanted to use oilcloth for the toppers like these,
but that would require me actually having it.
Instead I cut 5 inch squares of cupcake fabric,
ironed Heat 'n Bond to each one to make them sturdier,
used my pinking shears to add cuteness,
cut notches,
wove ribbon through,
tied bows,
done for only about $1.50 each.
Technically I am an unpaid administrative assistant to Jason.
Aren't all wives?
So I might just be keeping one for myself.
Is that wrong?
*************
Edited to add:
I have shipped these cupcakes, nicely snuggled in a Priority Mail box and they have survived. I have done a bit of checking and they are rumored to be "shelf stable" for up to 7 days. So feel free to bake up some happiness and send it across the miles.
Posted in giveaway, random