My first book from Samhain Publishing was a fun, naughty little title, Pink Buttercream Frosting. The title alone garnered quite a bit of publicity. It’s catchy, cute…
In the book, the heroine, Bailey is a divorced baker who’s opened a small bakery on the bottom floor of her work/live townhouse. One of the things she’s trying to perfect, is the color of her buttercream frosting. She wants pink. A delicate, very pretty, pale pink… She wants to frost dark chocolate cake with it. I can understand this. I love brown and pink together. Brown and blue. Brown and green. Brown and purple. Pastel colors against a dark brown. I think it’s both warm and whimsical at the same time. Bailey did as well.
She’s a lot like I am. She bakes when she’s stressed. She bakes when she needs to work through something. It’s a passion and a release for her. It’s that for me , as well.
I thought I’d share with you a recipe for fudge cupcakes, followed by a recipe for buttercream frosting. I made some myself for Valentine’s Day and they were delicious…and, gone within a couple of days.
Fudge Cupcakes (from 125 Best Cupcake Recipes by Julie Hanson)
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted**
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (I used 1/3 cup mini morsels instead)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line muffin pan with paper or foil liners.
In a small bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
In a large bowl whisk together sugar, oil, egg and vanilla until smooth. Alternately whisk in flour mixture and buttermilk, making three additions of flour mixture and two of buttermilk, beating until batter is smooth. Stir in chocolate chips.
Scoop batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 22 to 27 minutes or until tops of cupcakes spring back when lightly touched. Let cool in pan on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and let cool completely on rack. Top cooled cupcakes with frosting.
These are the most tender cupcakes on the inside. Light and just delicious.
The frosting I use is one I learned in cake decorating class. It’s not fat free, sugar free, cholesterol free, calorie free, etc… It’s not free at all. It’s loaded with sugar and butter and shortening. But, it’s delicious. I use shortening in my frosting because it keeps longer and makes for a stiffer consistency when piping. I love making strictly buttercream frosting, but it must be refrigerated.
This recipe is from Wilton. I made a few modifications. I use half and half to thin it out toward the end. I add real vanilla extract, not clear and not imitation. I don’t use butter flavoring, I use real butter.
Buttercream Frosting:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine softened (I use unsalted butter and then add a pinch of salt at the end to cut some of the sweetness)
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract (I use pure vanilla extract)
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (approximately 1 lb.)
2 tablespoons milk
Makes: About 3 cups of icing.
Instructions:
In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed (I use a Tablespoon of Merigue Powder in this stage because it helps the frosting whip up fluffier). Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use.
For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Re-whip before using.
For thin (spreading) consistency icing, add 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, water or milk (this is where I use half and half).
For Pure White Icing (stiff consistency), omit butter; substitute an additional 1/2 cup shortening for butter and add 1/2 teaspoon No-Color Butter Flavor. Add up to 4 tablespoons light corn syrup, water or milk to thin for icing cakes.
For the coloring, I use Duff Goldman Icing Colors
And this is my pride and joy…
Fun and delicious on all counts!
Desire: Blend sinful with sweet. Whip to perfection. Don’t forget to lick the spoon…
Aidn Greer is a much-sought-after Dominant in the BDSM lifestyle with an unusual problem. He hasn’t owned a submissive in more years than he cares to think about. He’s bored with unchallenging women, yet mentoring other Doms and training subs has left him cold as well. He’s craving something other than plain old vanilla—a taste of something sinfully sweet that, for once, he can really sink his teeth into.
Professional cake baker Bailey Harris wasted ten years bored to tears with her marriage, enduring a job she hated, and harboring a secret desire for something passionate, fulfilling and dark. Then she found it…in the world of BDSM. Exploring on her own brought the kind of mind-opening experiences that led her to declare her independence—and exposed a yearning to find the one Dom for whom she’s willing to kneel. Permanently.
When Aidn and Bailey meet, it’s fire and ice. Sugar and spice. And an experience that satisfies every detail of both their fantasies. Almost. While the big, beautiful sub is everything Aidn wanted, her fierce independent streak could be more of a challenge than he bargained for…
Warning: This book brings together scorching-hot counter sex, decadent pink frosting, and no-holds-barred BDSM play for a spanking good time. Be sure to bring an ice-cold drink along…
Now, the giveaway…
One of my favorite people in the book business is an author by the name of Dakota Cassidy. She’s got several NY series: Accidental series, Hell series, and the awesome Ex-Trophy Wives series. Dakota is hilarious, snarky, sweet as pie, open, and one of the least standoffish women I’ve met. She’s down to earth and she’ll have you rolling with laughter until you have tears streaming from your eyes. And then, you’ll come back for more!
So, because I think she’s just fabulous, I am going to give one of you 3 books in her Accidental series, or the 3 books in her Ex-Trophy Wives series.
To enter, comment here and tell me which author you’d love to meet… Leave me your email address when you comment. You’ve got until Saturday, February 25th at 6pm EST!
~lissa
Lissa, I love Pink Buttercream Frosting! It’s one of my all time favorite books. I hope you had a fantastic birthday and the cupcake receipe looks awesome! BTW, my Kitchenaid mixer is my pride and joy too! The author I’d most like to meet is a hard one because I have so many I adore however, I credit Lorelei James for strengthing my marriage so it would have to be her.
I would love to meet Lauren Dane. Thank you so much for the giveaway. I would love the Ex-Trophy Wives series. I have read and love Pink Buttercream Frosting.
slinkydennis@yahoo.com
The authors I would love to meet, besides you of course (I have 2) are Andrew Grey and GA Hauser. I love both of their works and many of the things they seem to stand for.
I have already met quite a few of the authors I have wanted to meet. I guess 2 I would love to meet and haven’t are Cherise Sinclair and Nora Roberts.
Loved this book!!
susanmik AT gmail DOT com
Total yum on those recipes, Lissa, thanks for sharing. I love Shelly Laurenston’s humor, and would love to meet her.
caity_mack at yahoo dot com
I discovered Pink Buttercream Frosting after “meeting” Vinter & gettng hooked on your books…loved it!
I think the author I’d like to meet most is Suzanne Brockmann. I’ve been reading her SEAL romances since she wrote for Harlequin (back in the mid-to-late 90s) & have loved them all.
Since I’m such a klutz, I think I’ll take the Accidental series if chosen.
aunt_cori(at)yahoo.com
Well, I actually got to meet you and Dakota at RAW so I got to check that off my list. Right now I am dying to meet Jacqueline Carey and Suzanne Brockmann. Of course, it’s unlikely I’ll ever get the chance because I don’t plan to attend any of the huge conferences. Happy Birthday and thanks for the party!
jepebATverizonDOTnet
This post made me laugh. For my husband’s recent birthday, I baked him a vanilla (Victoria) sponge as he asked, but wanted to make the frosting a pale, rose pink. Unfortunately, the red food colouring came out a bit too quickly – and he ended up with a Barbie Pink cake 🙂 It still tasted good 🙂
Okay. I would love to meet JR Ward and talk for hours about the Black Dagger Brotherhood – I’d turn into a scary fan-girl, ooops!
Happy Birthday, Lissa 🙂
I would love to meet Nora Roberts and Lauren Dane because I love their books. Thanks for the giveaway.
jcalvert719(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love brown with pastels too. Would love to read the Accidental series and an author I would love to meet is Faith Hunter.
I would love to meet Dakota Cassidy (her humor kills me) and Lora Leigh (love her Breeds series). This June I will get to meet another favorite of mine, Jade Lee, at a WisRWA conference. Very excited! p.s. I really like your website!!
I’d like to meet both you and Dakota, and perhaps Kim Harrison (how’s that for variety!)
When I was little I always wanted chocolate cake with pink buttercream frosting, and I still have a thing for it but I don’t often indulge. Thanks for the contest!
Well, because I love everything fabulous I would LOVE to meet the always FABULOUS Dakota Cassidy. Her books have helped me through many days when nothing else could. Anyone with that much slunk and awesomeness is my heroine! Accidental series rocks so I’m positive The Ex-Trophy Wives are insanely wonderful!! Lissa thank you for combining my two favorite loves….baking and books!! Be still my buttercream loving heart <3
Xoxo
Stacey Jo
bakinstuff
At
Yahoo
My mouth is watering!! I will need to try Pink Buttercream Frosting!
The author I would most like to meet is Julie Kenner. I happened to pick up the first book in her Demon hunting soccer mom series when my then youngest son was undergoing radiation treatments to his brain and spine for cancer (he was 3).
She made me laugh when I felt like I couldn’t, and gave me something positive to take me away for a few pages at a time when I needed a respite.
I devoured all of the books in the series, and even got an autographed copy of one of her books pre-publication!
Unfortunately, I lost my son to cancer when he was 4, but I have not lost my love of Julie, and the gratitude I have to her for helping me through the most difficult time in my life.
I would love to meet Anne Rice, Rose Pressey, Dakota Cassidy, MaryJanice Davidson and Molly Harper.
bluepooh1@hotmail.com
Dakota Cassidy is sooooo awesome!!!! From the first sentence I read from her Accidental series, I have been hooked!!!!
Would love to meet Suzanne Brockmann, but will be getting a chance in March when she comes to CA. Since that’s already coming, either Dakota Cassidy (LOVE HER!) or Susan Elizabeth Phillips. (LOVE HER TOO!)
I would love to meet Christine Feehan and Dakota Cassidy. They both write really addicting stories and I love the paranormal. Dakota’s Accidentally series, had me laughing so hard. I have been wondering how she was able to come up with the concept of the series and why choose paranormal. Plus if she is as funny in reality as she is in her books. That is the main reason I would love to meet her. Christine Feehan has a really good Dark series about Carpathians. Great reads.
I would love to meet Dakota Cassidy, Heather Webber, Linda Wisdom, and Gemma Halliday. If I had to pick just one could I draw a name out of a hat? 🙂
bwilhoite@wowway.com
I’d like to meet Sherrilyn Kenyon. Love her Dark Hunter Series. I’d love to read Dakota’s Trophy Series, nothing beats a free read, unless of course you add free chocolate 🙂
I would like to meet Dakota Cassidy. I do love a good sense of humor! ;o)
I would love to meet Sherrilyn Kenyon. Her DarkHunter Series is great. she makes them seem so real. And you can’t just pick up a book and then take a break and get back to it, these books keep you in your seat wanting more.
Dakota Cassidy is a brilllent author. I love her books. They cheered me up alot on my darkest days. I helped my mother care for my Daddy at home. Daddy was dying from Altizmers disease. I miss my Daddy alot.
Now I am sitting here, drooling for some buttercream frosting – it’s my favorite!! YUMM!
I have to admit, I’m here because Dakota mentioned your giveaway on Facebook – and I’ve been dying to meet her since I found her a couple of months ago. Now I can’t wait to read your books and meet you too, LOL! So, you’ve gained a new stalker…you can blame / thank Dakota, hehe!
I’d love to read Dakota’s Accidental series if I were lucky enough to win. For now, I’ve got to go make some damn frosting or I’ll never know any peace until I do *snort*
Thank you for the giveaway chance – and it’s so nice to meet you! 🙂
I have met Sherriylnn, Richelle Mead, and JR Ward. I would love to meet Cassandra Clare, Dakota Cassidy (of course) Dan Brown, Brad Meltzer, Darynda Jones. Ah heck, there’s too many.
I really wish I could bake. That recipe looked like it would taste so good. The author I would like to meet is J.R. Ward and J.A. Saare.
Thanks for the giveaway.
I would love to meet many, but here are just a few: Dakota Cassidy, Laurel K. Hamilton, Yasmine Galenorn, Patricia Briggs, Kelley Armstrong, and the list could go on & on!! Thanks for doing the contest!
I love Dakota’s humor and would adore meeting her so I could do a tarot reading for her. I know we would have a hoot!
Would love to meet so many. Tops would probably be Nora Roberts. Or JAK, SEP, Stephanie Laurens, Julia London, Julia Quinn, Jill Shalvis, Kristin Hannah, Sandra Brown, Connie Brockway Christina Dodd, Eloisa James, Shayla Black, Maya Banks… should I keep going? Anyways, haven’t been introduced to Dakota’s work yet, so this would be a great intro!
i would love to meet Dakota Cassidy or MaryJanice Davidson. I think they would be so fun to hang out with
I’ve been lucky enough to meet quite a few wonderful authors at book signings for RT and RWA when they were held in Orlando. One author I haven’t had a chance to meet is Cherie Priest and I’d love to meet her.
Barbed1951 at aol dot com
First – thanks for the cupcake recipe. I love cupcakes.
As for authors that I want to meet, my list is long – Dakota, Darynda Jones, Lorelei James, and so many more!
I would love to meet Dakota Cassidy, Gerri Bartlett, Michele Bardsley and Mary Janice Davidson and so many others I would clog your blog. I love books that intrigue me and make me laugh at the same time!
Sigh – I am such a failed baker, but a terrific eater, lol. I’d buy those cuppycakes, and Pink Frosting sounds yummy. There are so many authors I would lurve to meet! I would start my list with Dakota Cassidy and RG Alexander ~ have a feeling these two ladies together would have me laughing for hours on end. Thanks for the contest.
I love Dakota’s books I always laugh out loud when I’m reading them. I have a lot of authors I would love to meet but at the top of my list is Jayne Ann Krentz, Lori Foster, Lora Leigh and Linda Howard.
First of all I am dying to meet you. Over 2 years of tweeting with you, I would have loved to come to AAD, but it just isn’t in the cards for me this year.
Second I want to meet Cherise Sinclair. Between the two of you, you got me started in my kinky reading after reading boring plain romance for years.
I have a huge list after you two…Jaci Burton, Maya Banks, Lauren Dane, Larisa Ione, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole, Ruthie Knox…there are more, but these cover most on my top 10.
i would love to meet Jude Deveraux definitely. oh and YUM anything with fudge is to die for
rebeccabryant562@hotmail.com
Pick only one? So hard. I guess if I have to just pick one, I would go with Lynsay Sands. She is the author who got me addicted to romances so I have to love her.
I’d love to meet Dakota Cassidy!
Oh – email address robindpdx(at)yahoo(dot)com. Also, I enjoyed your post and your book Pink Buttercream Frosting looks great! Thanks for the recipes!