Iron Cupcake: July 2009, Entry 2

Second entry for Iron Cupcake July is.....drum roll.....a Sage-Poached Pear filled Pumpkin Cupcake with Sage Whipped Cream frosting. If there was a section in Iron Cupcake for "longest names" I think I'd win.

But, I'm telling you - if you like all things fall, like me, you will LOVE this cupcake. It's going to be a must-have (just like shoulder pads and neon pink - they're back baby!), at least in my household.

I wanted to do something with sage and pear because its a unique combo. I swear I read about this somewhere and of course now I can't find the article, otherwise I would have linked to it. Pumpkin and sage are often paired together, so I thought the spicy and moist cupcake base would be great with the herb-poached pears. With all the flavors, spices and herbs going on I just did a light and sweet "real" whipped cream frosting.

Even though it might sound like there's a lot of sage going on (I mean, the challenge ingredient is herbs) - it's not overpowering and the whole cupcake, filling and frosting combo is delish.

If you are a nerd like me and are interested in food and flavor trends, check out the following links. The food pubs and trades always send out trend info right before and right after the new year.

Flavor pairings

Food and ingredient trends


Iron Cupcake info:

I'm competing to win the following prizes. July ETSY PRIZE-PACK is from artists:

•A sweet cupcake ID bracelet by INSANEJELLYFISH, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5021935
•A delicious treat from CIRCLEMONKEY http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5335273
•Asweet surprise from Sweet Cuppin' Cakes Cupcakery, http://www.acupcakery.com/
•PLUS, IronCupcake:Earth can not forget our good friend, CAKESPY, http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5243382

Corporate prize providers:

•HEAD CHEFS by FIESTA PRODUCTS, http://www.fiestaproducts.com/
•HELLO CUPCAKE by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, http://blog.hellocupcakebook.com/
•JESSIE STEELE APRONS http://www.jessiesteele.com/
•TASTE OF HOME books, http://www.tasteofhome.com/
•A t-shirt from UPWITHCUPCAKES.COM http://www.upwithcupcakes.com/
•Iron Cupcake:Earth is sponsored in part by 1-800-Flowers, http://www.1800flowers.com/