Cupcakes

Everyones favourite Cupcakes, there are too many varieties, styles and flavours to mention so I'm going to give you the basic recipe, then it's up to you to experiment as thats what baking is all about.

8oz Self Raising Flour
8oz Butter                               
8oz caster sugar
4 eggs

you can use 8oz plain flour with 3 level tsp baking power if you dont want to use self raising flour.  if you want chocolate cupcakes then to the self raising flour add 1 level tablespoon of coco powder to the flour.

Pre heat oven to Gas mark 6 or 150c

Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl, add one egg and a tablespoon of flour into the butter and sugar, repeat until all the eggs have been used, at this point use a wooden spoon.  add the rest of the flour and use a metal spoon to fold it in, by doing this it adds air to the mixure which will make it rise. 

Now put the mixture into cases in a cupcake tray, if you want the same size cakes then use an ice cream scoop.  cook in the top of the oven for 20-25 mins until cooked .

Tip 1, if doing chocolate use a tablespoon of golden syrup in the mixture as this will keep them moist.
Tip 2, try not to keep opening the oven as this will make the cake sink
Tip 3, if you think they are done then press the top if it springs back then they are done.

Now for your toppings,

Again there are so many, here is one i used the other day,

If you have any chocolate spread then melt it down until it's slightly runny put it on the top of the cakes as an alternative to frosting (also some of the nut flavour will be taken on in the cake)