I've Got the Power!

Do you know what's great about having your own blog? The fact that you can change things about it at nearly the drop of the hat. Even right now I'm mixing things up by trying out a new font size. Maybe next time I'll even add in a new color (ooh ahhh). Wouldn't that be something? But all silliness aside, I have recently come to a rather important decision. That is this: I will still try and bake 500 different cupcake recipes, however, and this is a big however, I am no longer completely bounding myself to my cupcake book, 500 Cupcakes by Fergal Connolly. Why? Well, to be honest, some of the recipe variations aren't really that varied. For some cupcakes, the variations only exist within the frosting, like one may be plain while the other might have a fruit added to it. Not really a mind blowing difference if you get what I mean. With that point made, I decided that I would be denying myself a challenge by just making different types of frosting; I'd have to change the name of the blog to Jill's 500 Days of Frosting. Also, in the last week a co-worker at work graciously shared with me a cupcake book that her daughter had given her for her birthday. Some of the recipes were very basic, but others absolutely mouthwatering. Can you say Cappuccino muffins? Yum. In addition to that wonderful gesture, another co-worker showed me a book that focused more on the art of decorating then baking. You might have hear of it, it was called What's New Cupcake? by decorating masters Karen Tack and Alan Richardson. If you want to see examples of their adorable cupcakes, just check out the books page on Amazon.com to see short videos of the authors showing off  some designs from their book. 


It was while I was looking through this book that realized something somewhat crucial: If I'm going to see my cupcakes, or even just give them away, they should be appealing to the typical Clark student. So, I impulsively bought the Tack and Richardson's first book Hello, Cupcake. What's great about both books is that they use store bought candy and simple tricks (like using ziploc bags instead of pastry bags) to decorate cupcakes. I cannot wait until my book gets here so I can get started. Of course, that book wasn't the only thing I bought this week. I have finished buying all the textbooks I will need for the semester, a cutting board, icing knife, a three piece wok set, and a wok spatula. Amazon was having a great 4 for 3 sale this week and I couldn't just ignore it. But there is something else that I bought that I am extremely proud of. 


Last summer my father took me to a music festival in upstate New York. While I was there I stumbled upon an amazing band called Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, though they have recently shortened their name to the Grand Slambovians. Often compared to a number of musical influences that include Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Band, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, The Who. In articles they are often described as "Hillbilly Pink Floyd". Well, after just a few songs I was hooked. This past July I was able to go back to the music festival and hear them again, this time introducing my older sister to them. Last night, they came to my town of Huntington and gave a concert that blew my mind. The word perfection doesn't even begin describe how amazing they were. Everything from the set lists to energy in the audience just made the experience all the more better. Even the band members were impressed with themselves, one member, Tink, told my dad that she had never seen the lead guitarist, Sharkey, play as well as he did last night. The best part, next to being able to see them for free was when I was able to shave four dollars off the otherwise $18 CD and of course going up and getting the band to sign it. I don't often geek out over bands, but I make an exception for the Grand Slambovians. If you're curious, check them out on youtube.com. A suggest checking out the songs Tink, The Grand Slambovians, Pushing Up Daises, and Windmills. These guys are great to see in concert and if you hear that they are coming to an area near you, go! They do not disappoint.


Oh, and before I forget, I have decided to instate a weekly recipe. I'll come up with a catchy name later, but look forward to the first, well second since I kind of already did something like this once, soon. Since I'll be cooking and baking a lot this year, or trying to, I wanted to showcase some recipes that just really stood out.  


Until next time,


Jill