Monday, March 15, 2010

MSC: Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

This month for our Martha Stewart Cupcakes challenge, Megan from My Baking Adventures chose the Lemon Meringue cupcakes. I was very excited to try this recipe since it required me to step out of my baking "box" so to speak. Lemon Curd was something that I had never attempted before. The amount of eggs in this month's challenge was a little crazy. I think I went through about two dozen eggs between the cupcakes (4 eggs), the curd (8 egg yolks and two whole eggs), and the frosting (5 egg whites)!

I decided to make the lemon curd first since it needed to chill in the fridge for a few hours. I thought the actual process of making the curd was pretty simple. It was when I went to check on it a few hours later was when I realized that I had failed, the curd was still runny and had never firmed up. I was so disappointed! I took to my Facebook to rant about my failed lemon curd. My Wilton cake instructor, Dorothy, asked me what went wrong. She talked me through it, and it turns out I didn't cook it long enough. I'll have to give lemon curd another try...

On the other hand, I really enjoyed making the cake. I loved the fragrant smell of lemons while making them. I tried Martha's Seven Minute Frosting again, just to see if I would have better luck than I did last time. But no, they were exactly the same. I guess I figure when I put some much effort into making frosting I expect it to taste amazing, but this frosting is just kind of boring.

When it came time to toast the cupcakes, my husband Alex was more than willing to help me out:




The final results:




The verdict: I would make the cake for this recipe again. The frosting, heck no: I'm done with this frosting. I'll stick to my classic buttercream, thank you very much. And when I'm feeling ambitious (or when I have 8 egg yolks lying around), I'll try making Lemon Curd again.

Be sure and check out all of the other baker's results. You can see a list of all the other participating bakers here.

AND please stay tuned later today for a giveaway!!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lemon Curd is yummy, so I hope you make it again. Also, if you have Dorie Greenspan's book, she has a recipe for Lemon Cream in there that is to die for (don't look at how much butter is in it though). Your cupcakes are so pretty. I wish I had a torch.

Cupcakes and Sundry said...

These look great! How do you like that torch?

Shannon said...

Your cupcakes turned out much better than mine. I did not photograph the evidence...it was bad. Very bad.

Bella Baker said...

those little cupcakes look adorable!! I need to get myself a torch! Sorry your lemon curd didn't turn out. You should gibve it another try because it really is fabulous!

Dave said...

Despite the dislike for the meringue topping (and i totally agree with you there!), your have perfect little swirls and such a lovely gloss to them. I, too, will be making these again....and maybe even just make the curd to have handy for toast and ..well, spoon-dips. heheh

Lisa Smiley said...

I'm with you on the lemon curd re-do. Argh! I was rantin' and screamin' over here, too! Tried a different recipe and it worked out a bit better. Yours are beautiful, though!! And I am with you on the buttercream, but I do love the torched look...

Nina said...

Beautiful. Even though you didnt enjoy the meringue topping at least you tried it! They look super nice.

Anonymous said...

Your frosting looks so pretty--I don't own a torch, although I gave in and finally ordered one ;-)

TeaLady said...

Yes, try the lemon curd again. It is soooo good.

They look good. He did a good job of torching the cuppys. Isn't it fun. I love my torch.

Jennifer said...

After everyone's encouragement, I will definitely try making the lemon curd again!

And I loved this little torch! I borrowed it from a friend at work, but I may have to get me one of my own. It's the Creme Brulee torch from Williams Sonoma.

Unknown said...

I have not made these cupcakes as yet but am really excited on trying the lemon curd. Yours look great torched. Well done.

Unknown said...

Great job on the cupcakes and nice assist from the husband :) I promise, if you like lemons, lemon curd is one of the most delicious things ever!! Definitely give it another shot. I think there's a recipe floating around the internet for a microwave version - maybe that would be a good one to try when you're ready!

The Food Librarian said...

Great looking cupcakes! The torching looks fantastic.

Unknown said...

they look great torched....well done.
I too thught they had too many eggs.

Judy said...

you're a lucky gal! i wish i had a hubby who was willing to brown meringue for me! hehe. mine only ventures into the kitchen for brief moments when he's hungry and asking about what's for dinner. =)

your swirls are so beautiful! job well done!

Unknown said...

Nice job on these - to you and your husband! Although I flaked on the lemon curd myself, it's one of my favorite things to make - so delicious.

Steffanie said...

Those look wonderful, it does make me want to go through the hassle :o

Pam Rader said...

Yes, but the Lemon Meringue cupcakes looked amazing! I think my husband might kill for those!

Pam Rader said...

Hey Jenn, do you have a list of the flavors for cake and frosting that you offer on your blog? Just curious.

Jennifer said...

Hey Leyna, I sure don't have a list on my blog of what flavors I have available. I have to keep the sale of cupcakes on the down low! :)