In the Kitchen: Banana Cupcakes

Two Sundays ago after we got home from church Lucy came into the kitchen and announced that we HAD to make some cupcakes. It was two people's birthdays that she heard in Primary and we had to take them some treats. The two people are leaders - one in the Primary Presidency and the other a teacher - not her teacher. A different one.

Regan was on call, Eli had had a hard day and I was tired frankly. But she wanted to so badly. So we made some. And the kids watched me decorate them with the lovely Honey Cinnamon Frosting. They figured out how all three of them could have a beater (two with a beater each and one with a spoon. Lucy drew and wrote on a card for each of them and we all piled in the van. The first house no one was home so I just opened the door and set them inside (this is Raymond!) and the next house the kids (except Oliver :) ) all ran up and delivered them. They were all so happy to have done it.

Obviously them getting to eat the left over cupcakes that day and in their lunches the next couple days sweetened the deal. But what made me the most happy, and I think them too (especially Lucy), is that they did some service for some one else. It was completely 100% her idea. In fact I tried to talk her out of it. I didn't feel like. It wasn't the easiest timing.

Sometimes, in fact I feel like a LOT of times, service isn't convenient. But that isn't the point. In doing things for other people we are made better and hopefully they are helped too. Reminds me of two sayings. One is a little more polite than the other :)

“God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other." - President Spencer W. Kimball

And "Service is like peeing your pants. Everyone can see what you've done, but only YOU can feel the warmth." :) HA!

Yep I know they were just cupcakes, but I am proud of Lucy for thinking of it and for insisting we do it. And hopefully all of them can start with cupcakes and continue on to helping in bigger ways as they age.


These lovely little cupcakes are a favorite. When you are tired of always making banana bread (although with this recipe I am not sure how that happens!) or just want to mix it up... try out these little beauties from Martha.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 ripe bananas), plus 1 whole banana, for garnish (optional)
2 large eggs
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Honey-Cinnamon Frosting



Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Make a well in center of flour mixture. In well, mix together butter, mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Stir to incorporate flour mixture (do not overmix). Dividing evenly, spoon batter into muffin cups.
Bake until a toothpick inserted in center of a cupcake comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan; cool completely on a wire rack. Spread tops with Honey-Cinnamon Frosting. Just before serving, peel and slice banana into rounds, and place one on each cupcake, if desired.

Honey-Cinnamon Frosting
1 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon honey
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions : In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat confectioners' sugar, unsalted butter, honey, and ground cinnamon until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes.