Market Menu – Week of June 13th

Key Lime Pie Cupcakes

These cupcakes are a little homage to my sister. She gave up the cold north a few years ago and now resides in Key West, FL where Key lime pie was invented in the late 1800’s. The pie is made of key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a graham cracker crust. The dish is named after the small key limes that are found throughout the Florida Keys. These cupcakes have a graham cracker crust, just like the pie. The cake itself is made with natural key lime extract. For a little twist I topped them with a natural coconut buttercream that pairs excellently with the lime. One bite and you will feel like you have been transported to the tropical Florida keys.

Mexican Coffee Cupcakes

These cupcakes were inspired by a traditional Mexican coffee drink called Cafe de Olla. It is a spiced coffee drink, usually with cinnamon, that is made in an Olla (unglazed ceramic pot). There are many variations of the Cafe de Olla recipe to be found. Some use spices like clove or anise, and some also add chocolate. My cake has a coffee base, with cinnamon and chocolate swirled together into one delicious cupcake. Topped with a chocolate buttercream, it is a unique combination of flavors that you won’t want to miss.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

There are many theories about the origin of Red Velvet cake. Some say it originated in the South, others say the North. There is one legend that a recipe began circulating around the United States in the 1920s for a cake that supposedly was served in New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Whatever it’s origins it is a very unique cake. It has a very mild chocolate flavor due to the addition of a little cocoa powder. Buttermilk gives the cake a moist and tender texture. The color usually comes from red food coloring, but some recipes will use beet juice in its place. These Red Velvet cupcakes are soft and moist and have been topped with a traditional cream cheese frosting.