Tuesday, January 10, 2006

More baking for the co-workers...

Busy day in the kitchen today as it is Tuesday, the day before Wednesday Treat Day at Jeff's office. I decided to make two recipes as there would be more people than normal there tomorrow and I needed an excuse to use a new display piece I got for Christmas.

The first recipe, Coconut Cupcakes, uses coconut twice - once inside the cake and then on top of the icing. The cupcake itself crowns nicely and has a light texture, with a hint of almond. They are frosted with a soft cream cheese icing and then a showering of coconut covers the top. I was tempted to toast the coconut a little, but I decided I wanted to keep them clean and white. I love the flavor of toasted coconut though, so I might do that next time.

The second, Banana Buttermilk Cupcakes with Chocolate Glaze, has a batter similar to the above, but uses cake flour, no almond extract and of course has mashed bananas. I found that since I filled these a little fuller, the tops spread out and then crowned which allowed some of the sides to touch together. Next time I would reduce the amount in each cup to make 20 cupcakes, instead of 18, to fix that issue. They have a pleasant banana flavor and since the liquid is buttermilk, the cupcakes stay pretty tender. A simple chocolate glaze coats the tops evenly and sticks just enough so it does not drip down and is not heavy. I used bittersweet chocolate, but you could substitute with semisweet if needed.

I loved the combination of flavors going on in tonight's dinner. Jerk Pork Tenderloin with Fresh Pineapple Chutney uses a quick (albeit not too authentic) jerk seasoning that includes spices most people would probably have in their cupboards. It does call for apple-pie spice, but since I did not have that I substituted 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg and 1/2 teaspoon cardamom. I then took the needed measure amount from that and will save the rest in case I need it again! After searing the pork, it is baked until slightly pink in the center, so it stays very juicy. The fresh chutney adds a tropical sweetness and refreshing pair to the pork which is just a touch spicy. It was quick to throw together, and I'll get to have the rest of the fresh pineapple for a snack tomorrow!

Recipes

13 comments:

  1. Those cupcakes remind me of NYC black and white cookies!

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  2. They look delicious. I will have to try the coconut ones for my mom. She likes coconut cake.

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  3. Mind if I ask you what brand of camera you are using for your photos? My own blog has hit a snag...digital camera took a dive, and I'm looking for a decent replacement. Any suggestions?

    Also, would you mind terribly if I linked your blog from my own?

    Thanks,

    Chris

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  4. I so totally want one of that cupcake holder! It's so cool...

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  5. My sister would go nuts over your cupcake holder. The jerk pork looks wonderful. I must go to Jamaica and eat jerk chicken from a street vendor. It's one of my culinary/travel goals.

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  6. Great way to break in the new holder! I'm sure the office will appreciate this little bit of beauty.

    The jerk tenderloin with the chutney looks awesome!

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  7. What a fantastic picture! Joe, you make the best stuff.

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  8. Joe, my jaw dropped. How fantastic those cupcakes. You are just amazing.

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  9. Mebeth - Too funny, we said the same thing as I was putting them on the stand.

    Michelle - These have a very nice coconut flavor!

    Chris - Our camera is a Kodak DX 4530 - Feel free to link back to us!

    Stephanie - I was quite happy when I got it! I love it!

    Kalyn - That would be a blast to be able to do that!

    s'kat - Thanks! They liked the holder, and the cupcakes went pretty fast!

    Sara - Thank you!

    Valentina - Aww, thank you!

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  10. Waaaaaaaaaaaah! Can I PLEASE hire you? Every day there is a new delight on your page (and in YOUR bellies, not mine). Some days the kids I teach suck the lifeforce out of me so bad that I don't have any energy to even glance at the kitchen. The Frog isn't much of hand at the kitchen either. He tried to use a metal utensil in my new teflon pan the other day !!!!! *holding the desk to steady myself*

    So what do you say? I'll even wait for late spring so you can start in on our fresh salmon, halibut the size of a ten-year old child, herring eggs and salmonberries. Maybe even ooligan fish. No doubt you'd create masterpieces with them all :D

    *grin* You always inspire me. Ignore the whining but there IS a fishing resort up here if you're up to it ;) This place is gorgeous to visit in the summertime.

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  11. Wow!! Wonderful cupcakes Joe! And the cupcake holder is so beautiful, I want one too!!
    Ana

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  12. I'm eyeing that cupcake holder, Joe. Where can I get one? :)

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  13. thediningdica - Hmm... your request does sound tempting!

    Ana - Thanks!

    Lori - I received it as a gift so I'm not sure where it was purchased but I've seen them in local stores as well as Amazon and I believe the Baking Catalog from KAF.

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