Sherlockian Cupcakes Part 2: Chocolate Toasted Marshmallow Cupcakes!

I hope these photos do a proper job of teasing you with all the delectable components of this cupcake =D. But believe it or not, this tastes even better than it sounds or looks. First there's my favorite dark chocolate cake to get things off on the right foot. Next comes some fluffy marshmallow filling with a delightful hint of smokiness from real, toasted marshmallows (I can't be the only one dreaming of campfire s'mores already, right?). Last but not least we have a perfect swirl of rich yet tangy chocolate frosting topped with more toasted mini marshmallows.

Speaking of looks, you're gonna give me some weird ones when I explain why these cupcakes are "Sherlockian." See, there's an inside joke amongst the cast and writers of the BBC Sherlock TV series that Martin Freeman (AKA John Watson in the show) has a round face that's chiseled out of marshmallows. Now I was gonna carve Martin's face out of a huge marshmallow in tribute to Sherlock, but alas I couldn't find one large enough so these toasted marshmallow cakes had to do =p. Next time, folks, next time. 

P.S. - If you haven't watched Sherlock yet, what are you waiting for?! Those in the US can now watch you Season 1 on Netflix Instant and Season 2 on the Masterpiece PBS website for a limited time only.

Sherlockian Cupcakes Part 1: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Tart Pomegranate Filling

As my regular readers know from my music, film, and TV-related posts, food is just one of my many passions. Sometimes I like to do more than mention those other interests in favorites posts. Sometimes I'm inspired to create themed treats by those other art forms. Previously, I was inspired by the David Usher song, "Black Black Heart" to create my Black Black Forest Heart Cupcakes. Today, it's the brilliant re-imagined, modern-day BBC Sherlock Holmes television series (a new favorite, but already in my top 3 shows of all time) that guides my artist's whisk.

Whether you're a devotee of the Arthur Conan Doyle originals or not, "Sherlock" is bound to captivate your imagination and thirst for adventure. The protagonists remain Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, of course, but they are younger, more energetic, and more delightfully irreverent than you've ever seen them. In honor of this sharp-as-a-whip update, I've decided to reinvent on my classic red velvet cupcake with a tart pomegranate filling (inspired by my friend A's wedding dessert). In case it's not obvious enough, yes I am trying to kill 2 birds with with 1 post: introduce you to a new favorite TV show AND new favorite cupcake flavor. But if either one tickles your fancy, I'll still consider it a success =D.

For my readers in the U.S., if "Sherlock" sounds like something you'd like, you can watch Season 1 on Netflix Instant and Season 2 is currently airing on Masterpiece PBS (Sundays at 9 pm EST...the next new episode in 1 hour!).

Monday Favorites (Plus My NYC Visit)

I wasn't able to get too much baking done this week because I was up in NYC having a blast with friends, old and new. I was finally able to meet the beautiful and very talented food photographer/stylist, Melina of Licking the Plate, as well as Asha of Fork Spoon Knife. Melina and I had a great time food prop and clothing shopping, while Asha introduced me to an awesome little tea shop with a Mad Hatter theme (so fun!). I'm thankful to these wonderful ladies as well as all my older friends for helping me squeeze every drop out of my 4-day trip! I'm exhausted but so glad I went =D.

In case you're wondering, I'm under the "E" in "WE" ^_^

Speaking of getting every drop's worth out of the trip, my very last was to get together with dozens of Sherlock (both the books and BBC show) fans for a delicious Irish brunch, drinks, trivia, and photo shoot on Sunday! Thanks, Sherlock NYC for hosting an amazing get-together! We even got to meet some experts in the subject, lovely ladies who'd created their own Sherlock society in the 1960s when the foremost organization of the time, the Baker Street Irregulars (BSI) refused to accept women. Their society, The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes, is active to this day, and their members were eventually invited into BSI (it took 25 years!!). Anyway, sorry to geek out on you so much, but I thought it was interesting to learn how women's equality played out in such a specific arena. Fortunately, these days, fans of all ages, ethnicities, and sexes can share in our love of Doyle's timeless stories! It's always great to meet others who understand your passions, whether they be food, photography, or great detective stories!

Thai Carrot Salad Photograph from Appledrane

Celtic-inspired Wedding Cake via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Tri-color Bowtie Pasta Salad with Spinach and Feta from Dolce Vita

Eggs and Herb Frittata Photographs styled by Dietlind Wolf