Non-Fat Yarn

Ms. Darcy's Knitted Cupcakes - For Sale?
Originally uploaded by NineInchNachosII

I think I've mentioned these in past blogs, on facebook, in conversations, my prayers, and on grocery lists: CUPCAKES.

Intellectually, we all know that cupcakes are just, uh, cake. Cake with frosting. They're just little. So what's the point?

Well, I'm glad you asked. Here are my theories, but remember, I'm no expert.

1. Cupcakes are portable. Not like stick-em-in-your-purse, or even popped into a baggy, of course. Just "no plate necessary," fingerable treats that leave the other hand ready for the milk.

2. Cupcakes can be made without dirtying pans, as well as enjoyed without the burden of silverware.

3. Cupcakes just SOUND happy. Say it with me. CUP-CAKES. Fun, huh?

4. Cupcakes are a blast to decorate. Frosting, fondant, sprinkles, jimmies, sugars, glitters, and them silver ball things that when you're a little kid you aren't sure if you should eat them cuz you don't know if they're food; and then when you decide to bite one, it feels like it will break your teeth so you're still not sure if it's food, but you chomp anyway and feel like a grown up when you realize you've conquered the mystery. (My silver ball dawning was in 1st grade - but then, cupcakes weren't the norm on the ranch.)
But I digress...

ahem...

5. Cupcakes can be made of stuff besides flour, etc! Yarn, felt, clay - heck, I've even seen them made from plaster of paris. Of course, those aren't quite as tasty.

6. Cupcakes are WAY more fun to look at then regular cakes. Sure, most of them can't hold a candle to a wedding cake, but you've got to admit that you don't see a lot of pictures of Betty Crocker's sheet cake showing up online.

I've listed a few reasons why Cupcakes absolutely rock. Now I admonish YOU to take a few minutes to ponder what Cupcakes mean to you.

My new addiction . . .

'I Love You' Hearts & Flowers
Originally uploaded by ConsumedbyCake

No, it's not the eating of the cupcakes. It's looking at pictures of them.

I stumbled on the website Cakewrecks.com and have found a new reason to live - and troll the net.

There are bazillion cupcake sites - meaning there are bazillion little shops that specialize in only cupcakes. Yes. Only. Cupcakes.

Check out the following:

cupcakestakethecake.com
bakerella.com
ditsydaisie.com
(and all of their links)

You'll be touched by the artistry, creativity, and basic temptiness/ation of these creations. And if you're delusional like me, you'll say,
"Pffft. I could do that."

Naturally, since I don't have a history of baking - or cooking, for that matter - I've obviously decided that I would be a perfect maker of cupcakes. So I begged for a mixer for my birthday. And not just any mixer, may I add. I begged for the best. And after much cajoling and whining, Mark told me to "go ahead and order what you want."

So in 2 weeks, I will open a brand new KitchenAid mixer, already wrapped in gift paper and delivered by UPS from Amazon.com. Of course, it will be accompanied by a sweet card from my supportive spouse, who has learned after 27 years of marriage that reasoning does not work.

Let's see:
Great husband.
Wonderful kids.
Lovely home.
KitchenAid & pictures of cupcakes.

Life doesn't get any better than this.