Cupcake 5: Valentine Heart

The 14th of February was probably chosen as Valentine's Day because it was the ancient belief that birds, particularly lovebirds, began to mate on that date. Make a batch of these delicious cupcakes for the one you love. Alternatively, impress your family and friends with them.

Makes 6 cupcakes

6 tbsp butter, softened, or soft margarine

generous 3/8 cup superfine sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs, lightly beaten

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa

1 tsp baking powder

Marzipan hearts

1¼ oz/35 g marzipan

red food coloring (liquid or paste)

confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Topping

4 tbsp butter, softened

1 cup confectioners' sugar

1 oz/25 g semisweet chocolate, melted

6 chocolate flower decorations

* To make the hearts, knead the marzipan until pliable, then add a few drops of red coloring and knead until evenly colored red. Roll out the marzipan to a thickness of ¼ inch/5 mm on a counter dusted with confectioners' sugar. Using a small heart-shaped cutter, cut out 6 hearts. Put these on a tray lined with waxed paper and dusted with confectioners' sugar. Let dry for 3-4 hours.

* To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Put 6 paper muffin cases in a muffin pan.

* Put the batter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl and beat together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs, beating well after each addition. Sift in the flour, cocoa, and baking powder and, using a large metal spoon, fold into the mixture. Spoon the batter into the paper cases.

* Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until well risen and firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

* To make the topping, put the butter in a large bowl and beat until fluffy. Sift in the confectioners' sugar and beat together until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and beat together until well mixed. When the cakes are cold, spread the frosting on top of each cake and decorate with a chocolate flower.

 

side one:
01. It All Depends On You - Jackie Gleason
02. With Tomorrow - Gene Clark
03. The Time You Spent With Me - Ohio Express
04. I Fell In Love With a Ghost - Lydia Lunch
05. Say It Isn't So - Jackie Gleason
06. Stop Draggin' My Heart Around - Stevie Nicks w/ Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
07. Crève Misère - Georges Chelon
08. Nobody's Sweetheart - The Mills Violano Virtuoso (Double) of the Gay '90s Melody Museum, St. Louis
09. You Were Meant For Me - Jackie Gleason 
[song ends abruptly just as it's getting started.]
[ listen ]

side two:
01. When He Wants a Woman - Timi Yuro
02. Honey Bunch - The Gentleman Losers
03. Jealous - Jackie Gleason
04. Le Mur De La Prison D'en Face - Yves Duteil
05. God Knows (You Gotta' Give to Get) - El Perro Del Mar
06. Don't Wanna' Live Inside Myself - Bee Gees
07. Mirror Kissers - The Cribs
08. No Place So Alone - Tindersticks
09. Dark Is the Night - Jackie Gleason
10. Starry-Eyed and Breathless - Ethel Ennis 
[track suddenly cuts off for no apparent reason.]
[ listen ]