...(December 15th) Without This One Thing!
Why would a weight loss blog talk about cupcakes? Because Cupcakes are always gonna happen. Ignoring that fact especially around the holidays, is just burying your head in the sand. But you can snack wisely. I always ask myself, "is this worth the calories?" And if the answer is a resounding YES, then I indulge. In moderation of course. I'm also smart about it. Carb blockers can decrease the amount of carbs that you will absorb and store as fat by up to 30%!
On to...ALL THINGS NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY!
NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY
Each year, December 15th also recognizes National Cupcake Day. The cupcake was originally known as the 1-2-3-4 cake because the recipe called for 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, 4 eggs, and also 1 cup of milk, and 1 spoonful of baking soda.
Even the word cupcake sounds like a miniature celebration. They’ve been known by other phrases that make us put our hands together in glee, too! For example:
- Fairy Cakes
- Patty Cakes
- Cup Cakes (different from Cupcakes (one-word)
Someone must have wanted to surprise a loved one with a sweet, single-serving treat when they invented the cupcake. One of the first recipes for a cupcake can be traced back to 1796. A recipe notation for a cake to be baked in small cups was written in American Cookery (by Amelia Simmons). Don’t you wonder if she made them for her children or grandchildren?
The earliest known documentation of the term cupcake shows up in 1828 in Seventy-five Receipts for Pastry, Cakes, and Sweetmeats. The cookbook was by Eliza Leslie. Maybe she just liked individual servings.
Bakers originally baked cupcakes in heavy pottery cups. Today, some bakers still use individual ramekins, small coffee mugs, larger teacups, or other small ovenproof pottery-type dishes for baking their cupcakes. They do make a beautiful presentation for these miniature cakes.
Today, cupcakes are an art form. Bakers create elaborate decorations and displays utilizing a variety of ingredients. Whether they’re the centerpiece of a wedding, birthday, or anniversary cupcakes satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Colorful and fun, these single-serving delights offer a pleasing option when planning any celebration.
The single-serve cake makes it convenient for serving and sharing. Today there are a variety of recipes and just as many flavors to choose from.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CUPCAKE DAY
FIRST get some CarbMelt ...when it comes to celebrating National Cupcake Day, you are only limited by your imagination. For the bakers out there, it is time to make a batch of your favorite cupcakes. Some bakers may want to step out of their routine and bake something new. Have you been hankering to spice up your cupcakes a bit? Sometimes we need an explosion of flavor or a little extra sparkle in our baking.
Since cupcakes are such a simple recipe, it is also an excellent time to invite the kids into the kitchen. They will love mixing and decorating their individual cakes. That’s what’s so special about a cupcake.
Happy Cupcake Day!