well groomed {groom's ruffled tuxedo shirt cakes in miniature}

i thought the cupcake trend

might have ended by now

or at least slowed down

but

it ain't happening

as a matter of fact

it seems to be spreading

like wild fire

which is fine with me

because frankly

cupcakes are less tedious than cake

there,

i said it

cake is not really fun

nostalgic?

yes

tasty?

certainly

fun?

no

there is no"crumb layer" on cupcakes

i rest my case

 if you are not convinced

exhibit a

a lovely birthday cake

enjoy

and now 

exhibit b

i give you small cakes

for the groom

fun and delicious

red velvet cake
(printable recipe)

*this is not my recipe...it is adapted from bobby flay's throwdown cupcake challenge

i changed some of the measurements slightly.

3 cups all purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp baking soda

1 1/4 tsp kosher salt

3 Tbs cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 3/4 cups granulated sugar

1 1/4 cup buttermilk

3 eggs

3 Tbs red food color

1 1/4 tsp vinegar

2 tsp vanilla

1/8 cup water

in a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and cocoa powder and set aside.  in a mixer set with paddle attachment, place the sugar, oil and eggs and beat for 5 minutes.  add the buttermilk and beat for just 1 minute or so, until it is all well blended.  add the food color and mix slowly (otherwise you might be wearing it), add the vinegar, water and vanilla.  beat for just about a minute more.  slowly mix in the flour mixture and just mix until it is all fully incorporated, then put the mixer on high for about 5 seconds.  turn off and you are ready to go. you can make 2-7" rounds with this recipe or about 2 dozen cupcakes.