It was our first gathering of the year and a double celebration at that! We spent the day with family and friends to celebrate the Feast of Sto. Niño and my Ella’s 5th birthday. Ella’s birthday wasn’t until Monday, but because we always spend Sundays over at my parents’ house I decided to hold the celebration in advance.
The birthday girl really enjoyed her day as she went around talking with party guests, many of whom she didn’t really know. This is such a big change because Ella used to be so aloof especially in the company of strangers. Many of my own friends were pleasantly surprised because Ella had never spoken to them in the past but she was all smiles last Sunday and gamely answered questions. Awwww, my little girl is growing up!
It was also funny how people were calling her Queen Ella because that’s the name she gave them. I have Disney’s Frozen to blame for this because she loved Queen Elsa so much she wanted to be her. Actually, every time she’s asked for her name she would answer, “I’m Queen Dr. Ate Ella, so pretty, so ganda, so sexy, so beautiful“. I have no explanation for that hahaha.
Last Sunday also marked the triumphant return of The Baker. Oh yes, this baker is finally back and I couldn’t be happier and more proud!
I brought out my baking tools and put my oven to use to make some birthday cupcakes. I originally planned baking some Red Velvet cupcakes (Ella’s favorite cupcake flavor) but I forgot that I didn’t have red food coloring. So I ended up making MY favorite recipe, Dorie Greenspan’s Chocolate Chocolate Cupcakes, which I made into bite-sized mini-cupcakes and frosted with vanilla buttercream. Sadly, as you can probably see from the photo above (taken using my iPhone), the frosting had already started melting when we got to my parents’ house. The weather was extremely humid that day which caused the butter in the frosting to soften. Thankfully, the mini-cupcakes were still a hit among the guests. Consider myself flattered!
I must admit though that I cheated a bit. I didn’t bake Ella’s birthday cake because I ran out of time and didn’t have enough butter to frost even an 8-inch cake *hangs head in shame*. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to bake again in penance.
Hmmmm, what would you suggest I make next time?
I too haven't been baking in a while.. suggestions.. maybe a cheesecake?
The mini cupcakes look so yummy. My husband is learning how to bake cupcakes and the frosting too. Hopefully, ma-perfect na nya before our son's 5th birthday.
Belated Happy Birthday to you little queen Ella! The mini-cupcakes look delicious!
I envy you for making perfect cupcakes. I need more practice to have such finished products.
Those cupcakes are gorgeous! Belated happy birthday, Ella.
Does the buttercream hold up with our weather? You have a recipe? A few years back I tried buttercream frosting but it melted after a few hours.
Looks yummy.! Why not bake some yummy chocolate cookies next? 🙂
I wish I know how to bake too! 🙁
Wow! Now, I am hungry hehehehe… Maybe, you can try pies or macadamia chocolate chip cookies? And if you do, please, please, please, let me know?- that's my favorite hehehe
Chocolate cakes or cupcakes will surely do! Hope you can do this one next time.
Wow! your blog is back sis! And welcome back to the baking world.. As if lang ako sis, feeling magaling mag bake hehehe..
I'm so loving the cute cupcakes, so perfect for birthday celebration and its so good. Yum! http://www.sweetcuisinera.com
Wow they look so delicious! One of the things I wanted to do is to bake! Have you tried baking a nutella cupcake? 🙂
Can I have one cupcake? It looks good with coffee.
Well, it was very different from my own. The celebration we have this time was totally out of control. Such a mess.