I did it! I did it!

I could not WAIT to blog this!!!!

On Monday, April 12th, my sister blogged about "A Homemade Life," an amazing book by Molly Wizenberg. I was so taken by my sister's post that I went and bought the book that day. I finished it this past weekend...I love how Molly writes, and was completely caught up in the stories of her life...I wanted to weep when she wrote of the loss of her father, felt a personal recognition of her love of Paris, and my own heart felt like singing when she found her Brandon.

But the way she speaks of and loves food - it is wondrous, and homey, and comforting and, well, yummy. I immediately wanted to try the recipes found throughout, though my past attempts at unknown recipes have not set the world on fire by any means. I dubiously eyed some of the instructions and unfamiliar ingredients.

But this weekend is Bryanna's 11th birthday and she wants cupcakes for her sleepover with school chums. Coincidentally, Molly includes a recipe early in the book for what sounded like scrumptious chocolate cupcakes. This had to be a sign.

I read the recipe all the way through (Molly's tip), made my grocery list and shopped for the ingredients. I figured if it didn't work out, I still had time before Friday to use a cake mix (hee hee). I set out all the recommended bowls, and prepared the recipe as close to Molly's instructions as I could. I hesitated at the inclusion of half a cup of coffee...but I obeyed.

And suddenly, the most delicious batter was before us. Cassidy, who was my faithful assistant (and photographer), was dipping her finger as soon as the mixer stopped.

And exactly 25 minutes later, there they were!

Now, I am sure they do not live up to Molly's own, though I think with practice (did I mention that I am going to make a second batch tomorrow?) I will get even better. However, they are DELICIOUS! And EASY!

Cassidy, who does not like cake, inhaled one immediately. And Brya who prefers white cake, likewise devoured one. They don't have Molly's Bittersweet Glaze because the kids are going to decorate their own...but even "undressed" they are still so so good. (It is going to take severe self-control not to pour myself a glass of milk and eat the whole batch tonight!)

Thank you, Kim, for the great referral. And thanks to Molly Wizenberg for writing about her loves and showing the everyday cook how to succeed. More of those delicious recipes will soon be taking up residence in our kitchen!