The First to Celebrate

I was looking for a reason to bake some cupcakes last week. And just nicely, last Friday was one of my sisters' birthday. Too bad that her college break was only until 4th January. But she still gets her birthday cupcakes even though it was two days early. *I doubted that the cupcakes could last until the actual birthday!* ^_^

The cupcakes were family favorite. Just a simple chocolate cake. It was moist and delicious on its own. And even more so when filled with chocolate ganache. I wanted the cupcakes to be a bit festive for the occasion, though butter cream was totally out of question since she'll be carrying those all the way to college by train. The safest choice I managed was the ganache. Even that was not visible. Hopefully it gave a pleasant surprise to whomever she shared the cupcakes with. 

With the ganache filling, the cupcakes tasted like chocolate fudge cake. It got really rich after left overnight in the fridge... Just the thought of it already makes my mouth water!

The day was hotter than usual when I decided that a scoop of ice cream to go along with the cupcake was like a match made-in-heaven. It truly was, except for the ice cream melting too much quickly due to the hot weather. Not that it was unpleasant. The melted ice cream tasted like cold strawberry milk! Chocolate fudge cake plus cold strawberry milk equals to bliss... And constant craving of both after that!

If you want a taste of perfection as pictured, just hit the recipes below! 

1. Chocolate cupcakes
2. Strawberry ice cream

For the chocolate ganache:

• 3/4 cup whipping cream
• 8 ounce bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1 Tbsp honey

Heat whipping cream in a small saucepan until almost boiling (you can see bubbles will starting at the sides of pan), then pour in the chocolate chips and honey. Stir the mixture lightly until all chocolate chips melted. Remove from heat and let cool to warm temperature before filling the cupcakes. 

P/s : 

*  Let the cupcakes cool completely before being filled. It's easier to remove the top that way. Or you can just pipe-in the ganache. Which ever easier for you.  :)