Cupcake Makers are Perfect Gifts

Cupcake Makers are like a George Foreman grill for those that love cupcakes and muffins, They have non-stick surfaces, power and/or ready lights with easy to clean reservoirs, and cupcakes bake in 5-8 minutes. You can't get any better than that! But there is something better-by not having to use any oil or grease for the cupcake maker it is healthier for you. Just an added bonus.

Both brands come with a small recipe book that includes recipes for cupcakes, mini pies, scones, brownie bites or even quiche. I made chocolate cupcakes to try mine out the first time. One thing to keep in mind is that some of the reservoirs might cook faster, so make sure you use a toothpick to test more than one. If you open it and the cupcakes, or muffins aren't quite done just close the lid and recheck in a minute or so. You will learn to judge it.

Mini cupcake papers or liners should be used for brownies, and cheesecakes. This is because they are so hot and aren't really firm until after they are cool and the cupcake liners help them keep their form until they are cooled. Another thing is to not use sharp objects to remove your cupcakes. I found an adorable mini spatula set that fits perfectly in the reservoirs to lift the cupcakes out.

We made cupcakes and cheese biscuits in our cupcake maker and they turned out excellent. I did mess up one batch of cherry cupcakes as the cherry juice from the whole cherries took a bit longer than I thought.

Gingerbread Cupcakes

1 cup all purpose flour
1 teasp baking powder
1 t ground ginger
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t ground cloves
1/8 t salt

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 T light corn syrup
2 T molasses
1/3 cup milk
1 egg lightly beaten

Directions:

Combine flour, baking powder, ginger, soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt in mixing bowl; set aside.

Combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and molasses in small saucepan. Heat over low flame, stirring occasionally, until melted and sugar has dissolved. Pour melted mixture over flour. Add milk and egg. Stir until blended.

Fill each cup with about 2 Tablespoons batter. Bake in cupcake maker, about 5-7 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

Makes about 16 cupcakes

All Cupcake Recipes work in the Cupcake Makers, even ones with filling in the middle.