Circus Time!

So I saw the movie Water for Elephants today and it was simply amazing. It is one of my favorite books and the movie was done so well in staying true to the book. There is something I absolutely love about vintage circus. In the times when they rode the rails, city to city, and the entire town would come out to watch them set up the big top. It inspired me to look at what people have done with cakes and the circus :)

A simple, yet adorable cupcake idea,

Seals don't automatically come to mind for me when I think circus, but this was too cute to not include,

a more monochromatic big top

Tim Burton inspired?

 

Did I mention elephants are my favorite animal???

lovely banner,

These are so dang cute!!!

I need this kit!

A collage of circus party elements, I'm now must make that apron,

another circus themed party

This is actually scrapbook paper that I have for inspiration,

Whoopie Pies!

I love the look of whoopie pies and have been hearing about them more and more, lately. Today at work, we had a rather short to-do list so decided to try something new. We had never made whoopie pies before and they proved to be rather easy and very delicious!

Here is the recipe...

3.5 c. flour

1 tsp salt

1.5 c. cocoa powder

1 Tbsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 c. butter, room temperature

2 c. sugar

2 eggs

2 c. buttermilk, room temperature

2 tsp vanilla

preheat oven to 400.

sift flour, salt, cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder together, set aside.

cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about three minutes.

add eggs and vanilla.

alternate adding the dry with the buttermilk.

scoop onto lined baking sheet with a black handled scoop (1 to 1.5 inches)

bake 10 to 12 minutes.

let cool and fill with seven minute frosting.

these can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Seven Minute Frosting

1.5 c sugar

2 Tbsp light corn syrup

6 egg whites

1 tsp vanilla

In mixing bowl, combine sugar, corn syrup, 1/4 cup water, and whites and set over saucepan of simmering water.

 Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches 160 degrees, about 2 minutes.

Attach bowl to a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.

Beat mixture on high speed until glossy and voluminous, about 5 minutes.

Beat in vanilla.

Use immediately.

You can also replace the vanilla (or part of the vanilla) with other flavors...we used peppermint :)