Ice Cream Theme!

Today I brought "ice cream" flavored cupcakes to school. I made Mint Chocolate Chip cupcakes and Cookies & Cream cupcakes.

Mint Chocolate Chip:
The cupcakes had a perfect consistency and the frosting turned out extremely well.

Frosting and Infusing - 
I infused heavy cream with fresh mint leaves to give the frosting a natural mint flavor instead of the artificial one present in mint extract. Some people chose to use extract, but I think it tastes too much like toothpaste or chewing gum,  yuck!

Infusing was a lot easier than I originally thought it would be. In order to infuse, I simmered the cream in a saucepan and added the mint leaves. After around 5 minutes, I removed the saucepan from the heat and strained the mint out.

For the garnish, I used half an Andes Chocolate (they are mint flavored) and sprinkled some mint leaves as well.

Cookies and Cream:
I was worried about the consistency of these. The cupcakes seemed a little on the harder side, so I was concerned that they would taste overcooked or too dense. There is a half of an oreo at the bottom of the cupcake and chunks throughout, so there was definitely a lack of batter. Nevertheless, my guardian Judy said that they "tasted amazing" and that you couldn't tell that anything was wrong with them. I figure I was maybe being neurotic since I have become a perfectionist with my baked goods.

The Frosting for these cupcakes is probably my favorite I have ever tried. The consistency was perfect for piping. It almost tasted like the cream of an oreo (but less artificial).

 Cookies & Cream Cupcake

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcake

On another note…
I started using the Kitchen Aid Electric Mixer my mother purchased a few years ago. Let me tell you, it is AMAZING! Best investment my mom had ever made! While the hands free aspect makes things 100 times easier, I also think it makes the frosting and cupcake batter consistency better. I was even told my frosting has started tasting better since using it (but that may be because I've been practicing over 8 hours a week). I advise ANYONE who loves baking to save up and invest. It's pricy but well worth the cost; plus it lasts a long time.

I will be writing soon because later today I will also be making cupcakes for my moms office!

-J