Lisa Browder

I hate to cook but I love to bake. I discovered this when I took a breadmaking class through Master Class online. I’m not sure what the difference is except it’s less chopping, I can put the dough in a bowl, leave it to rise, and do something else. I’m not stuck juggling pots and pans and skillets, and creating little piles of carrots and bell peppers and minced garlic and separated onion greens and whites, etc.

I discovered a magazine called Bake From Scratch. The first issue I received was chock full of sweet treats and the first recipe I pounced on was for chocolate cupcakes. They say we eat with our eyes and for sure I couldn’t pass up this scrumptious-looking confection once I saw it.

I gathered up the ingredients and spread them out on the counter. Well after I made space for them.

Now it was time to get started. Right away I saw an issue. The recipe calls for 14 cupcakes. Fourteen? Who makes 14?

Now, it’s possible that I simply can’t follow a recipe, but I easily had enough batter for two dozen (maybe I should’ve gotten that extra pan). As much as I love cupcakes, I figured by the time I got around to eating the 24th one, it would be shriveled up and the consistency of dirt. I stuck with 12.

But then there was the icing. On my very first attempt at drizzling, a huge blob plopped on the top. Mine ended up with a solid frosting.

Then there was the flavor. I found them a bit tart, whether due to the vinegar or the dark chocolate, I’ll never know. It didn’t stop me from eating several of them, but I ran out of interest and eventually tossed out the rest. As fluffy and light as they were, this will not make my favorites list.

Oh well. Live and learn. I have a magazine full of wonderful-looking sweet treats to sample. And in the meantime, maybe I’ll figure out how to drizzle.