Chocolate Cupcakes with Swiss Meringue Buttercream Flowers - Featuring Russian Piping Tips

Have you heard of Russian Piping / Icing Tips before?  They are my latest discovery and obsession!  Think about it, for someone who is not very good at decorating with buttercream and frosting, I actually managed to create these gorgeous flower cupcakes!  It’s got to be a foodie blogger’s dream comes true!



The piping tips are quite easy to use and the results are simply stunning!  Look at these cupcakes for a second, aren’t they gorgeous?  I say they are definitely the most beautiful cupcakes that I’ve ever created!  



The icing/piping tip set that I’ve got online comes with 10 metal tips, and one plastic tip that allow you to put 3 different colored icing in 1 pastry bag.  In this recipe and video tutorial, I’m only testing 2 of them and the rest have got to wait for another time.  The 2 piping tips I used for this post are the roses and tulips shaped ones.  The buttercream flowers that I created using these piping tips are simply breath taking!  If I can do it, anyone can definitely do it as well!



Besides trying out new icing tips, I’m also testing out these “Color Cups” cupcake liners for the very first time.  I’m definitely in love with them.  As you can see, the cupcake liners truly stay vibrant even after baking!  They are just as easy to use when compared to everyday paper cupcake liners.  They are only slightly more expensive than the regular liners. In my humble opinion, they are totally worth the extra bucks especially if you’re baking for parties and gatherings!



These cupcakes are simply scrumptious!  The cupcakes are dark chocolate cupcakes using my favorite Valrhona Unsweetened Cocoa Powder for the deep chocolatey flavors.  The cupcakes are super easy to put together and they are moist and fluffy!



The cupcakes are topped with Vanilla Bean Swiss Meringue Buttercream that are smooth and silky!  I dyed it into 4 different colors using some store-bought all-natural food coloring.  You can see all the products that I used in today’s video tutorial above and I’ll also list them out at the end of this post for your convenience!  If you’re not sure about creating your own gorgeous cupcakes for your next tea party or for someone’s birthday, think again!  These Russian Piping Tips definitely boosted my confident in cake/cupcake decorating and I can foresee more cupcakes in my kitchen in the near future!



Thank you so much for stopping by today!  Remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  See you all next week with another fun recipe!

Tools and ingredients used:
Cupcake Pan (Click here for more information)
Color Cups Cupcake Liners (Click here for more information)
Valrhona Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Click here for more information)
Cake Flour (Click here for more information)
Ice Cream Scoop (Click here for more information)
Whisk (Click here for more information)
Russian Piping Tips Set (Click here for more information)
Wilton #67 Leaf Piping Tip (Click here for more information)
Disposable Piping Bag (Click here for more information)
All Natural Food Coloring (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Heat Proof Measuring Cups (Click here for more information)



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How to Make Unicorn Poop Rainbow Sour Lemon Meringue Cookies 檸檬彩虹蛋白曲奇:

Are you ready for another magical and whimsical recipe?  A recipe that involves a mysterious, fascinating, and imaginary create!  Yes, I'm talking about the Unicorn! After all, everything associated with the Unicorn has been so gorgeous and adorable, even with its byproduct such as... its poop!?



Sorry, I just couldn’t help it!  I had so much fun making these Sour Lemon Meringue Cookies with my Little Girl.  We were laughing, joking, and goofing around in the kitchen as we bake and enjoy each other's company…and these cookies, of course!



If you haven’t watched my video tutorial yet, you’ve got to check it out.  I guaranteed that you won’t be disappointed! I’ll show you step by step procedures on how to create the perfect rainbow swirls that shaped these cookies.  They are actually easier than you think.  Plus, you’ll get my tips and secret on how to make the perfect meringue cookies!        



These rainbow colored Sour Lemon Meringue Cookies are made from all natural food coloring deprived from fruit and vegetables (I’ll link my food coloring tutorials below this post).  If you don’t have the time to make your own coloring, I’ve found out that my local health-food store/supermarket do carry some all natural coloring options.  I’ll list the product links below this post so that you can check them out as well. 



If you’ve baked meringue cookies before, you know that they don’t like moisture!  So, we bake them at low temperature for a long time.  Plus, we need to be careful on the flavoring option as well.  Since I made these in lemon flavor, I use lemon zest to give these cookies the refreshing lemony aroma.  But for the tartness, I used citrus acid (which is really sour and in powder form) instead of fresh lemon juice.  That way, I won’t be adding too much moisture into the batter. 



These cookies are so light, crispy, and packed with lemony aroma.  The sweetness and tartness is perfectly balanced!  Give them a try and you’ll fall in love with them.




I hope you enjoyed today’s post and recipe!  Remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  Stay tuned for more fun recipe next week!




Ingredients and Tools Used:
All Natural Food Coloring (Click here for more information)
Wilton 1 A Round piping tip (Click here for more information)
Citrus Acid (Click here for more information)
Edible Gold Leaves (Click here for more information)
Disposable Piping Bag (Click here for more information)
Silver Dragees (Click here for more information)
Freeze Dried Strawberry (Click here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Corn Starch (粟粉) (Click here for more information)
Edible Gold Stars (Click here for more information)
Baking Sheets (Click here for more information)
Silpat (Click here for more information)

How to Make All Natural Blue Food Coloring Tutorial:
https://goo.gl/8nT8Sm

How to Make All Natural Red Food Coloring Tutorial:
https://goo.gl/zTcc2h

Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Glam Up Your Weekend Brunch - How to Make Fancy Soft Boiled Eggs with Toast Soldiers

My family loves weekend brunches.  It’s an occasion that we cherish and enjoy a lot!  I mean, who wouldn’t love to take the time to relax, eat, drink, talk, and laugh, right? It’s the best time to recharge and unwind. 




If you enjoy weekend brunches like we do, you’ve got to give this Soft Boiled Egg with Toast Soldiers a try!  It’s a “glam up” version of your daily soft boiled eggs.  It is seasoned with truffle salt, topped off with caviar, and garnished with fresh chives for the finishing touch.   



Check out my videos tutorial above because I’ll show you tips and tools on how to give this soft boiled egg shell a nice clean cut!   It looks and tastes fancy, but definitely easier to prepare than it’s look.   




If you follow my recipe, you’ll get perfectly cooked soft boiled eggs every single time with the egg whites cooked and the yolks still running.  It’s the perfect consistency for some dunking actions with the buttery toast soldiers!  



It’s fancy enough to serve at gatherings, but easy enough as everyday food as well!  I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think.  Remember, Eat, Drink, and Be Happy!  I’ll see you all next week!





Tools and Ingredients Used:

Egg Cracker/Topper (Click here for more information)
Egg Cup and Spoon Set (Click here for more information)
Mini Pearl Spoons for Caviar (Click here for more information)
Caviar (Click here for more information)
Truffle Salt (Click here for more information)
Bread Knife (Click here for more information)
Copper Chef Non-Stick Pan (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Salted Butter (Click here for more information)


Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Tea Flavor Cookies - 4 Ways (Original, Matcha Green Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose)

My Little Girl and I love tea parties.  We often host our own “party” at home for afternoon tea.  From savory sandwiches, petit fours, French Macaron, hot chocolate, to classic English tea, you name it and we’ve tried them all!  One of our favorites got to be these Tea Flavor Cookies!  Not only they are quite easy to prepare, they are also very delicious!  The bonus is that they are super adorable, don’t you agree? 



Today, I’m going to show you how to make them, not just 1, but all 4 flavors.  I’ll show you how to turn 1 basic cookie dough into 4 different flavors: the Original flavor, Matcha Japanese Green  Tea, Earl Grey, and Rose.  If you have some other tea that you enjoy more other than those that I listed,  by all means, substitute with the tea or tea bags of your choice.



If you haven’t check out my video tutorial yet, go ahead and watch it.  I’ll show you step-by-step on how to turn your cookies into these cute little tea bags shapes.  Best of all, there’s no special cookie cutters required!   But of course, you can use your favorite cookie cutters to stamp out the dough as well.   







These Tea Flavor Cookies are crispy, buttery, and elevated with a hint of tea flavor.  I kept the tea flavor to the mild side because that’s how My Girl likes them.  If you prefer a stronger tea flavor, check out my recipe notes below and I’ll show you how to do that as well.






Out of the 4 flavors, I have to say, my favorite one is the Rose Tea flavor cookie!  The floral tone is simply beautiful and elegant in these tea cookies!  You’ve got to give these a try to see for yourself.  So, what is your favorite tea to enjoy?  Have you tried other treats that are also in tea flavors?  I can’t wait to hear from you!  Stay tuned for another yummy recipe next week!   



Ingredients and Tools used:

Rose Tea Buds (Click here for more information)
Rose Extract (Click here for more information)
Matcha Powder (Clickhere for more information)
Cookie Stamp Set (Click here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Salted Butter (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Organic Vanilla Extract (Click here for more information)
Measuring Spoons Set (Click here for more information)
Powdered Sugar (Click here for more information)
Rolling Mat (Click here for more information)
Pizza Wheel (Click here for more information)
Rolling Pin (Click here for more information)
Silpat (Click here for more information)
Heat Proof Measuring Cups (Click here for more information)







Disclosure: uTry.it is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) 一口芝士包

Are you ready for summer vacation?  My family has been dreaming of our summer holiday since the beginning of the year!  We’re into the homestretch month now!  Although we’re still as busy as ever with school work and other activities, we’re getting very excited!  I guess seeing the light at the end of the tunnel really helps!  What are your plans for this summer?  Any good suggestion for activities?  Feel free to share with me in the comment below.  It’s much appreciated!



Besides the usual summer outdoor activities, I know I’ll be cooking, baking, and creating treats with my kids often!  It’s definitely something that we enjoy a lot and always look forward to do together.  In fact, we have already picked out some recipes that we're going to prepare together.  If you have any recipe request, please don’t hesitate to let me know.  I’ll try my best to make it share with you!



Today, I have this easy, fun, and super delicious recipe to share with you: Brazilian Cheese Bread (Pão de Queijo) 一口芝士包!  These cheesy little golden nuggets are naturally gluten-free.  It’s made with tapioca flour, and….lots of cheese!  It’s one of the cheesiest little 1-bite popper you’ll ever encounter!  They are crispy on the outside, slightly chewy on the inside, and super cheesy with the nutty parmesan and gruyere cheeses!  As you might already knew, the real Parmigiano Reggiano is on the pricy side.  Watch the video tutorial above and I’ll show you how to distinguish if you’re using the real ones!  These cheesy popper are so addictive and you’ll agree that they’re worth the extra bucks!



My recipe call for 2 types of cheeses, but you can use parmesan cheese alone, or use any strong, hard to semi-hard cheese (to substitute gruyere) if you like.  I usually prepare the full recipe, bake off of the amount that I needed, and keep the rest of the dough in the fridge for later.  That way, you can enjoy these warm and freshly baked cheesy bread whenever you crave for some. It’s a very forgiving recipe, as there is no need to knead or raise the dough, and your bread always comes out nice and delicious!



I hope you enjoy today’s post and recipe.  Stay tuned for more fun and delicious recipe next week!

Tools and Ingredients Used:
Tapioca Flour (Click here for more information)
Mini Muffin Pan (24) (Click here for more information)
Mini Muffin Pan (12)  (Click here for more information)
Cooling Racks (Click here for more information)
Kerrygold Butter (Click here for more information)
Stand Mixer (Click here for more information)
Cheese Grater (Click here for more information)