YaYa Java Cupcake

This cupcake was inspired by Iron Cupcake Earth. The theme this month was Coffee and I couldn't think of a better creation than cupcake imitating life.

Step one...find a cup and saucer that is oven safe. This was not as easy as it sounds. If the bottom of a cup does NOT say oven safe, it probably is not. I found this one at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It was on sale...less than 3 bucks.

Step two...choose an inspirational recipe for the coffee cupcake. My two favorite chocolate cupcake recipes are Martha's One Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes and Dorie's Devils Food Cake. I baked the cupcake and shaved (and ate) top to level surface.

Step three...What toppings look like milk foam and/or whipped cream that is NOT actually steamed milk or whipped cream? My first thought was Creme Brulee. I made Creme Brulee a few weeks ago (Daryl's favorite) and without an adjustment, it would be too yellow to mimic milk foam. My second thought was to use whipping cream, but it would absorb too quickly into the cupcake...sogginess. yuk. My final choice was Vanilla Panna Cotta. I prepped the Panna Cotta, excluding the vanilla bean. After congealing in refrigerator until slightly firm, I spooned on top of cooled cupcake.

Step four...top with a little whipping cream. Its my cupcake and to continue cupcake imitating life, I love extra foam and a dollop of whipped cream on my latte. I sprinkled with espresso powder.

These photographs were taken as the sun was setting, light beaming in my french doors.

the test...



the taste...



the fun...



the finale...



Believe it or not...I didnt get a bite of this final piece. But, I did enough taste testing during the process!

Recipe for the cupcake...coming soon.