1. boston cream pie

Today was my first venture into the lovely land of Betty Crocker cupcakes. And what better start than with Boston Cream Pie cupcakes? 

Pictured here is what they're supposed to look like:

And here's how mine turned out:

Now. These are the best looking ones out of the bunch because my chocolate icing didn't turn out as thick. The solution? More powdered sugar (as my dear friends advised me because that's the best way to get a thicker consistency). 

Well...after basically doubling the sugar content it was still a bit runny. in order to avoid going into a sugar coma i thought it might just be best to stick with it as is. i mean, it is still delicious, right? So the majority of the cupcakes ended up with a bit of a skiwampus icing job. 

Delicious flavor? Of course. Aesthetically pleasing? i'm working on it..lol

the beginning

Today my sister surprised me with the fabulous treasure that is Betty Crocker's "The Big Book of Cupcakes". She picked it up at Costco and her little girl wouldn't put it down (obviously a sign of great taste). Knowing that i absolutely love to bake (and share) cupcakes they got it for me. it was signed and everything. :)

Then the thought occurred to me: a Julie & Julia-esque journey. Now mine will be quite different in a few aspects. i will not be making cupcakes EVERY day as that is unrealistic in my circumstances (i am a student after all) and rather pricey. There is no time limit; although before i die would be preferable. And hopefully the folks at Betty Crocker won't be upset and think i'm a crazy.

So, without further ado, let the fab journey of "joy in a cupcake wrapper" begin! (royalties to Miss Shannee for the tagline).