I was asked if I would like to review one of the new collection of books from Bonnie Marcus. ‘Cupcakes and Cocktails’, ‘Guilt-Free Girl Deserts’ and ‘Food Journal’
Bonnie Marcus, a busy mother of three and former high-end New York events planner, turned her skills to designing and has created a range of practical yet fashionable cook books, food journals and notebooks, which have taken the US by storm. Her stylish stationery has found her a host of celebrity fans including Cindy Crawford, Brooke Shields, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Eva Longoria, Marcia Cross and many others.
In the US, Bonnie has been recognised as a pioneer for women in business. She won the prestigious American Express “Make Mine a $Million Business” contest for women entrepreneurs and serves as the small business spokesperson for Bank of America as well. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of all her products are donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation and other organizations promoting breast cancer awareness.
For more information visit http://bonniemarcus.com/
I chose Cocktails and Cupcakes purely as I have been in a baking mood recently and I love a cocktail or two, not so much out at a bar, but with friends or on a romantic dinner for two.
Cupcakes and Cocktails cookbook is a fabulous collection of the latest cupcake recipes and essential cocktails, as well as a useful guide to hints and tips, and sure-fire recipe combinations to impress guests or just myself! With cake recipes such as Limoncello Cupcakes, Watermelon Cupcakes, teamed with Rum Cooler, Mai Tai and Purple Passion amongst many more. Its a fab book.
Indulgent cakes and cocktails are aplenty, but some are designed for those watching their waistlines too.
The photos will make you want to start baking.
I have been browsing the book and getting hungrier and hungrier, I decided to try Devil's Food Chocolate Cupcakes first. I needed something simple to make with a chocolate hit.
I liked the sound of sour cream in the sponge and in the icing.
Mine turned out very close in appearance to the ones pictured, always a bonus. I just could not do the pretty chocolate slivers, however I don't think it was noticed as the family tucked in and devoured last night.
The recipe in the book states for 18 cupcakes and would be perfect for a group of girlfriends, I made mine in larger cases (me greedy...never) so made 12 in average size cupcake cases.
Ingredients
55g/2 oz soft margarine
100g/3 and 1/2 oz soft light brown sugar
2 large eggs
100g/3 and 1/2 oz plain flour
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 oz cocoa powder
125 ml/5 fl oz sour cream
Icing
115g/4 oz dark plain chocolate broken into pieces
2 tbsp caster sugar
Shaved chocolate curls to decorate
Method
Preheat the oven to 180/350 F Gas Mark 4 and put cupcake cases into tin
Put the margarine, brown sugar, eggs, flour, bicarb and cocoa into a large bowl and using an electric mixer, whisk until smooth. Using a metal spoon, fold in the sour cream. Divide the mixture between the paper cases and smooth the tops.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until well risen and firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.
To make the icing, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Cool slightly, then whisk in the sugar and the soured cream. Spread the icing over each cake and leave to set in the refrigerator.
Serve decorated with chocolate curls or in my case whatever shape you can manage!!
The other books in the collection are
GUILT-FREE GIRL DESERTS
The Bonnie Marcus Guilt- Free Girl Desserts Book is a gorgeous recipe book that will ensure you look good and eat well! With over 50 recipes of delicious, good-for-you desserts, this collection will satisfy any sweet tooth without breaking any healthy eating plans.
FOOD JOURNAL
The Bonnie Marcus Food Journal is a perfect guide to helping solve the diet dilemmas of the modern girl! With a focus on keeping you happy and healthy, recipes include comfort treats, slimming meals and delicious drinks.