March 18, 2010

Walnut Crumb Cupcake

 
I don't usually do it over my blog. But since it's blog related. And I do believe most of my readers are experienced bloggers. So, I've decided to share what I've been struggling lately, and I REALLY WANT TO HEAR YOUR FEEDBACK.
 
Blogger V.S. WordPress.
 
I've been using Blogger ever since I started blogging. I did not use WordPress simply because I did not know it existed. Now, the more I blog, the more I find using Blogger not user-friendly. Limitation of template choices (generally look unprofessional), rather dangerous (I heard) on backing up content, complication on content management......And so I'm kind of eager to switch to WordPress. Yet, I was told about the disadvantage of WordPress too: disability to modify theme, content capacity (again, I heard you need to pay for larger capacity)......

Now, I'm pretty divided on whether I should switch. Any thoughts?

(makes 12 - 14 cupcakes)
Ingredients: 
1 stick unsalted butter, soften
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 cup all-purposed flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sour cream

For Topping:
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions:
Preheat over to 350F. Grease muffin tin or line with muffin liners.

In a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter until smooth. While the mixer is running, slowly add the sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, waiting for each to be incorporated before adding the next, and mix until light and fluffy.

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Working in batches, add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with dollops of sour cream.

Spoon the batter into the prepared tins, filling them no more than 3/4 full.

To prepare the topping, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the butter pieces and, using your fingertips, pinch the ingredients together into a sandy, crumbly mixture. Add the walnuts and mix.

Sprinkle the mixture over the cupcakes.

Bake until risen and browned, about 20 to 25 mins. Let cool 10 mins in the pan.

10 comments:

Angie's Recipes said...

I am totally with you about the Blogger! I want to switch it to the wordpress too......
Back to your cupcakes.
I always love to add nuts when making the muffins or cupcakes...as they add flavours. These walnut cupcakes would make afternoon tea break to a perfection.

Anonymous said...

Scrumptious cupcakes! I love the walnut and crumb topping!

Mardi Michels said...

I just did the switch to WordPress and would never ever recommend Blogger again. Wordress (self hosted) is so much more powerful and the templates you can choose from so much more professional. Loving my "theme" - Thesis. A word of advice - if you would like me to put you in touch with someone who can help you with this, let me know mardimichels at gmail dot com or DM me on Twitter eatlivtravwrite

I can also help you out to a certain point.

Belinda @zomppa said...

These look delish! We use WordPress - if you got questions - let us know - ZomppaKat is the guru!

sweetlife said...

I love your cupcakes...I just recently moved to wordpress so I am still finding my way..but I do enjoy it more than blogger

sweetlife

My Little Space said...

A few of my foodie friends are switching their site to others too, lately. Because of the same problem that you're facing! But I'm still underconsideration! hehe... Not sure yet! Btw, you cupcakes look incredible.
Then back to your comment on postnatal moms! I wonder why doctors kept telling the postnatal mothers stop eating ginger! Yes, your MIL is right! Ginger is the most important cooking ingredient for postnatal moms and this tradition has been passing on & on from generations to generations, even hundreds or thousand of years. I think Chinese Medicine is quite incredible. Don't you think so? Have a great weekend.
Best regards,
Kristy

Angie said...

I would rec. wordpress too. i don't know what you mean about having to pay. is that when you get a host? I just switched to a great, way better than my expensive popular host, only 2.45 a month. I'm sure your ads will pay for that. They do say they are for mac users, but you can use a windows machine with them, they just market to mac users. email me with questions, i've been through alot of problems with my blog, I'll be happy to offer any additional advice I can :)

Mary Bergfeld said...

I really like blogger. The thought of moving links to another platform turns me to jelly. I guess the best way to make your decision is to have a honest conversation with yourself about what you want your blog to be and where you want it to go. Choose whichever platform best meets your needs. Have a great day...Mary

Divina Pe said...

I also wanted to move to wordpress but I just don't know how. But most people prefer wordpress and the blogger. For now, I'll stay at blogger until I know how to move. The cupcakes are incredible, by the way.

KittyKat19 said...

Lululu,I hands down recommend that you dump Blogger and turn to Wordpress! I would further encourage you to turn to Wordpress.org sel-hosting rather than Wordpress.com. It will cost you a little more as you will have to pay for hosting, but will give you a much wider selection of templates and features to personalize your blog. It's what we use at www.zomppa.com and all the contributors on the blog love the interface.