About Cupcakes

So you've had a cupcake or two, made them, and think you know all about them. Like all good foods, there's more to them than meets the eye. For example, did you know that the subject of cup cakes has its very own blog site. "Cupcake stake the cake.blogspot.com" offers everything and anything you need to know about cupcakes.

History

Cupcakes are an interesting treat. Have you ever wondered exactly where they came up with the name "cupcake?" Both in Great Britain and the USA, the name was given to a cake if it was about the size of a cup. The other way it received its name is in the recipe itself. The ingredients were measured in cups. As is seen in the recipe used in the year 1234, which includes 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour and four eggs.

Size

In March of 2008, Food Network's Duff Goldman created what may be the largest cupcake ever. Measuring 1 foot tall, 18 inches in diameter, and weighing in at more than 60 lbs., it is 150 times the size of a normal cupcake.

Types

Not all cupcakes are for eating. Sounds weird doesn't it? ACottageIndustry.com has a cupcake recipe for the purpose of starting fires. These special cupcakes are appropriately called "Fire Starters." The ingredients include cedar shavings (found in the pet section of any store), paraffin or a candle stump, a large pot, a cupcake pan and cupcake liners. Their complete recipe can be found on their site (see Resources below).

Function

You've heard of hot dog contest--where someone proves he can stuff the most hot dogs down his throat. The winner is the contestant that can eat the most hot dogs and keep them down. Well, there is a similar contest for cupcakes. Held in Birmingham, Michigan, if you are a winner you hold the same bragging rights as the hot dog winner.

Potential

Not into eating that many cupcakes but still want to participate in winning? Create a cupcake and submit it the Cutest Cupcake Contest by Martha Stewart. The winner has a chance in winning a cup cake tree as well as having a chance to be featured on the Martha Stewart show.

Prevention/Solution

Need recipes for that delicious winning cup cake? Cupcakerecipes.com is a great resource for a variety of cup cakes. Cupcakes are not hard to make, but they even have a category for "Easy Cupcakes." Looking for some unusual ingredients? This site offers recipes for that as well.

Expert Insight

Cupcakes can easily be bought. However, you will save a bundle if you make them yourself. An easy way to make them is to purchase a box cake mix and follow the mixing directions. Place cupcake papers inside the cupcake pans and bake. Decorate as desired.

Resources

• A Cottage Industry Fire Starter cupcake recipe
• Food Timeline
• Cup Cake Blog