Amber invited me to a So You Think You Can Dance viewing party, so the least I could do was make up a batch of dance-themed cupcakes.
My family provided me with some great suggestions like "Make ballerinas out of fondant" and when I refused to buy and mold fondant, they offered, "Oh... make different dance shoes out of fondant."
Right. Thanks.
In talking it over with Kate, I decided that I wanted to make dramatic tango cupcakes. How better to repeat the tango theme than through competing flavors?
Voila, the Chocolate Chili Tango cupcake was born. And, trust me, these cupcakes are dancing as fast as they can.
I used Chockylit's Chocolate Chili cupcake recipe for the cake and the icing (sans chili and cayenne).
Now... the verdict. I don't know what I was expecting, but I think it is soooo weird to be eating a gorgeous chocolate cupcake and then feel the slight burn of ancho chili powder. After tasting the cake, I decided to forgo the chili and cayenne in the icing -- these suckers needed to cool down. And they did! The chili is still there demanding attention, but it isn't as frightening with a nice dark chocolate ganache atop.
What did others have to say?
"Hm. Go with the plain chocolate icing." (commentor who tried a cupcake before it was iced)
"I shant be having one of those!" (commenter who did not, in fact, try the cupcake)
"It's really good."
"I'm not really noticing the chili so much. I'm more thinking this is better than the average chocolate cake. Oh... and now I'm getting the chili."
"I'd like another one..."
And... I think there might have been one cupcake happy dance. But then again, said dancer could have been dancing for any number of reasons.
All-in-all, the Chocolate Chili Tango cupcakes were interesting and absolutely perfect for the dance-themed party. This recipe won't be my chocolate go-to or anything, but it's a fun twist on a classic, for sure.
Don't forget to check Amber's blog for the dish on the rest of the party. Everything was super cute and very well put together. Thanks again, Amber!
12 comments:
I'm not a big fan of chilli and chocolate. I don't like the burning after taste. Good idea on the plain chocolate icing, it will surely cools down the cake.
Believe me, cupcakes are much much harder and more work than real cake. Never feel bad about making them. I would go for a cupcake than a cake anytime!!
Glad they turned out alright. I am too much of a wussy pants to try chilli and chocolate cupcakes :P
I would be the one doing the cupcake dance. Chili and chocolate together are perfect, especially in hot cocoa. Mmmmmm.
Ice Tea: That's right. Cupcakes rock!
RedDeer: Hahaha... I almost broke down at the last minute to make a red velvet boxed cupcake instead. I can definitely work on my cupcake confidence. :)
Evan: Oh man! I still have yet to make those hot cocoa cupcakes for you! I wanted to top these with a marshmallow frosting, but white wouldn't be nearly as dramatic.
I agree with Ice Tea - cupcakes are so much harder. that's why I made cake for tonight. And I'm excited about that little rose of yours.
Heheh I love the phrase "viewing party!" Anything to make us feel better about watching TV! :P
So sad to hear about the demise of your brother's beard. My b/f shaved his last summer, and it was an awkward time. When it finally grew back, I begged him never to shave it again! But I understand the mustache thing. Josh always talks about wanting a cool mustache! But he's stuck with only a cool beard and a semi-cool mustache... ;)
Sooo pretty!!! I love gold cupcake-liners with chocolate cupcakes.
Spicy cupcakes. Odd. I don't think I'd be one of the ones to try one. I don't do spicy!
PS: i'm excited...I'm making something I saw in the FoodNetwork magazine. It's called a chocolate strawberry shortcake and it looks SO good and cute. I'll take pics and upload them for you too see on Facebook! You are SO my culinary inspiration!
Kate: The roses come in a bunch of a dozen for $1.49 at Michael's. I'm totally going to take advantage of their probably toxic-non-edibility again. :)
HTEAC: "Viewing" does sound very cultured, doesn't it?
Paris Pastry: Me too!
Casey's Wifey: If you're going to be cooking/baking up such a storm, maybe you should start a blog. :)
I think these cupcakes look fabulous! I love that little bit of burn that takes you by surprise. How fabulous! Sorry I've been away for the past week; I had a good friend in town and wasn't able to do much on the computer. I'm back now, though :)
your cupcakes look delish! haven't tried "hot" chocolate yet! will have to put it on my to-do list!
HI Amanda!
You were the lucky winner for my kitchen gadget giveaway. Will you email me your address?!
THANKS!
And...those cupcakes are LUSCIOUS!
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