Hello to 2012!

I can't believe 2011 is about to end.  The year has come and gone so fast.  This new years I will be celebrating all that 2011 has given me and to celebrate what the upcoming new year may bring.  I am truly grateful for all the blessings in my life and I hope that 2012 will be an even better year.  What will you be doing this New Year's eve?

While many people are brainstorming on what dress to wear or what party to go to, I was thinking about baking something that I could take to a friend's New Year's party.  I came across a blog, Spoon fork bacon, and read about their Rose Water glitter cake in honor of New Year's.  I instantly got inspired and came up with a sexy cupcake perfect for a New Year's party.  Instead of baking a four layer cake, I opted to make cupcakes and tweaked some ingredients for my version of a Rose Water cupcake. I decide to add white chocolate ganache to the cupcake to add a rich and smooth flavor.  I kept things simple by using a vanilla buttercream frosting since I did not want to overpower the cake.  See below for pictures of my process...

I'm not sure if many of you know that rose water can be used in cooking.  I didn't.  Upon opening the bottle, I immediately thought wow this is really strong.  Rose water can be pretty intense so I highly recommend using it in small amounts.  If not, a dessert can come out tasting like perfume.  However, if used in the right proportions and with the right ingredients it can compliment any type of dessert!

Mixing the sugar and butter - this takes a few minutes since you want a fluffy texture.  

    Adding one egg at a time ....

 Added all the dry ingredients and mix until all smooth. Then add the rose water

              Cupcake liners - yes if you read my last post I used these liners before.  I had extra....

    Drizzle white chocolate ganache

  Rose flower frosting before the final touches...

        Voila! Presto - added some gold dust and if you want, a raspberry or any fruit just to give it a sexier look. 

Happy New Year to everyone and celebrate your butts off! Hope you all have a fun and safe night!
Thanks for reading! :) 

Rose Water Cupcake
makes 18-24 - adapted by Spoon fork bacon

2 cups of all purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 sticks of unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
4 eggs at room temperature
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon rose water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Sift together flour, baking powder and salt.  Mix together the butter and sugar until fluffy in texture.  Add eggs one at a time, scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl when necessary.  Add flour mixture and buttermilk alternating in three and mix until all combined.  Add in rose water and mix until incorporated.  Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.  Bake for 18 minutes or until center is set.

White Chocolate ganache
8 oz white chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Place chocolate in a small stainless steel bow.  Heat butter and cream in a small sauce pan until a soft boil.  Pour mixture onto the chocolate.  DO NOT STIR.  Let the cream sit for a few minutes.  Then fold gently until chocolate is smooth and has a shine to it.

Vanilla Buttercream frosting
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cold milk
2-3 cups of confectioners sugar (adjust accordingly depending on how sweet you want it)

In a stand mixer, beat butter until creamy and smooth.  Add vanilla and milk.  Add sugar one cup at a time until all is combined and creamy.