Thrifty Time August Week 4 ~ Cupcakes and Once Upon a Stove

The Cupcake Cafe Cookbook, published in 1998. The Cupcake Cafe opened in 1988 (in New York) and is is renowned for their elaborately decorated cakes and cupcakes, usually done in a botanical theme. Besides the obvious recipes for both cakes and cupcakes, there is a myriad of  recipes for baked goods ranging from doughnuts, muffins/scones, cookies and pies. Tips and hints for cake decorating and a full chapter on butter cream frosting (including coloring techniques) - round out the book.

Once Upon a Stove, published in 1986. The book was sold as a fundraiser for the Birmingham (Alabama) Children's Theatre and is a bit massive for a community cookbook clocking in at 380 pages. In another twist, unlike most community cookbooks, the dessert section is only 100 pages long, or barely one-third of the recipes (I usually find a 50-50 ratio). Lots of great home cooking recipes fill the pages. I did spot two recipes I may try - the first "Ritz Delights" is very simple - dab peanut butter between two Ritz crackers and then dip in melted chocolate! The second recipe is for the "Pecan Roll" - a Southern staple often found at truck stops (i.e.  Stuckey's)  and convenience stores from Florida to Texas. I may make a few to give out as Christmas gifts along with homemade cookies.