Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Baking Recipe: Orange Blossom Cupcake & Award


Wow, the past week has been a hectic week that involved a LOT of eating.. LOL. This is what Chinese New Year is all about. It's about spending good time, and having everyone in the family coming together; sitting around the tables and enjoy good old home-cooked Chinese food and then for desserts or snacks, we devour in homemade cookies. Or some might just prefer store bought.
As for myself, I love anything that is home-made. To usher in the Lunar New Year, I decided to make some Orange Blossom cupcakes so I could actually present them as gift for my relatives too. Though there's nothing fancy-schmancy about it; deep down I have always felt that it's the thought that matters and spreading some sheer joy on my home-baked goodies. This cupcake is Orange overload. I just love how a little of orange zest and fresh juice enhances the taste of a basic vanilla or butter cake. It's perfect for orange lovers. Not too heavy and the aroma of an orange cake is just intoxicating. Try imaging the whole kitchen filled with the citrus smell. Delish!
For recipe: Click on image + zoom
To decorate the cuppies, I decided to bring out my inner child in me. Just like how I used to play with play-doh, instead this time I used fondant of course. I rolled the mini mandarin oranges; then to create the little dots on the skin by using a sieve; gently rolling the oranges on it's mesh wire to create the texture. For the blossoms, I hand painted the white flowers with edible pen to give that effect like it was water colour painted. This is what I call playing with food and incorporating my so called artistic talent..LOL. What do you think? Do you like them yet?


Lastly, Elisabeth from Food and Thrift Finds if you're reading this post; THANKS for awarding me with the Inspirational Blog Award. I couldn't wait to present this Award forward. So peeps stay tune!!

xx

37 comments:

  1. Soooo pretty! Love those cute, tiny mandarins! Congrats on the award! So sweet of Elisabeth, I got that from her as well. I so need to pass it forward soon. Cheers! xo

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    1. Thanks Ping! Elisabeth is a sweetheart and someone whom I'm fortunate to meet in person.. I agree, we ought to pass on the award soon. Till then, do stay in touch. xoxo

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  2. Glad to see you are back from all Chinese New Year celebrations! You did bring along a tasty cupcake recipe with you-yum! Your flavor choice is quite unique and I am sure I would enjoy an orange citrus cupcake. Releasing that inner child sure did serve to benefit you on decorating these cakes, they really are eye catching with the flowers and the oranges on top. Well done.
    Enjoy the day!

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    1. Hi Tina! So glad that you came over to check up on me. Yeah.. It has been a while that I blog. But hopefully schedule will be more balance this time round so that I can get on with my baking projects. I think instead of chocolate overload, this time it's Orange overload. Am happy that you liked my design. Make the 2+ hours sitting there preparing the decor worth it. xoxo..

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  3. Welcome back, Jo! You've been gone for a while now, celebrating the Lunar Year? Happy Lunar Year my dear friend, in case I haven't wished you one.

    Your cupcakes as always...so pretty, delicate pastel colors, and this time orange flavors...yumm!
    Gorgeously decorated by you, which you so excel in:DDD
    Hope you stay for now, and not leave, welcoming you back with huge hugssss!

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  4. BTW-Thank you for the mention about the Inspirational Award I gave you...I know what you mean about paying it forward, I have 2 more waiting to be passed on, and haven't even begun!
    You really and truly deserved the award, so talented, and very, very sweet:DDD

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    1. Great to be back Elisabeth! Yeah.. it was a busy Lunar New Year. I was out with my family and relatives almost every day. And filled with non-stop eating. So I guess it's time to detox for me now.. LOL. Thank you for your well wishes too. Awwww... you are too kind and I am happy to know that you liked my design.. Will do my level best to stay on here. Hugggggsssss!!

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  5. The orange blossom cupcakes look gorgeous,dear!How I wish I could munch into one right away - would be so delightful:)Congratulations on the award too - you are truly an inspiration to many!!

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    1. Hi Sudha! Thanks for coming over to my blog. I really appreciate it. It's always nice to meet somebody new and hopefully you will come back for more. You have a good week and I will be buzzing over at yours too. Cheers!

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  6. First time reading your blog - beautiful!

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    1. Hi there! I hope to improve on writing but I think I'm chattier in person as compared to writing a whole lot.. I'm thrilled to know that you like my blog. Do come back whenever you like. Cheers~

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  7. Congrats on the award! I am glad I clicked on this post as I am a new reader. Your cupcakes are darling and a wonderful way to celebrate the new year. Look forward to reading more!

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  8. Sounds like you enjoyed the New Years celebrating. With these cupcake making skills there is no way you would have to take the test to join our baking gang, lol. I love orange cake, it's one of my favorites, probably right up there with chocolate. Your decorations are so cute. You are missed.
    -Gina-

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    1. Awww Gina!! You're too kind and thank you for the sweet compliments. Yeah Choco and orange is another great combo. I have a thing for classic flavoured cakes. Take care now dear friend and hope to see you all soon again. Huggggssss

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  10. Hey Joanna! You are SO good at making dessert and my gosh, they are so detailed!!!! I have no patience to make something like this. Sounds like you had really nice New Years and I'm happy to hear you are doing well. :-)

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    1. Hi Nami! CNY was not bad this year, but way too much eating. Gotta start my detox session. LOL.. I hope to improve further. Would be great if this year I could post more cooking recipes. Missing you.. xoxo

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  11. Great Recipe! You know how I love your blog! Hey Idk if I sent you a link to the Shout out I gave you or not so here it is again
    http://www.pandpkitchen.com/2012/02/07/the-sexiest-chocolate-cake-you-have-ever-eaten/
    COngrats on your award! You Deserve it!

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  12. Jo, your cupcakes are gorgeous!!! So beautifully decorated! And congrats on your blog award...you ARE an inspiration :)

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  13. These cupcakes are gorgeous! I love the little mandarins, I'm sure they were much appreciated & enjoyed! The cake sounds delicious and out of the norm. Great recipe :)

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  14. It sounds like you have been having an excellent time, Jo! Can't wait to hear more about all the delicious food! As always, these cupcakes are just lovely!

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  15. Wonderfull cupcakes! They look like they just ren anway from a fairy tale... Love them! Pretty photos too!

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    1. Hi Eva! I'm glad you popped over. Will be buzzing you over at your blog. Cheers!

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  16. Wow, these are the most elegantly decorated cupcakes I have seen in a long time - and the flavor sound amazing! Wonderful post :)

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  17. Great recipe and the cupcakes look so gorgeous!

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  18. These cupcakes are so beautiful!

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  19. Oooh, Joanna! Orange is my FAVORITE flavor in baked goods! These look delicious! I've missed you....I've been on vacation and completely off-line - GREAT to be back!

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    1. Orange is my favourite fruit too. Aww.. Miss you back. Looks like you have had a wonderful vacation in London and Paris. I really have to get back on my blogging.. Will buzz you over at your blog. Till then.. xoxo

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  20. Glad you're back, honey! I've missed getting my visual sugar and chic fix from your blog! ;)

    And although you're trying to convince me they aren't - these cupcakes sure are fancy! I'm a true sucker for everything orange/citrus, so these would be gobbled up in no time was I around! ;)

    XOXO,
    Tobias

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    1. Aww Tobias, you're so sweet. I have missed you coming over too. Thanks for the support and I hope that I will be back more often now to nourish my blog. Have a good week!! xoxo, Jo

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  21. you decorate them ever so beautifully. Oranges are delicious this time of the year! I bet your cakes would too. Its the thought that counts indeed! plus, pretty cupcakes count for a lot ;)

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    1. Thanks Jessica! Hope you had a wonderful CNY!!! cheers~

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  22. These cupcakes look perfect! As always your photography is spot on!

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    1. Thanks Kita, it's always nice to hear that someone thinks that my photos are pretty. Will be buzzing you over at your blog. cheers!!

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  23. These are adorable! I love the colors. They look so professional. Well done!

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Hey foodies! THANK YOU for leaving me with sweet comments. I hope to inspire you like how you inspire me. Cheers~

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