Neapolitan Cupcakes

Chocolate Cake:

1 Box Devil’s Food Cake mix
3 eggs
½ C. oil
1 C. milk
1/3 C. sour cream
2 tsp. vanilla extract

Vanilla Cake:

1 Box White Cake mix
3 eggs
1/3 C. oil
1 C. milk
1/3 C. sour cream
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Strawberry Buttercream:

2 C. butter, softened
¼ C. strawberry puree (to make puree, blend your berries in a blender)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
6-8 C. powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners.

2. Sift both cake mixes into two separate bowl and set aside.

3. Chocolate Cake: In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil, milk, sour cream and vanilla extract. Add cake mix and stir until smooth.

4. Vanilla Cake: In another large bowl, combine eggs, oil, milk, sour cream and vanilla extract. Add cake mix and stir until smooth.

5. Place a small scoop of chocolate batter in the side of each cupcake liner. Then, place a small scoop of vanilla batter next to the chocolate.

6. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

7. Strawberry Buttercream: Beat butter for 2 minutes, scrape down bowl and beat again. Add strawberry puree and vanilla extract. Slowly add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

8. Pipe buttercream onto cooled cupcakes and top with a fresh strawberry.

Cooking Tips :

Great Strategies To Being A Successful Cook

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Spices quickly lose their flavor when they are exposed to excessive light, humid, or warm. This makes it more likely that your spices will not retain their flavors.

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Make some flavored butter to add to your dinner rolls or ears of corn. Then mix in herbs, sauces or spices to add some extra flavor. Some great things to try are honey, lemon juice, lemon juice or BBQ sauce.

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How To Use Organic Produce In Your Cooking

It is not especially difficult to learn your way around a very good chef. It is okay to do some experimentation and find out what you are good at when you are cooking. These tips can help you become more knowledgeable about cooking so that you to try new things.Use this advice to greatly improve upon your cooking quickly.

If you are just beginning to cook more of your meals, head to the nearest library or bookstore and find a cookbook with simple, fun recipes. Try some recipes until you develop your skills.

Slice meat thinly on the bias when prepping for stir-fry dishes. This can be a very time consuming and very time-consuming.

Always have your spices away from light in a dark and cool place. Using fresher spices will make tastier meals.

This helps to bring out the foods flavor locked in and make for a tasty meal.

There is a way to save your dish and you are able to instantly use it immediately. Mix 2 tablespoons water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bowl. Stir this into the sauce to thicken it. The mixture should be added slowly and constantly stirred so that it does not make the sauce too thick.

It is absolutely essential that your knives are always sharp. Dull knives make it very difficult to cut and are more dangerous to use.

Try adding cauliflower to your mashed potatoes to cut some calories and fat.The somewhat bland taste of cauliflower will blend nicely with your potatoes while picking up the other ingredients. Cauliflower has the same texture and color as mashed potatoes, offering you a perfect way to add another vegetable to your dish while cutting calories.

Sauteing vegetables in a little chicken broth is a healthy way to cook them. This is a great and delicious and healthy way to cook vegetables.

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When using fresh herbs like parsley or dill, bunch them together and cut them with a pair of scissors. This will keep the herbs drier and less heavy than if they are chopped.

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If you are going to have a barbecue, make sure you prep the grill beforehand so it's ready for use when you need it. The charcoal will need to burn about 30 minutes before it is used for cooking.The coals should have an ash covering and the charcoal should emit medium heat. This is the perfect temperature for grilling.

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Chocolate Espresso Cupcakes

Ingredients

1 

cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1/2 

cup unsweetened baking cocoa

1/2 

teaspoon baking soda

1/4 

teaspoon salt

2 

egg whites

1 

whole egg

1 

cup sugar

1/4 

cup canola or vegetable oil

1/2 

cup light chocolate soymilk

2 

teaspoons instant espresso coffee granules

1 1/2 

teaspoons vanilla

Powdered sugar, if desired

Directions

• Step1Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray 12 regular-size muffin cups with cooking spray, or line with paper baking cups.
• Step2In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In another medium bowl, beat egg whites, whole egg, sugar and oil with electric mixer on medium-high speed 1 to 2 minutes or until well mixed. Alternately add flour mixture and soymilk, beating on low speed after each addition, until well blended. Add coffee granules and vanilla; beat on low speed 30 seconds. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about 3 tablespoons each).
• Step3Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Step4Just before serving, sift powdered sugar over tops of cupcakes.
  from : www.livebetteramerica.com
  

• Cooking Tips : 

• Enjoy Cooking Just As Much As You Enjoy Eating Good Food
  Preparing the same old meals from the same recipes day after day can be a boring experience. Cooking isn't just about making something to eat; it can be an enjoyable experience trying new things and experiencing new tastes. The following tips will give you started.
  If you are using metal skewers, avoid ones with rounded surfaces and try ones with square or beveled designs.
  Your spices and herbs should be stored in a cool and dark place. If your spices are exposed to moisture, humidity and heat are present, or light they may lose their flavor. Ground spices typically maintain their flavor for 12 months under normal circumstances. Whole spices usually keep their flavor for up to five years. Storing spices in glass containers with a longer shelf-life for your spices.
  Your spices should be stored in a place that is dark and dark. Your culinary preparations will be even more delicious if your spices are fresh.
  Do you regularly cook often with fresh basil? Take a bunch of the basil and place it in a small container or glass. Fill the glass just enough with water till the stems are covered. You could let it sit on the kitchen counter and keep it for weeks. The basil will grow roots if you occasionally change out the water regularly. Trim or cut the basil once in a while so it grows even more and you will be able to enjoy fresh basil!
  Look at your recipes and decide which steps can be completed beforehand. You can simplify the cooking process by doing your preparations a day or more in advance. This makes preparing even the most difficult recipes fun and fast.
  When you are grilling burgers, it can be hard to loosen them without damaging the food.Try brushing a thin coating of vegetable oil on the grill or pan to keep food does not stick.
  Always use an airtight containers to store sugar or flour in the kitchen. Keeping your food in airtight containers will keep them from spoiling or being infected with bugs. You buy them on sale often at discount stores and they are a beneficial asset.
  When cooking with pumpkins, first stand the pumpkin upright and then cut it in half directly down the middle. Place each half of the pumpkin on a baking pan with the cut side down.
  This will allow your food the maximum amount of flavor possible.
  You can make your own tomatoes. Cut tomatoes in thick slices or in half, or slice ripe regular tomatoes into half inch slices for drying.You can also store them in jars packed with fresh herbs and olive oil. Place this in the refrigerator and consume within two weeks.
  Many popular veggies and herbs give off a strong residual odor which tends to leave your cutting boards well after use. Use indelible ink to mark one end of the cutting board so that you know which is which.
  Always clean your utensils that are spotlessly clean. Any leftover food matter missed during washing can spoil the dish you plan on cooking next. This could allow for bacteria to spread.
  Always follow the letter whenever you cook macaroni and cheese. The macaroni will be perfect this way and is to die for once the nice velvety cheese is melted over the noodles.Serve your dish with a solid spoon. Use pepper to add a little spice to your macaroni and cheese!
  Use a generous amount of salt in your pasta water when you are cooking pasta. This is so that the salt to be absorbed by the pasta. Salting cooked pasta will not give the same effect of absorption.
  Set aside about one-fourth cup.When you mix the pasta with this sauce, pour in some of the water. The addition of the starchy water will bulk up your sauce via amalgamation.
  Fresh herbs and other kinds of natural seasonings can add a kick to the traditional dish. Dried herbs and spices can be used for complex dishes. Fresh herbs produce a stronger flavor and can improve the taste of any dish.
  Cooling racks that can be stacked are greatly beneficial in the kitchen. Stackable racks allow you to use your kitchen counter space. Stacking in vertical layers opens up instead of out makes sure you have plenty of room.
  This protects you from the possibility of discovering a mad search for an ingredient when you're halfway through the cooking process. It can save you are in the midst of preparing a dish.
  Use ketchup in your fried foods. Ketchup isn't just for dipping; when frying veggies or chicken, but it can also be used to dip chicken or vegetables into before dipping in breadcrumbs.
  Cooking oil is a wonderful help if you measure sticky foods. Before measuring, lightly coat the spoon with a cooking oil which has little flavor, such as canola, and the thing being measured will fall off the spoon easier, which will reduce the waste and will make clean up easier. This works great for peanut butter.
  Microwave your citrus fruits before juicing to get every last drop of juice. Heat your citrus fruits for about ten seconds or so. After microwaving, roll it on the counter before you cut it.
  Try experimenting with spices. Saffron can impart a bright and sunny flavor not found in other seasoning. Saffron is an herb that has remained incredibly popular.
  Make sure you preheat your oven at least 300 degrees.
  Certain fruits, including apples, bananas, apples, and pears will turn brown if sliced and left exposed to the air for too long. Lemon and salt water will stop the process, but it's better to use is pineapple juice. A quick dip is all that is required, so there is no need to soak the fruit.
  Using this article's tips can get you well on the way to cooking more stylishly and perhaps developing a new hobby. Cooking is a great way to find out more about nutrition. You can learn about yourself too by cooking. As you choose the dishes you wish to cook and the kinds of meals you wish to create, you will see a new aspect of your personality.
  
  Cooking Techniques And Tricks Of The Pros
  Learning how to prepare foods you like can be a variety of your individual lifestyle. The advice here will help you will all kinds of cooking from beginning to end.
  If you are using metal skewers, avoid ones with rounded surfaces and try ones with square or beveled designs.
  Preparation is one of the most important prior to cooking a meal for loved ones. Make sure that you have all the ingredients ready. This can seriously reduce stress level and help manifest a more positive outcome.
  It is extremely important that you have sharp knives whenever you cook. Dull knives can be dangerous and they also dangerous.
  Look through your recipe and determine whether or not certain steps you can be completed beforehand. You can simplify the day prior to actually cooking.This makes preparing even more complex recipes fun and easy.
  Do you have trouble deciding how long you should grill your meat on the grill? Use a meat thermometer (a digital one is more accurate) so that you can ensure the inside is cooked correctly.
  Plan on preparing a large pot of stock so you can freeze it for storing. Good homemade chicken stock is a wonderful base in soups, stews, stews and other dishes.
  If the recipe has called for water, switch it up by using a broth, juice, or juice when suitable. If a recipe calls for milk, try substituting with buttermilk, yogurt or sour cream. Using liquid substitutions in your cooking can add nutritional content to certain dishes and give a standby dish a new flavor.
  Always get the freshest garlic available if you plan to be cooking with this wonderfully aromatic seasoning. A rule of thumb is that fresh garlic will have a sweet taste to it.You can recognize fresh garlic has firm skin and lack of bruises.
  Leave the bone in a roast if you are pressed for time. The reason this cooks your roast faster is because the bone carries the heat right to the center of the roast.
  You can make your own dried tomatoes yourself. You can do this by slicing your tomatoes about a half an inch thick, or ripe tomatoes sliced about a half inch thick. You can also pack dried tomatoes in jars packed with herbs and olive oil. The jar can be stored in your refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  It is crucial that you buy new spices at least every six months. The flavor of spices fade just a few months after opening the container.If you buy a certain spice and you know that you are not going to use it all before it goes bad, split it with a friend.
  When using fresh herbs in your cooking like parsley or basil, bunch them together and cut them with a pair of scissors. This will keep the herbs drier and less heavy than chopped with a knife.
  Always follow the letter whenever you cook macaroni and cheese properly. The macaroni will be perfect once the nice velvety cheese is melted over the noodles. Use a wide spoon to serve it. Use pepper to add a little spice up your mac and cheese.
  This will stop you from having your oven or stove on for too long, including flare-ups from overheated oil or choosing the wrong temperatures for your needs.
  If you plan on using your barbecue, then prepare your grill in advance so that you can start grilling right away. The charcoal will need to burn about 30 minutes before it is used for cooking. The heat and the charcoal should be a little ashy. This is the best temperature to begin grilling your food.
  It is important to take proper care of wood cutting board. A cutting board made from wood can crack and warp if it is exposed to excessive moisture, heat or dryness. Do not submerge the board to clean it, just sponge it off using warm, wipe it off with a sponge using warm water and soap. You can do some restoration to a damaged board by regularly oiling it with a product specifically for cutting boards to maintain yours. Make sure that the cutting board has completely dry before you use it.
  Exposure to light, heat and light can cause your spices to lose their flavor fast.This only expose your spices to the elements that will make them lose their flavors.
  Learn a little bit about any vegetables or fruits you haven't worked with before. You might be surprised how much you can do with that new ways to use the food.
  Cooling racks that stack can be a handy thing to have in your kitchen. Stacking racks keep all of kitchen real estate. Stacking in vertical layers opens up instead of out makes sure you need to work in.
  Use soft butter instead of melted butter when you are creaming sugar and butter to make cookies. If the butter is totally melted, put it in your freezer for a couple of minutes so that it starts to harden just a bit, or you can finish making the dough, put the dough in the refrigerator once you are done mixing everything. Dough that has been chilled first will spread less in the oven.
  This protects you don't end up in a mad search for an ingredient while your meal is burning. It is actually quicker to prepare everything in advance than to try to locate items while you are in the headache from not being prepared and it really doesn't take any more time to do this.
  Use cooking oil to help prevent sticky foods!Before you even measure, you will want to coat the spoon lightly with an oil that doesn't have much flavor, such as canola, and the thing being measured will fall off the spoon easier, so that way you won't have any waste and cleaning up is easier. This works great for peanut butter and honey too.
  The ability to prepare meals for both yourself and your family is a highly-prized skill. The tips above are useful for cooking many kinds of dishes, including gourmet dishes, comfort foods, and traditional home cooking. Take out is a nice option every once in a while, but nothing is better than a meal you've made yourself.