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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Susi's Kochen und Backen 1st Blogoversary!



Wow, I can't believe it's been one whole year already since I started this "blog thing". One year ago, my very smart 17 year old daughter told me I should start a blog. Little did she, or I know what a fun and at times exhausting ride this would be. The year has certainly been filled with a few trials, a few extra gray hairs, but mostly great memories. If it wouldn't have been for my little "hiatus" named Valley Fever, I would have finished as strongly as I started, but sometimes life does not work out the way you intend it to. However, through all of this I could not be prouder of this blog and how far I have come. I have challenged myself with recipes, photography and writing. I'd like to think that I've improved in all areas. The cooking and baking part comes easily to me, the other two don't come as naturally, but it has been a great experience and learning curve. None of this would have been possible without all the support you guys have given me. Some of you have been around since the very beginning and I can't begin to express how much your kind comments have meant to me. Some of you are newer to my blog, nonetheless your friendship and equally encouraging comments have been what keeps me coming back. All of your great blogs are what drives me to push and improve myself everyday. The last year would have not been as possible or successful without all of you and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I could not be prouder to have "met" every single one of you!

So what is in store for year 2 on Susi's Kochen und Backen Adventures? At this point, I'm just happy that I'm feeling well enough to blog again, however, I do have a few "monsters" I would like to tackle this year. Baking more of my own bread is on the top of my list, along with trying my hand at macarons which I have only admired on other blogs thus far. I would also like to challenge myself into creating more "original" recipes and keep working on my photography skills, which is still my greatest struggle (even though I think I've improved from my early months). I will also continue to feature more German recipes since I enjoy sharing my heritage with you. Lastly, but not least, some popular features will make a return along with a few more recipes that focus on healthy eating in general. I'm certainly looking forward to a great year and can't wait to share all of this with you!

To celebrate this momentum occasion I struggled with the decision of what recipe to feature today. I finally decided to go with this cupcake recipe and in true Susi's Kochen und Backen fashion, this recipe ended up turning out a bit different then intended.  Chocolate cupcakes, with a cream cheese center who were "supposed" to be topped with a chocolate glaze and chocolate curls. Unfortunately, once baked, the cupcakes decided to have a mind of their own and the cheesecake center decided to sink on me, leaving them looking more like craters then photographic gems I had envisioned. That's when I decided to macerate some of my bounty of frozen fruit from last summer and top the cupcakes with that. Everyone agreed that they looked prettier than the original in the book and while I can't compare taste, I'd like to think that the fruit gave them this little extra special something. These cupcakes were a hit and I will definitely be baking them again, "Susi's Kochen und Backen Style".


Black & White Cupcakes
 ~makes 12 cupcakes~

Ingredients:
8 ounce cream cheese, at room temperature
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup cake flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 cup berries, frozen or fresh, tossed with 2 tablespoons sugar


Preparation:
Toss berries with 2 tablespoons sugar and set aside.

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.

To make the cream cheese filling, in a bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sour cream and 1/2 cup of the sugar and beat until combined.

To make the cupcake batter, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and remaining 3/4 cup sugar together until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the milk in 2 additions, beating on low speed until just combined; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about one-half full. Spoon the cream cheese filling onto the center of each, dividing it evenly (the filling will sink into the cupcakes as they bake). Bake until the cupcakes are set in the center, about 15-20 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Transfer the cupcakes to the wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour.

Right before serving top each cupcake with the berry mixture.

Adapted from: Cupcakes 

36 comments:

  1. I'm really looking forward to the next year. Happy anniversary, Susi! I'm glad I've gotten to come along with you for the ride.

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  2. Happy Blogoversary! =) These cupcakes look yummy!

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  3. These cupcakes look wonderfully amazing! My mouth's drooling.
    Happy blogoversary!! :D

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  4. Happy blogoversary!

    The cupcakes look dreamy....esp with the yummy fruit topping.

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  5. Happy First Blog birthday! Isn't blogging amazing? I am getting close to year 2, and everyday I am amazed at how my world has opened up. I am looking forward to enjoying your blog for many more years.

    Your cupcake? Well, it looks fabulous! Beautiful.

    Cheers.
    Velva

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  6. Das ist eine sehr gut ... cupcake! I don't know the German word for cupcake, but those look fantastic!

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  7. Happy Blogoversary!!!

    The recipe sounds divine! I LOVE the fruit topping paired with the cream cheese, sounds perfect! And the photos are indeed gorgeous- as usual! I hope you have a wonderful day and I look forward to reading and being inspired by your posts on your second year! Congrats!!

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  8. Happy 1st Blog Birthday!
    The cupcakes look terrific!

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  9. I have enjoyed watching your blog blossom and grow. I look forward to more of your adventures.
    (And really missed you while you were gone.) These little cakes are just lovely.

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  10. Congratulations on your 1st blog Birthday.
    Ich freue mich sehr mit Dir, dass es Dir wieder besser geht. Looking forward to another great year.
    Liebe Gruesse Kirsten

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  11. Happy blogoversary! I think you are finishing strong as it is. I had magically sinking cupcakes, even if they taste good, but I think you made a great save here!

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  12. Happy Blogiversary! You have a lovely blog, I always enjoy visiting it. Your cupcakes look to die for! Wow! Here's to another great year!

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  13. Happy Blogiversary!!! I thinnk you chose a great little goodie to celebrate with!! These looks fantastic

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  14. happy 1 year in blogland! Pass a cupcake please.

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  15. Susi, it was wonderful to hear from you again. Happy Anniversary. For bloggers it is an important day. I hope that I'l be able to celebrate the next ten years with you as well. The cupcakes were wonderful. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  16. your cupcakes look just fine to me and I bet they tasted even better.

    Happy First Birthday !

    Hope there are many more to come...

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  17. Happy Blogoversary! Those look fabulous.

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  18. Happy one year of your wonderful creative and delicious blog, congratulations! I look forward to your posts in year two;-)

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  19. Happy Blogoversary! I'm so glad you're feeling well enough to celebrate your year of blogging. :) The fruit topping on your cupcakes is beautiful! They sound delicious. :)

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  20. Happy Blogiversary to you Susi!! I'm so glad that you're feeling better and back in the kitchen. I'm looking forward to everything you cook and bake in the coming year.

    These cupcakes look terrific. I love that you "fixed" them with the fruit. They're beauties.

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  21. Yay!! Congrats!! These cupcakes look fantastic!!

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  22. We are also very happy your are well enough to blog again! Happy first blogoversary and to the many more to come :)

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  23. I love that you added the berry mixture to the top! Happy Blog Birthday:-)

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  24. Congratulations on your 1st year blog anniversary, Susi!!! Your cupcakes look like a delicious way to celebrate :)

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  25. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!! I'm officially in LOVE with these cupcakes. The contrast in color, flavor, everything! :-p And congratulations, of course, on your very first blogoversary! So exciting!!

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  26. Congratulations on your blogging anniversary, improved health and all good things!

    I agree that your cupcakes are spectacular. I think the fruit is a perfect addition and makes me want to put my finger through it and then lick it off.

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  27. Happy 1 year! That is so awesome, congrats!

    Your cupcakes look simply amazing, just wow!

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  28. I love the berries on top. Every little hint of spring that I see makes winter that much closer to being over! The cupcakes sound delicious.

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  29. yay for 1 year! Looking forward to more in year #2, those cupcakes look killer. I, too, would like to try the macarons...skeered.

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  30. Happy blogiversary, girlfriend!!! These cupcakes look super yummy!!

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  31. Happy blogoversary!
    Your cupcakes look fantastic :D

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  32. Congrats on making it to the 1 year mark -- no small feat by any means! Can't wait to see what year 2 brings us!

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  33. Congratulations! Susi. I'm glad you are back. I'll look forward to your posts and your photos. These cupcakes look awesome.

    Joanne

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  34. Happy Blogiversary,my dear Susi:)Love these pretty cupcakes. I am happy you are feeling better to be back blogging (I did miss you). YES! More traditional recipes from Germany!I love those recipes when you post them. Happy Weekend. xo

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