[Ninja Baker] Good for You

[Ninja Baker]

Good for you! You made it to 2012. May an abundance of blessings bloom in this new year for you and yours.

A great blessing: The Ninja Baker's Great-Nephew, Ethan. He's holding Dr. Wayne Dyer's picture book, Incredible You.

So what if movies and media hype melodramatic endings due to the demise of the Mayan calendar? Maybe it’s white noise masking magical realities. Realities that are sweeter than our ego minds cook up. Suppose experiences are teaching us, leading us to realize our heart’s desires. I know. Treasonous words in economic tough times. But even with a measure of trepidation about such philosophies, I am ready to believe!

In this moment, I’m picking up my rose-colored glasses and focusing on the following: According to the Chinese calendar, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. The creature is alleged to possess all the courage needed to overcome obstacles. And in Japan, the dragon is the river god. So, I’m guessing the mighty one navigates choppy waters pretty well.

You Can Create An Exceptional Life co-authors, Cheryl Richardson and Louise Hay

Also, I’m sticking in my iTunes ear buds and listening to my motivational mp3 downloads from Hay House Radio. Dr. Doreen Virtue’s Angel Therapy, Dr. Robert Holden’s Shift Happens and Cheryl Richardson’s Coach on Call are my faves. By the way, the founder of Hay House, Louise Hay conquered the big C, forgave perpetrators of heavy abuse and was learning ballroom dancing at age eighty! Pretty inspirational. The lady, who is now a radiant 85, must know a little something. Don’t you think?

Last and not least, thanks to frequent Oprah guest, Cheryl Richardson, I am also going on affirmation benders. “Life is conspiring in my favor.” “Life loves me.” “Abundance flows into my life each and every day in miraculous and surprising ways.” Don’t you feel a zingy pick-up?

Regardless of your stand on affirmations, jumpstart your 2012 with the following good-for-you cupcakes.

The Ninja Baker's Apple Walnut Caramel Cupcake

Apple Walnut Caramel Cupcakes

Nice ‘n nutty, the cupcakes are hearty and wholesome. (The link reveals Chef Gale Gand's cake recipe. Reduce the baking time to 26 minutes for regular-sized cupcakes.)

Paula Deen’s  Caramel Frosting is slightly naughty. Enjoy! You can always take another five minutes on the StairMaster. God invented gyms and Zumba so we could enjoy our sweets and still feel guilt-free. Right?

The Ninja Baker's Carrot Cupcakes

Carrot Cupcakes 

The Next Iron Chef finalist, Chef Elizabeth Falkner’s Carrot Caketons recipe served as the base for my cupcakes. (See page 86 of Demolition Desserts. Baking time is 30 minutes for cupcakes.) Light, moist and filled with carrots: Another winning cake recipe from Chef Falkner.

The easy Cream Cheese Frosting is from the Joy of Baking web site.

I’m a carrot cake fan. However, a few I’ve tried over the years have been overly sweet. Happy to report you won’t need a trip to the dentist if you use the Ninja Baker’s recommended recipes. No guarantees though if you eat the fondant carrot decoration.

And an apple a day, keeps doctors away. So, get your daily dosage of fruit with Plum Wine Cupcakes. Parental discretion is advised.

The Ninja Baker's Plum Wine Cupcake is encased in an obi-belt. Just like the one on the kimono modeled by the musician doll.

Plum Wine Cupcakes  

Substitute Japanese plum wine, skip the raspberry filling, add a few drops of electric pink into the mix. Voilà! A lovely pink plum wine cupcake.

Traditional Japanese plum wine spikes the good ol' standard American cupcake.

Use your favorite buttercream frosting. Instead of milk and extract, substitute plum wine.

Cheers!

Wishing you a year where heartfelt fantasies take flight and find a way into your reality.

The Ninja Baker

P.s. If you live in the Los Angeles area, and want to order goodies directly from the Ninja Baker, feel free to e-mail NinjaBa...@gmail.com.

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Posted By Ninja Baker to Ninja Baker at 1/13/2012 03:29:00 AM