Cupcake performance anxiety - not sure if it's a real condition, but I am suffering. In which direction does perfection lie?
Regular or bite sized? Orange butter-cream or cream cheese frosting?
The decoration dilemma - whole cranberries, dried cranberries or cranberries frosted in egg white and sugar? Maybe sprinkles?
See, my cupcakes need to be good - they are making it on to BBC Radio Oxford. Or into the studio at least. If there is on-air sampling or smacking of lips on Wednesday, I'll link to the listen again feature.
It's for a review of Cupcakes from the Primrose Bakery. Because you really can't review a cookbook without sampling a recipe can you? And their cranberry cupcakes are well worth a sample. I should know - I've eaten at least 6 today. It's all in the name of research, naturally. How we suffer for our art.
Terrible, terrible suffering Ali. My heart goes out to you. No, really, it does. Oh me wanty and me wanty now now now!! YUM.
Posted by: sooz | 14 December 2009 at 23:58
If I lived closer, I'd relieve you from decision making...lol..of course after the verdict was out, you'd have to whip up another batch.:)
Posted by: Gina | 15 December 2009 at 04:12
Mmmmmm, those look deeeeeeelicious. I made Annie Bell's cherry crumble muffins this weekend, with mascarpone on the side, and they were demolished. I'd vote for mini ones personally - because these days if I ate more than one I'd end up with raging indigestion! Age is not kind.
Posted by: dottycookie | 15 December 2009 at 06:40
I think minis would be quite good for sampling. But I'm guessing they're so yummy everyone will want a full-size one!
And how exciting you're going to be on the radio! Can I hear it online today?
K x
Posted by: kristina | 15 December 2009 at 07:47
Wow, they look delicious!
I've requested the Hummingbird book for Christmas but on seeing those I want the Primrose one as well. J
ust how many books on baking can a girl own before it becomes unseemly?
Lynne x.
Posted by: Lynne | 15 December 2009 at 09:41
They are sure to be a hit... they look scrumptious!
Posted by: Gina | 15 December 2009 at 10:00
i have just brought this book today for my daughter for Christmas after a blog recommendation...i know she is only 11 but i know she will love it as hers is the sweetest tooth i know and she loves cooking. i also thought it would be a very good way to channel her creativity too into various toppings and decoration. hope your review spot goes well
x
Posted by: ginny | 15 December 2009 at 11:15
Those look delicious, I love the idea of orange buttercream!! I know what you mean with the quality testing, I've done plenty of that lately!!! Your christmas tree looks beautiful by the way x
Posted by: Petit Filoux | 15 December 2009 at 12:05
the icing looks really scrum.
Posted by: Fancy Elastic | 15 December 2009 at 13:50
The cupcake in the first photo looks yummily edible! In fact they all do. Lucky radio people. x
Posted by: Simone | 15 December 2009 at 15:14
I love that book. Your cakes look amazing. Hope it all goes well. Ax
Posted by: little pink room | 15 December 2009 at 17:46
i vote for regular and even extra large! they look and sound truly scrumptious ali. i've just borrowed the book from our library and don't feel i'll ever be able to return it! good luck with the sampling...and congrats on the radio appearance. be sure to tell us how to listen again too! Xx
Posted by: kelly | 15 December 2009 at 18:20
How good of you to do such necessary research!
Lisa x
Posted by: Lisa | 15 December 2009 at 19:23
Tough job, but someone's gotta do it!
They will be my Christmas cupcake of choice!
Posted by: Dragonfly | 15 December 2009 at 21:00
I do hope your boss appreciates the sacrifices you're having to make!
I also think you have steely self-control, being able to stop at just 6 of those yummy cupcakes.
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 15 December 2009 at 22:21
Oh I love your blog! My name is Marla and I'm from Momma South. Those little delectables look scrumptious! And I'm oh so terribly sorry that I missed your sign-up for the 7 days of Specialness!!! I hope you have another one sometime. Looking forward to blogging with you!
Posted by: marla | 16 December 2009 at 00:53
The good news is that no matter what combination you choose, they will be utterly delightful. It's good to be you!
Posted by: Mom Wald | 16 December 2009 at 01:45
I could eat six of those, no problem!!!! They look really divine, Ali.
Posted by: cathleen | 16 December 2009 at 02:13
They're beautiful Ali! I, for one, am hoping to hear LOTS of smacking of lips. I hope you'll post a link for those of us who don't get BBC stations.
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 16 December 2009 at 04:05
Radio Oxford? Will there be a 'listen again' option? Do let us know. How exciting!
I love the way you've made lots of different options. In the end though I expect they ALL taste delicious.
Posted by: Emma | 16 December 2009 at 08:11
I vote sugared cranberry full sized muffin!
Posted by: Heather | 16 December 2009 at 14:35
Love those cupcakes, they look really great..
Posted by: healthy kitchen | 16 December 2009 at 16:28
Cupcake fame! You deserve it after having to eat all those samples.
Posted by: Megan | 16 December 2009 at 22:40
Oh my! Those cupcakes look pretty perfect to me!
Posted by: skirmishofwit | 16 December 2009 at 22:53
they all look good to me - glad to see you're researching thoroughly, it's definitely an essential part of cupcake baking!
Posted by: Julie | 17 December 2009 at 10:11
Looking gorgeous! The guys at BBc Oxford must have lapped them up!!
Posted by: Yummy Lavender | 29 December 2009 at 12:35