Hello my Foodie Friends. I have to admit I have a sweet tooth – especially for cupcakes. The cupcake is a baked good that has gained tremendous popularity over the past two decades. The big business and trend of making cupcakes has expanded through entrepreneurial bakers and bakeries taking advantage of the multiple varieties and creativity that can come with cupcakes. However, making your own cupcakes can be an endearing gift that you can make for yourself or for someone special. So, what is your cupcake personality? Do you prefer to indulge in rich double chocolate or simply vanilla? Whether your personality is fun and festive, salt and sweet, business-like or lovey-dovey, there is a cupcake flavor for you. Since their creation, cupcakes have become a pop culture trend in the culinary world. They have spawned dozens of bakeries devoted entirely to them. While chocolate and vanilla remain classic favorites, fancy flavors such as raspberry meringue and espresso fudge can be found on menus.
The history of cupcakes is interesting to learn about. The cupcake evolved in the United States in the 19th century, and it was revolutionary because of the amount of time it saved in the kitchen. There was a shift from weighing out ingredients when baking to measuring out ingredients. Food historians have yet to pinpoint exactly where the name of the cupcake originated. There are two theories: the cakes were originally cooked in cups, and the ingredients used to make the cupcakes were measured out by the cup. In the beginning, cupcakes were sometimes called “number” cakes, because they were easy to remember by the measurements of ingredients it took to create them: One cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, four eggs, one cup of milk, and one spoonful of soda. Clearly, cupcakes today have expanded to a wide variety of ingredients, measurements, shapes, and decorations - but this was one of the first recipes for making what we know today as cupcakes. Cupcakes were convenient because they cooked much quicker than larger cakes. When baking was done in hearth ovens, it would take a long time to bake a cake, and the final product would often be burned. Muffin tins, also called gem pans, were popular around the turn of the 20th century, so people started creating cupcakes in tins.
At Compliments to the Chef, we carry an assortment of muffin pans. One of our favorites is from USA Pan, the world’s largest producer of commercial bakeware. They have been supplying bakeware that commercial bakeries and baking professionals have trusted for over 50 years. USA Pan is professional grade bakeware that is used by bakers to achieve professional grade results. USA Pan has perfected the nonstick silicone coating process so customers can trust that their cookies, muffins, pies, and cakes will not be ruined by sticking to the pan. The USA bakeware is warp resistant, reliable, heavy-duty, PTFE and PFOA free. Their products are very easy to clean and have a unique fluted surface for added strength and to facilitate even baking and heat distribution.
At Compliments to the Chef located at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs, we carry Cool Tools for Cooks. Cupcakes are a sweet way to please a crowd, and to say “thank you” or “I love you” to your little cupcake. Remember Foodie Friends: “Life Happens in the Kitchen!”
Take Care,
John & Paula
