I love flowers, cake, and the kitchen, so I’m excited to combine these for you! This year, my “flower” is the hibiscus. Maybe your tongue has had the joy of being introduced to hibiscus tea, hot or iced. But have you tried this yummy flavor baked into a delicious treat?
Here is a recipe that’s a bit like me–sweet, tart, and unexpected!
Hibiscus-Infused Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
● 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (or 4-5 hibiscus tea bags)
● 1 cup water
● 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
● 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
● 1/4 teaspoon salt
● 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
● 1 cup granulated sugar
● 2 large eggs
● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
● 1/2 cup milk
For the Hibiscus Glaze:
● 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers (or 2-3 hibiscus tea bags)
● 1/2 cup water
● 1 cup powdered sugar
● 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Hibiscus Concentrate:
● Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small pot.
● Add 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers or 4-5 hibiscus tea bags.
● Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15-20 minutes.
● Strain and let the hibiscus concentrate cool. Set aside.
2. Make the Cupcake Batter:
● Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
● In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
● In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
● Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
● Mix in the vanilla extract.
● Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
● Mix in 1/4 cup of the hibiscus concentrate, a splash at a time, until the batter is smooth and evenly colored. Use a bit less or more if needed to get to that right consistency.
3. Bake the Cupcakes:
● Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
● Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
● Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Hibiscus Glaze:
● Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil and add 1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers or 2-3 hibiscus tea bags.
● Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15-20 minutes.
● Strain and let the hibiscus concentrate cool.
● In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of the hibiscus concentrate until smooth and slightly thickened. Add lemon juice for extra tang, if desired.
5. Glaze the Cupcakes:
● Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, drizzle the hibiscus glaze over the top of each cupcake.
● Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Yields 12 cupcakes
This a great recipe to take when you’ve been asked to bring boring old cups and you want to show off a bit! You’ll have people saying “This is great. I know that flavor. What is it?”
Don’t worry, I won’t tell them if you don’t!
A Nerdy Love Affair
Book 1
Morgan Sterling
Genre: Urban Romance
Date of Publication: May 31, 2024
ISBN: 9798883229052
ASIN: B0CW1BH188
Number of pages: 211
Word Count: 59,926
Cover Artist: Morgan Sterling
Tagline: An Urban Romance Written In The Stars
Book Description:
In the vibrant streets of Chicago, Langston, an astrophysics professor, and Aurora, a gifted musician, find solace in each other's embrace. But as their love blossoms, they must confront societal pressures and personal demons. Will they find harmony in the chaos of their lives? Dive into this captivating urban romance filled with passion, self-discovery, and the wonders of the cosmos.
Excerpt:
We reached
across the table to clink our glasses together.
"No one
understands me either," we said in unison.
I blushed. His
scent of fresh soap and spiced cologne intoxicated me as if I could taste it on
my tongue.
The server asked
if we needed another round, but we both declined. Langston waved him off kindly
and said we should get some air.
Outside, the
cool night air felt good against my skin. The stars twinkled above us, and
Langston pointed out constellations like reading a book. Orion, Cassiopeia, and
others. I let out a small gasp when he told me there was one that resembled a
man with a star for a crown.
"Wow.
That's the first time anyone's ever shown me that," I whispered,
goosebumps prickling my arms.
He smiled.
"Imagine how people used to look up at stars, see images, paint
pictures." He blew out a breath in a cloud in the cold air. His nose was
starting to turn red. He looked adorable. But he didn't seem to notice the cold
as he looked up. "Fantasies in the sky."
He looked down
at me but said nothing as he wrapped his arms around himself to stay warm.
"So, tell
me about your fantasies," he murmured into the silence.
"Huh?"
I blinked, caught off guard by his directness.
He chuckled.
"You know, what do you like to dream about when the stars come out? What
turns you on?" His voice was deep and husky, sending shivers down my
spine.
"I don't
know," my eyes lowered nervously. "I've never really thought about
it." My cheeks flushed as I realized how naive that sounded.
"I don't
think that's true," he began, taking my hand into both of his. He blew
onto them, his hot breath hitting my cold skin. And his lips, so soft, brushed
against the palm of my hand.
A moment later
Langston pulled me in for a warm kiss. When our lips met, a fire ignited,
spreading like wildfire through my veins. Langston's mouth moved against mine
with a fervor that matched the intensity of the kiss. His lips were soft and
pliant, molding perfectly to mine.
I tasted the
remnants of the wine on his lips, an intoxicating blend mingling with the
sweetness of his breath. His heat enveloped me, seeping into my skin. Gathering
my hair peeking from under my hat, he tangled it in his fingers, willing my
head back, my lips parted. His other hand slipped past my bomber jacket, onto
my butt, pulling me closer.
A moan escaped
me instinctually. It was all he needed to pull me in further, his tongue
exploring my mouth.
My pulse pulsed,
feeling him press against me.
"God damn
it," he said, pulling away, searching my eyes as I searched his back for
answers to unasked questions.
"I think- I
think I should head home." I took wobbly steps back, cold air rushing
between us. I did not come to Chicago for this - the last thing I needed.
I waved briefly and left him confused on the
cold Chicago street. And if he felt only a pinch of what I did, I also left him
horny as hell.
Explore the captivating narratives of Morgan Sterling, a seasoned wordsmith whose storytelling prowess transcends boundaries. Spanning various genres, from contemporary to paranormal and urban romance, Morgan's narratives challenge conventional norms, spotlighting the allure of imperfection. Within Morgan's literary universe, characters are intricately layered, diverging from traditional romantic archetypes. Here, protagonists may embody antiheroic traits, and heroines navigate their journeys with authenticity and fortitude, illustrating the boundless nature of true love.
As a minority woman blerd (black nerd) with a penchant for romance and an imaginative flair, Morgan draws from personal encounters to craft authentic and diverse tales. Motivated by a quest for representation in literature, Morgan embarked on a creative odyssey to fill a void, merging romance with the fantastical realms of science fiction and fantasy.
Beyond her literary endeavors, Morgan is a polymath of varied interests. From indulging in cosplay to immersing herself in anime, comic books, and lingerie, she draws inspiration from her eclectic passions, infusing her creative process with vivacious energy. Influenced by literary luminaries like Octavia Butler, Dean Koontz, and Rebecca Roanhorse, Morgan's narratives transport readers to both familiar and fantastical worlds, captivating them until the last page.
Morgan lives in the Southern United States, but fully embraces her 1st generation status as a Caribbean-American. Though her pen allows her to live many lives, she lives real life with her husband, children, and pets.
Embark on a journey through Morgan Sterling's enchanting realm, where love transcends conventions, and imperfections are celebrated with reverence.
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