Croquembouche Cupcakes @Not Quite Nigella

Croquembouche Cupcakes

July 23, 2009 by Not Quite Nigella

Tradespeople. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. And if I had the choice I’d live without them. Renovating our new place is proving a challenge and I realised why they have such a bad reputation. Forget “The Cable Guy”, why couldn’t we have a movie called “The Disappearing Plumber”. I for one would like to know what happened to mine.

I know what you’re thinking: I got cocky. I had success with the Choux pastry and now I am just making it left, right and centre. The truth is, I just wanted to see if my choux was beginner’s luck. I sometimes have that – the very first time I made macarons they worked and then the five batches after they didn’t. So I wanted to see whether I would be able to replicate the initial choux success or whether I would be a one hit wonder.

I also promised a friend that I’d try and make a Croquembouche for an event but with the upcoming move I had to beg off making the entire monstrosity. I hate to let people down so I did what I thought was an easier alternative. My enthusiasm for things always gets the better of me and once I decided to do it, I somehow neglected to think through the 10 steps needed in order to produce these. Before I knew it, I’d made the custard, choux and was about to make the cupcakes when I realised that making an entire croquembouche might have been easier. It was 2.30pm and I had to meet the plumber at the new place across the bridge at 4 pm. I was on step 5 and had to somehow get from step 5 to 10 and get the whole thing photographed before it was whisked away. I only just made it and I passed the cupcakes onto my happy friend who loved them but probably had no idea how close I was to not finishing them.

Please excuse the lack of in progress photos. Caramel and the ensuing panic does not make for good in progress photographs. But do trust me that these little cupcakes are divine. A crunchy toffee, a sumptuously creamy chilled vanilla custard burst inside and a soft vanilla cupcakes. Sweet dreams are made of this.

And then I got the call. You know the one from the plumber where he says he won’t be able to make it to our place after all? And after my little screaming and cursing fit I calmed myself down and my friend asked me what was wrong. I explained to her and she was appropriately sympathetic but she also pointed out that I was lucky to get a call from them. Oh yes there’s a special place for these kinds of people. And I am certain that they aren’t served Croquembouche Cupcakes there.

So tell me Dear Reader, have you ever been stood up and who by?

Also the lucky winner of the Escapade Events opening night party double pass is Effie B! And for those of you who missed out, you can still subscribe for $10 and come along to the party

Croquembouche Cupcakes

An Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella

Makes 12 cupcakes

Cupcake:

1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 heaped teaspoon baking powder
125g/1/2 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup caster or superfine sugar
2 large eggs at room temperature
1/2 cup milk soured with a squeeze of lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Choux pastry:

Water 53g
Milk 66g
Sugar 3g
Salt 3g
Butter 50g
Flour 65g
2 Eggs

Custard filling:

2 large eggs
2 oz (50 g) caster sugar
8 fl oz (400 ml) whole milk
1.5 oz (40 g) plain flour
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Toffee

200g caster sugar
12 tablespoons water
8 teaspoons lemon juice

1. Make custard filling. Put milk in a small saucepan and heat until almost boiling but do not boil. Meanwhile beat eggs in a bowl with sugar until pale and fluffy and then whisk in flour (you can do this in an electric mixer too). When milk is almost boiling mix in thick eggy mixture and vanilla and stir constantly until thickend. Cover the surface of the custard closely with plastic wrap to prevent a skin forming and cool.

2. Make choux puffs. Preheat the oven to 210 degrees celsius convection. Lightly grease 2 oven trays and set aside. Combine the butter with water, sugar, milk & salt in a large heavy-based saucepan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat and using a wooden spoon quickly beat in the flour. Return to the heat and continue beating until the mixture comes together and leaves the side of the pan. Cook, beating over low heat for 1-2 minutes to cook flour. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. Transfer to a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture to release any more heat. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time. Beat well between each addition until all the eggs have been added and the mixture is thick and glossy. Beat for a few more minutes, or until thickened.

4. Spoon the choux mixture, in batches, into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm nozzle. Pipe mixture onto trays in two sizes, a smaller and a larger one leaving room for spreading. Bake for 20-25 minutes, in batches, or until firm and hollow when tapped. Prick a small hole in the bottom with a skewer to release the steam and return to the oven to completely dry out for 5 minutes. Transfer puffs to wire racks.

5. Make cupcake. Set oven to 180c/350F. In an electric mixer beat the butter until light and fluffy and then add sugar and beat until creamy. Add eggs one at a time ensuring that you beat well after each addition. Mix milk and vanilla together. Add one lot of flour and then one lot of the soured vanilla milk and then repeat until mixed. Do not overmix.

6. Line a muffin tray with cupcake liners and spoon into cases about 2/3rds full. Bake for 20 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.

7. Assemble the cupcakes. Cut out a small cone from the cupcake and fill the cavity with some of the custard filling. Trim the end of the cone and replace the lid on top. Poke holes in the bottom of the choux pastry with a chopstick or a skewer and affix a small plain tip to the top of a piping bag and fill with the custard.

8. Make toffee. Firstly have a tray lined with baking paper ready. Then melt sugar, water and lemon juice on low heat in a heavy based saucepan until fully dissolved. Turn up heat to high and watch it like a hawk. After about 5 minutes, it should turn caramel. Turn heat down to very low, enough to keep the caramel liquid but stop it turning more brown. Using a pair of tongs in one hand and a fork in the other, dip the top of the filled choux buns in the toffee mix. Be very careful, the caramel is very, very hot and you can burn yourself very easily. Use the fork to help the choux bun off the tongs and place toffee side up on a sheet of baking paper. It will cool within minutes.

9. When all the choux have been dipped, you should have enough toffee left over to spin and also use it to affix the choux buns to the cupcake and each other. Lightly dip the bottom of a larger choux bun in the caramel and stick to the cupcake. Then dip a smaller one in and place that on top of the larger choux bun.

10. Once these have been done, take two forks and cooling the toffee slightly, make strands by dipping them into the toffee and making circular motions around the cupcake. If strands do not occur then the toffee needs to cool a little further. I find it easier to keep the stove on very low so that I can reheat the toffee if it sets too hard while you are spinning it. Top with a fresh violet (or a faux one if you happen to be out).

Choux recipe by Adriano Zumbo

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Posted in Cooking and Recipes, Cupcakes

78 Comments | Add your own

1. Julia @ Mélanger | July 23, 2009 at 6:21 am | #

Lorraine, these are just so adorable. I wish you could send one up to me. I love the toffee that you have spun on the top. Very pretty!
2. Tara | July 23, 2009 at 7:08 am | #

You have no idea how much I NEED these!!!

i will be attempting this on sunday. *fingers crossed*
3. Rosa | July 23, 2009 at 7:17 am | #

oh, they are so pretty! They could be displayed in a bakery window! Now, I’m drooling…

Cheers,

Rosa
4. Marita | July 23, 2009 at 7:18 am | #

Ooooh they look delicious. Thank-you to CrazyMeezer for the Re-Tweet on twitter because otherwise I’d never have seen them.

As for being stood up. Day before our wedding on the Gold Coast my husband rang the Best Man to find out where he was… turns out Best Man was in Melbourne, he’d just started a new job and had decided not to attend our wedding – but forgot to tell us.

Best Man not so much a Best Man after all. Thankfully one of husbands brothers was able to take on the role..
5. Julianna | July 23, 2009 at 7:30 am | #

I’m in love with you, your recipes, pictures and writing.

Amazing.

I’d stalk you but that’s not funny nor possible, but if it were either I absolutely would.

I’ll keep reading if you keep writing.
6. Elise | July 23, 2009 at 7:34 am | #

These are positively gorgeous!! A beautiful recipe and the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with choux, will most certainly be giving it a try. Great post, thanks
7. Ellie@AlmostBourdain | July 23, 2009 at 7:36 am | #

You do like all things miniature :p Gorgeous miniature croquembouches. Well done!!
8. Trisha | July 23, 2009 at 7:40 am | #

oh you are too good Lorraine! You make the most exciting and interesting cupcakes and they always turn out very impressive (see baklava cupcake, brain cupcakes, and now croquembouche cupcakes!). I can only imagine what we’ll see next!
9. Laura | July 23, 2009 at 7:43 am | #

First of all – nom!
I waited almost 2 years for a leaking wall to be fixed. Was a combination of being stood up by the real estate agent, the landlord and the builders! I don’t think I have it in me to go through renovations, though! Hope the plumber turns up eventually!!
10. Steph | July 23, 2009 at 7:56 am | #

These are ingenious Lorraine! And so pretty I don’t blame you for skipping the action shots, spinning burning toffee and cameras do not mix!
11. sandra | July 23, 2009 at 7:59 am | #

Wow they look gorgeous- you have one very lucky friend!!!
I was recently stood up twice by a dry cleaning company who had come highly recommended to me, who had in their possession my wedding dress. The first time they called and let me know they were unable to drop off my dress, the second time- there was no call from them, only a very distressed angry call from me, 3 hours later they returned my call and promised to drop off the dress by 11.30am, then at 11.55, they finally sauntered up to my door with my dress in hand- lucky for them!!!
12. holly | July 23, 2009 at 8:34 am | #

oh my freaking gosh. these look totally adorable!
13. kewpie | July 23, 2009 at 8:50 am | #

inspiration for the weekend !! thanks Lorraine.

my best no show story – is a bridesmaid that got “lost” and arrived just as the bride and groom were signing their ‘papers’… not cool !
14. Rilsta | July 23, 2009 at 8:50 am | #

These look stunning and what a fabulous idea to make croquembouche cupcakes! You are a baking queen!
15. Ja | July 23, 2009 at 8:51 am | #

wowwww….. I want it now, the choux puffs look so crisp.

Is the cupcake liner from Donna Hay? I bought also..hehe (expensive T_T)
16. Lisa | July 23, 2009 at 8:57 am | #

These are amazing!! I’ll have to give them a go
17. the projectivist | July 23, 2009 at 9:00 am | #

i’m quite lucky – i’ve not been stood up. usually i’m the disorganised party – happily sauntering along thinking i have plenty of time to do whatever it is i’m supposed to be doing, and then GOOD LORD IS THAT THE TIME?! and i’m in panic mode.

you’d think at 39yrs of age, i’d have learned better time-management skills? you’d be wrong.
18. Anita | July 23, 2009 at 9:01 am | #

Fantastic idea!!! I love it! Congrats on such a lovely cupcake and with those profiteroles on top – I am so jealous! Good luck with your renovations!
19. Jen (jenius.com.au) | July 23, 2009 at 9:03 am | #

Lorraine, these look stunning, especially with your final touches of spun toffee and that beautiful foil beneath them! Love it
20. greg | July 23, 2009 at 9:11 am | #

MR NQN brought some of your tasty treats – so scumdidilliumptous…if your were ever to divorce Mr NQN – I’ll be here waiting with my fork ready
21. Paula | July 23, 2009 at 9:12 am | #

Lorraine, those are the most adorable and delicious cupcakes ever!
22. Karen | July 23, 2009 at 9:19 am | #

You are an inspiration!! I love these…am definitely going to try it! Always wanted to try the croquembouche but it looked like so much effort. Although, after reading this post…I wonder if I should just attempt it anyway

Re: your tradey comment. One is coming to meet me today to quote on re-tiling…I wonder if he will show up…hmmm…
23. Megan | July 23, 2009 at 9:40 am | #

These look amazing, what a great idea. I’ve made a croquembouche but with the help of my Mum who is a seasoned choux maker. She also always makes orange flavoured custard for her choux puffs – not sure why, must ask her.
24. Gera @ SweetsFoods | July 23, 2009 at 9:46 am | #

Lorraine you always left me speechless with your creations and photos…I’m having heart palpitations!
What a magnificent cupcakes

Cheers!

Gera
25. Matilda | July 23, 2009 at 9:53 am | #

I take my hat off to you Lorraine because these cupcakes are Divineeeeeeeeeeee. Just this morning my daughter Gabriella was saying that one of her friends asked her to make some cupcakes for her 25th birthday, so we were discussing flavours etc and then I read your page this morning, problem solved!!!!!!!!! I think she’ll love these and Gab will be crowned Miss Cupcake
I was stood up in my early twenties for New Years’ Eve,four of us had organised to go out, I was at work and the guy’s friend came in just before closing time to tell me that my date wasn’t coming. The coward couldn’t even front up himself, I was devastated to say the least.
26. Angela@spinachtiger | July 23, 2009 at 10:00 am | #

I want these. I want to make them. I SOOO impressed, blown away. Simply lovely.
27. Johanna | July 23, 2009 at 10:11 am | #

these look wonderful and decadent – I bet the plumber would have turned up if he had one of these on offer – just a thought for next time
28. Belle@OohLook | July 23, 2009 at 10:22 am | #

What a great alternative to a full croquembouche. In fact, it’s really 2 desserts in one, isn’t it? Clever!
PS: At least your plumber called to say he couldn’t make it – I had to call mine to find out why he hadn’t shown up
29. Sophia | July 23, 2009 at 11:24 am | #

I was planning on making cupcakes this sunday, but looking at those amazing croquembouche cupcakes…I’m in lust!
30. marie | July 23, 2009 at 11:30 am | #

THANK YOU for keeping our creative juices flowing – I was just making the choux for Gateau St. Honore for my own 73rd birthday party as a gift to myself so that I will leave a photo of it for my family!!! First time for the whole of it…but yours is absolutely ADORABLY different!
31. Dee | July 23, 2009 at 11:44 am | #

That looks divine!!! I just recently moved to a new house and the kitchen (especially the oven)is just SHOCKING!! to the max *not a happy Jane*. I will never be able to try this recipe until the kitchen is rebuild (and won’t be anytime soon), so NQN, how about i buy one or two from you?
32. Alexandra | July 23, 2009 at 11:54 am | #

Those cupcakes are so cute! Trust you to make a miniature cupcake version of a croquembouche
33. Jacq | July 23, 2009 at 12:13 pm | #

Oh my god they look absolutely delicious and oh so cute! Reading food blogs on an empty stomach is never a good idea – it just makes me even hungrier!
34. Kim | July 23, 2009 at 12:27 pm | #

I know what you mean by beginners luck, and having to give something another go. You have outdone yourself once again and in record time all because of a time-challenged plumber. I live clear across the world and we have the same plumber problems. Just finished renovating our home so know your excitement, agony and challenges. As for being stood up; well by a plumber of course!
35. Forager | July 23, 2009 at 12:44 pm | #

Better you skip those process shots than have bandaged up mitten hands to show your bravado! These look fantastic and a much more manageable yet adorable version of the towering croquembouche.

As for renovation nightmares – we have been there too and I have cursed so much I put foul mouthed sailors to shame. Our gyprock tradespeople were inexperienced, half finished each room, took half the payment, left their tools in our house then went AWOL on us for oh, about 2 months. Stopped taking or returning our calls. Then have the nerve when we gave up on them and got the job finished to call up and demand their tools back. I am sure I have cursed them for their next 20 lifetimes…
36. Mel | July 23, 2009 at 1:18 pm | #

Lorraine these looks insanely delicious!
37. Barbara | July 23, 2009 at 1:30 pm | #

These are definitely a showstopper! I am in the middle of remodeling my kitchen and can sympathize!
38. Miss Honey | July 23, 2009 at 1:59 pm | #

Yes, you make it look easy I won’t deny. I’ve recently been struggling with caramel – ouch!!!!

I can think of one breed worse than the tradie – the real estate agent…ergh.
39. shaz | July 23, 2009 at 3:05 pm | #

Wow, these look divine, bet they were gobbled up quick smart. Good luck with the renovations
40. isabelle | July 23, 2009 at 4:26 pm | #

Gorgeous!
They looks so delicious and they are soo cute! What a fantastic idea to make croquembouche cupcakes.
41. foodie-central | July 23, 2009 at 4:57 pm | #

Oh wow! They look gorgeous. I would never have thought to make them into cupcakes. So cute!
42. Alice | July 23, 2009 at 5:14 pm | #

Wow, looks really good

It makes me want to try it, even though I really suck at cooking xD There was no way I’d follow the recipe on the MasterChef site written to build a full croquembouche tower (as pretty as it looks) At least if I fail following your recipe, it’s not a few dozen eggs I’ve just wasted xD
43. Chris | July 23, 2009 at 5:18 pm | #

These look wonderful Lorraine – also love the cake liners – maybe you need to do a sourcing blog as I haven’t seen them before. Thanks for another delicious post.
44. Meg{Feasting on Art} | July 23, 2009 at 5:45 pm | #

These look so beautiful! I have never attempted something so elaborate!
45. Arwen from Hoglet K | July 23, 2009 at 5:50 pm | #

They’re beautiful, but I’m not convinced they’re any easier than the whole croquembouche! Good job getting them done for a deadline.
46. Belinda | July 23, 2009 at 5:56 pm | #

Oh so pretty.
47. Yas | July 23, 2009 at 6:48 pm | #

Ohhhhhhh this is absolutely gorgeous and sooo pretty!!

Those traders who don’t understand the concept of ’schedule’… There’re too many of them, so I get overly friendly and offer them beverage etc when they came on time and finished a job as promised. LOL Good luck!
48. Midge | July 23, 2009 at 7:23 pm | #

Oh, Lorraine! Those are just too pretty! But, vanilla all over the place~! Excuse me whilst I wipe the drool off my desk…

(As for getting stood up? Colleagues, useless exes, meh… It happens. )
49. Vanessa | July 23, 2009 at 7:47 pm | #

One word: WOW!
50. Karen | July 23, 2009 at 8:15 pm | #

Aw I want one! With that sexy crunch of the toffee! Ever since Masterchef, I’ve never looked at croquembouches the same way again
51. Soma | July 23, 2009 at 10:20 pm | #

Wow these are really cute & wonderfully filled. Lucky people who live around you;-)
52. grace | July 23, 2009 at 10:22 pm | #

oh lorraine, i’m confident that no success you’ve ever had can be attributed to beginner’s luck. these are gorgeous little cakelets.
53. Not Quite Nigella | July 23, 2009 at 10:48 pm | #

Hi Julia-Thankyou so much! Wouldn’t that be great if we could send each other treats! Thanks

Hi Tara-Oh cool! Best of luck, just make sure to leave enough time to do all the parts

Hi Rosa-Aww thankyou so much! You are too sweet!

Hi Marita-Thanks so much! Yes thanks to CrazyMeezer and all those wonderful people that Re-tweeted it! Oh dear, what a terrible best man? How could he just decide to do that?!

Hi Julianna-Aww what a lovely thing to say. That’s such a lovely comment, one of the nicest I’ve received, thankyou so much!

Hi Elise-Thankyou so much! Definitely give these a try! Thanks

Hi Ellie-Absolutely! Thanks!

Hi trisha-Aww thankyou! You all are so nice Hehe I’m plotting Halloween! Muahahaaa!

Hi Laura-Thankyou! 2 years? Oh no that’s crazy, you poor thing! Yes we called another one. We just couldn’t be bothered with an unreliable one!

Hi Steph-Thanks so much! Hehe yes I’m still scared of hot caramel

Hi sandra-Thankyou! She was very happy Oh no, and your wedding dress too! Lucky for them indeed

Hi Holly-Hehe thankyou so much!

Hi kewpie-Wonderful and you’re welcome! Oh dear, she got lost? That’s terrible although I suppose she showed up eventually?

Hi Rilsta-THankyou so much, you are too kind!

Hi Ja-They were really nice and crisp-I was so relieved at that! Yep they sure were from Donna Hay Good spot!

Hi Lisa-Thanks so much! Yes please do!

Hi the projectivist-Oh no, so you’re the stander upper? Hehe I think it’s a chronic thing although do people give you your own special time to meet? Like 30 minutes before everyone else?

Hi Anita-Thankyou so much on all counts!

Hi Jen-Thanks! I had to go all gold as the toffee called for it

Hi greg-Hehe cool! So glad that you liked them! They would have been better on the day that I baked them but I couldn’t leave the custard out overnight

Hi Paula -THanks so much!

Hi Karen-Aww thankyou! I think it’s possible. I’m amazed at how straightforward the choux puffs were to make. Or maybe I’m crazy Did he turn up?

Hi Megan-Thankyou! Oooh orange sounds gorgeous! I’d love those

Hi Gera-Aww shucks thankyou Gera! You are always so lovely!

Hi Matilda-Thanks so much! Aww what a fun project! Yes she will definitely be the belle of the ball with these OH no, karma got him I think. What a gutless guy!

Hi Angela-Hehe awesome! Please do Thankyou so much!

Hi Johanna-Hehe bribing them? That’s an idea!

Hi Belle-Thanks so much! Yes it is! A cupcake and a profiteroke Yes I get the feeling I was “lucky”!

Hi Sophia-Oh cool! Have fun making the cupcakes! Thankyou!

Hi marie-Aww thankyou! Oh I made one of those, aren’t they wonderful? Happy Birthday too! Thankyou so much!

Hi Dee-Thanks so much! Oh no, tI would be beside myself if I had a bad oven I hope it gets replaced soon and you can bake again! Hehe sadly they’re all gone but thanks for the offer!

Hi Alexandra-Thankyou! Hehe trust me to do that!

Hi Jacq-Thanks so much! Hehe I do the same and it’s hard isn’t it

Hi Kim-Thankyou! After the macaron experience I had to check It’s an International thing? Such a shame! Of course!

Hi Forager-Hehe yes I remember all those bandaged fingers on Masterchef! Hehe I can’t imagine you swearing! Oh dear, that sounds so stressful and
awful! You poor thing

Hi Mel-Thankyou so much!

Hi Barbara-Thanks very much! I hope the renovations go well!

Hi Miss Honey-OH no did I? I wasn’t easy I have to say. Well it would haeve been ok if I didn’t have the time crunch factor which was really my own fault Oh YES! I hear you most definitely!

Hi shaz-I think they were from all reports! Thankyou so much

Hi isabelle-Thanks so much! You are so sweet!

Hi foodie-central-Thankyou! I always try and make as many cupcakes as possible

Hi Alice-Thankyou! Oh no, you can do it as long as you set the time aside and don’t rush. Rushing and caramel=dangerous! Yes that’s very true, there were quite a few eggs in that recipe!

Hi Chris-Thanks so much! They were from Donna Hay’s General store and they’re the French pleat cupcake liners You’re welcome!

Hi Meg-THankyou so much! I didn’t think I would!

Hi Arwen-They’re probably not as I said! Thanks so much

Hi Belinda-Thankyou!

Hi Yas-Thanks so much! Ahhh yes positive reinforcement-I like that

Hi Midge-Thanks so much Hehe yes it’s all about vanilla! Oh sorry to hear that but yes I guess that’s life

Hi Vanessa-Thankyou!

Hi Karen-Hehe yes, they’ve revived the croquembouche most certainly!

Hi Soma-Thanks so much! They seemed very happy

Hi grace-Aww you are too sweet girl! Thankyou!
54. Miakoda | July 23, 2009 at 11:18 pm | #

Those beautiful strands! And there’s so happening in this cupcake Elegant.
55. Miakoda | July 23, 2009 at 11:22 pm | #

Oops, typo, I meant there’s so MUCH happening in it
56. Gummi Baby | July 23, 2009 at 11:46 pm | #

It was only a matter of time before something like this came out. Let me guess, inspired by Masterchef? He he!
57. Faith | July 24, 2009 at 12:25 am | #

Oh my, these look fantastic! Not only do they look incredibly delicious, but they’re lovely and elegant as well!
58. Sophie | July 24, 2009 at 12:56 am | #

Dear Lorraine, You have made an outstanding & luscious dessert!! Now, I must say: this dessert is my all time favourite!!

You did an excellent & oustanding job!!

Beautiful pictures too!!
So this is pure indulgence,….waw!
59. Memoria | July 24, 2009 at 3:16 am | #

WOW! WOW! I know everyone is as impressed as I am by your cupcakes. These look so great! I’m glad you were able to make time to take pictures. Only a true food blogger would account for time to take photos of her/his food when in a rush haha. I will be bookmarking this.
60. The Duo Dishes | July 24, 2009 at 3:37 am | #

Wow. You did that!?! Well of course you did. We’ve both made a croquembouche cake in a cooking class, and it was a feat. This is so well done and intricate. Great!
61. pigpigscorner | July 24, 2009 at 6:55 am | #

They are so cute! I wanted a Croquembouche for my wedding, but it was impossible to have one that could feed 600 ppl =(
62. Tiffany | July 24, 2009 at 7:00 am | #

I crown thee “Cupcake Queen”! Not that I have the authority, but whoever does should definatly give you the crown
63. Tuty | July 24, 2009 at 9:47 am | #

Oh.. I am so drooling over these…
I wonder if the spun sugar will stay in a humid weather (like Jakarta or Bali).
64. Caz | July 24, 2009 at 10:09 am | #

These look absolutely devine! Well done
How long will these keep for?…that is, if they’re not already all consumed!!
65. Cakelaw | July 24, 2009 at 10:56 am | #

These look fabulous Lorraine! Well done, especially under such pressure. I have been stood up on a number of occasions by all sorts of people, from friends to family to removalists to tradespeople – too many to recount.
66. Jude | July 24, 2009 at 12:29 pm | #

I also remember the first I got lucky with pate a choux — i couldn’t stop making it. Whether sweet or savory it didn’t matter much.
67. Betty | July 24, 2009 at 12:34 pm | #

Wow! These look so good! Ahh, how annoying with the plumber, but at least you got a call, I’m normally the one that has to chase tradespeople up!
68. jess | July 24, 2009 at 1:17 pm | #

Those look so gorgeous! Please please please enter MasterChef! Your dishes are so beautiful and creative =)
69. Sihan | July 24, 2009 at 4:08 pm | #

wow wee! these look incredibly decadent and not to mention. reallie pretty! well done. Guess i should give these a go soon!
70. Conor | July 24, 2009 at 5:33 pm | #

Wowsers, I have to make these! I too am determined to make a Croquembouche but am not sure when I’ll have the time or the people available to eat it all. I could always get ambitious for my housewarming I guess…

Speaking of housewarmings, I misread your talk of an “upcoming move” as “upcoming movie” and thought for a minute you were having a film made! It could be called “Nigella and Not Quite Nigella”?
71. FFichiban | July 24, 2009 at 5:49 pm | #

Woooww nicely done! These are sooo cute and I bet they taste amazing!
72. Not Quite Nigella | July 25, 2009 at 8:02 am | #

Hi Miakoda-Thankyou so much! You are too kind!

Hi Gummi Baby-Yes of course!

Hi Faith-Thanks so much for your sweet words!

Hi Sophie-Thankyou! Hehe really?! Perhaps you’ll give this a go?

Hi Memoria-Thanks so much! Hehe that’s true, we definitely need to budget for cooking time Thankyou!

Hi The Duo Dishes-Hehe yep! I can imagine it would have been quite feat indeed! Thankyou so much

Hi pigpigscorner-Thankyou! OH yes you might need a few of those. 600 people-that’s about 10 times the guests we had!

Hi Tiffany-Hehe why thankyou kindly! You are too kind! x

Hi Tuty-Thanks so much! Hmmm good question. I would almost think not most probably?

Hi Caz-Thankyou! Sadly these went in a flash i.e. as soon as they were put out but I’d say they’re best served on the day or the choux might get soggy.

Hi Cakelaw-Thanks so much! Yes it’s a sad fact of life I suppose. Doesn’t make it any more pleasant though!

Hi Jude-Yes it’s easy to get addicted to making it!

Hi Betty-Thankyou! Yes that is true, I could’ve waited for an hour only to call him

Hi jess-THankyou! Hehe I am very tempted to do so! Thanks for your encouragement!

Hi Sihan-Thanks so much Yes please do!

Hi Conor-Yes it’s a labour of love. best saved for events or big celebrations! Haha that’s so funny. How cool would that be? Love it!

Hi FFichiban-Thankyou! They were really good if I can be immodest
73. Brenda Goss | July 25, 2009 at 9:27 am | #

The best cupcakes ~ ever! I can’t wait to make these!
74. Conor | July 25, 2009 at 4:07 pm | #

oh and just thought I’d mention this in case you didn’t know about it (I just found out about it)… RSPCA’s Cupcake Day!
http://www.rspcacupcakeday.com.au/index.php
75. Panda | July 25, 2009 at 9:58 pm | #

these cupcakes are gorgeous!

anyway, just wanted to let you know that i’m awarding you with the ‘kreativ blogger award’. more deets here: http://panda-n-cakes.blogspot.com/2009/07/kreativ-blogger-award.html
76. Not Quite Nigella | July 27, 2009 at 11:46 pm | #

Hi Brenda-Aww thankyou so much!

Hi Conor-Oh great, thanks for letting me know! I better get my bottom into gear

Hi Panda-Thankyou so much! Aww you are too sweet, thankyou!
77. Nicole | December 15, 2009 at 12:34 pm | #

NQN – what a wonderful creation! I have been secretly wanting to make these for awhile but was a bit daunted as I haven’t made custard, choux pastry or toffee before!! I just got a kitchenaid for my birthday/christmas present so decided that it was time to tackle this recipe. The way you laid it out step by step made it a lot more manageable! And guess what…they worked! I am so proud couldn’t quite get the hang of the toffee threads, but otherwise very pleased!

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1. Cheeseburger Cupcakes @Not Quite Nigella | September 8, 2009 at 6:01 am

[...] get much harder than that and there’s no buttercream to make after it or god forbid any spun toffee. In fact these were amongst the easiest cupcakes I’ve made in a long time and the most [...]