Chrissi B! The joy of baking and cupcakes!

When is the last time you had a cupcake? Quick, think! Do you remember cupcakes? Cupcakes seem to be more popular than ever to purchase, but when is the last time you made them? No need to hit the beach cities, or streets of posh boutiques to find cupcakes, you can still make them. They are easy. They are the cakes of our childhood. They are the playtime of desserts. After all, they are just cupcakes. As you may guess, I love making cupcakes.

I am not sure exactly why I like making cupcakes, I think the answer lies somewhere in the portion control. I so love food in smaller sizes. Little cookies, little candies, little cakes ...Makes perfect sense to me. Whatever the reason, let's make some one's day and make cupcakes. You cannot be unhappy and have a cupcake ....They are the comedian of the kitchen.

If this is your first attempt in baking cupcakes, you will need some great paper liners. I love this find of Country Kitchen, SWEETART, they offer a nice selection of liners for all occasions. Pick up a few extra for muffins too. You can never find a good paper liner ...Well, you know how it goes!

Country Kitchen, SWEETART will also be your source for cupcake boxes (great for toting and gifting), decorations, tins and these gotta have cupcake plates. This is just a fab source for baking needs and a fun place to play on a rainy day. Love it!

SO, you have a baking tin, and you have the liners, now you will need a recipe or two to delight ....My family loves all things chocolate. If you too are in search of a good chocolate cupcake consider, The Chocolate Surprise Cupcake or the Chocolate Cupcakes from the Joy of Baking. These are the cupcakes of my childhood. One whiff and I am seven again, impatiently waiting permission to snatch "my lovely chocolate treasure" off of the serving plate.

The Joy of Baking is a wonderful site that offers Brownie Cupcake recipes, Carrot Cake Cupcakes and A vanilla tease, named the Fairy Cupcake. All delicious.

If baking from scratch is a bit too intimidating, and the store mixes leave you wanting, consider using a mix from Sprinkles the cupcake bakery. Williams-Sonoma offers an array of their mixes to make baking a cinch.

The next time you have a bit of an afternoon to play....Make some cupcakes! ...enjoy!