I started to get paranoid when ever I turned on my computer. There were three emails in one week. Each offering me the services of a personal trainer. I looked around. *Gulp* Who reported me to the fitness police? Or was it that obvious that I was in need of a personal trainer? It was true that when people meet me they say things like “Oh you like dessert don’t you? I can tell from your blog” (although there was a small mercy in that they didn’t add “I can tell from the way that you look”).
I refused the advances of the personal trainers politely. I didn’t need that relationship yet. I used the excuse that I didn’t have time and I travel too much to be able to commit to it. But really I just didn’t want to be yelled at for being lazy and eating too much cake and rich food. And I also knew that even if I got one of those nice and kind trainers (if they even exist) then I just wouldn’t take them seriously unless they were yelling at me and frightening the croissants out of me! To make matters worse there has been a little update on the treadmill situation. You may perhaps remember that a while back I got myself a treadmill in an effort to stave off the consumption of goodies like cupcakes and pastries. Well it is now broken.
I know, don’t look at me that way. I didn’t kill it on purpose.
If I am to be totally honest I didn’t exactly kill it from overuse. One day I turned it on and suddenly it no longer worked. A part of me was happy that I got the reprieve from an afternoon’s workout on it but another part of me worried about refusing the P.T.s given that I was now treadmill-less.
I also worried about some items that I was about to bake. Cupcakes. Not just cupcakes but cupcakes covered in icing and then topped with a sugar cookie. It’s a good thing that I have skinny and active Mr NQN to do my fitness for me by proxy. Do you like how I just manoeuvred my way out of exercise? I’m sneaky that way 
I love the recent revival we’ve had of babushka dolls, cups, cookies and cupcakes. When it came to babushka decorating ideas I turned to Linda from Bubble and Sweet who has a book coming out in December 2011 called “Sweets on a Stick”. I was so touched when she contacted me to let me know that I was one of five non family members that she had put into her acknowledgements – isn’t she lovely? Linda had a tutorial on how to decorate babushka cookies and it was clear and easy and I simply adapted it to my own equipment. I was so happy with the way that they turned out as I wanted the cookies to sit on top of the rounded bottom of the cupcake which was meant to simulate the rounded shape of a babushka doll.
The cake itself has a poppyseed and blackberry filling which is made light, moist and sweet by the use of sour cream and a swirl of icing on the top. The cookies are wedged into the cupcake with the icing holding it up and each babushka is decorated with unique sugar decorations. I haven’t quite solved the PT or treadmill dilemma. I think I shall take advantage of the recent trend for babushkas and their hourglass shape as a sign that I perhaps I have another few weeks of relaxation…
So tell me Dear Reader, do you have a personal trainer or go to the gym? And are you feeling any pressure now that Spring has sprung (at least in the Southern Hemisphere)?
Click to enlarge
Oh and in some other wonderful news, there was a lovely article written about me and the blog on the Detroit News website. The journalist Kate Lawson is a NQN reader and wrote about bacon jam and the blog’s four year anniversary!
Babushka Cupcakes
Blackberry and poppyseed cupcake -makes between 12-16 cupcakes depending on size
- 1 tablespoon poppyseeds
- 1/4 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 1/3 cup plain all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup caster or superfine sugar
- 125g/4ozs butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup blackberries, thawed and slightly crushed (with approximately 2 tablespoons juice)
1. Place poppyseeds in the warmed milk and leave for 15 minutes to soften. Preheat oven to 180C/350F and line a tray with liners Meanwhile mix the flour, baking powder and sugar in a bowl. In a jug mix the steeped poppyseeds, milk, sour cream, butter, blackberries and eggs and whisk together. Then add these wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Scoop into the prepared liners and bake for 25-30 minutes until a skewer inserted inside comes out clean. Allow to cool.
For babushka cookies
Makes 12
- 85 g/3ozs butter, softened
- 140g/5ozs white caster superfine sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 180g/6ozs all-purpose flour
- 2-3 colours of ready to roll fondant plus a skin tone shade (I find colourful fondant colours look quite fetching for this)
- Babushka cookie cutter or stencil
- small round cookie cutter
- small heart cookies butter
- edible decorations and writing pens (I used a range including some from Queen brand)
- cornflour to help roll fondant
- red and black edible pan (I use Kopycake pens from Little Betsy Baker)
- small paintbrush and a little water
The curve of the cupcake fits into the curve of the babushka
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in the flour. Cover, and chill dough for at least one hour (or overnight).
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). If the dough has been left in the fridge for over an hour or overnight allow some time for it to become rollable by setting it on the bench to take the chill off it. Roll out dough between two sheets of greaseproof paper 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick (I wanted these slightly thicker so they could stand up). Cut into shapes with a babushka shaped cookie cutter or a stencil printed out with a sharp paring knife. It’s up to you whether you want the curve at the bottom or a straight line at the bottom-I did both to see how they would go and having it straight at the bottom does give the cookie more security in the cupcake if you are transporting it. Place cookies 1 inch apart on baking parchment lined sheets. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes in preheated oven until golden blonde. Cool completely.
3. Sprinkle a little cornflour on a clean surface and get your tools ready. Line a tray with parchment paper-you will put your final fondant pieces on this. Roll out the lightest colour first (I find red stains a lot so I always roll red fondant last). The paler colour will probably be the face shade. Cut out small circle and put aside on the parchment lined tray. Then roll out the colours and cut out the babushka shape. Cut out a circle in the centre where you will slot in the face circle. Gently lift and place on the lined tray. With the circle that has been cut out, you can make the hair by placing the heart upside down and cutting as shown. I used different hair colour and just mixed and matched them.
4. Brush a little water onto the fondant and adhere it to the cookie by pressing gently but firmly. Then using water adhere the decorations to the cookies. I used some snowflakes and hearts and drew some dots using a Queen white chocolate icing pen. Also draw the eyes and lips using the edible pen.
I wanted this to look like petticoats or a skirt. I know, I did miss the mark 
5. When the cookies are done you will ice the cupcakes and use the icing to secure the cookies in place. I made the bottom of my babushka’s curved but if you didn’t and make them straight just cut out a little rectangle to fit the cookie out the cupcake to slot it in (it’s a bit more secure doing it that way if you are transporting it). Once you’ve iced the cupcakes place the cookie on top of the cupcake.
If you enjoyed this post, why not share it with your friends?
What is NQN up to now?
NQN on Facebook
RSS
114 Comments | Add your own
Oh, they are so cute and look amazing! You are very talented.
Cheers,
Rosa
I used to go to the gym. It was sooo boring and a waste of money.
I was once 67kg. I didn’t like it, so I cleaned up my diet and started exercising myself. Exercise included: walking relaly really fast, walking really really fast up hills and jogging. Food meant getting rid of JUNK (cake is not junk unless it’s from McDonalds or somewhere).
I’m now 49kg. I eat cake on the weekends and I don’t put on weight. I just keep walking fast and eat healthy during the week:)
I love the idea of following an hour-glass shape trend! And, these cookie-topped cupcakes are too cute. I do go to the gym and I run, but it never seems to be enough for all the baking and tasting I do!
I made a 12th night cake and that nearly did me in… I am so not a baker. You, on the other hand, have magic fingers and a quick imagination…. gorgeous and lovely little ladies!!!
Such a lovely idea for a little girl’s party. I have a feeling these are going to take Pinterest by storm.
My husband sees a personal trainer who is a friend of mine. If I ever post what I’m cooking for dinner on facebook, he tells me off about it!
Aww, bless – these are simply gorgeous. No personal trainers or gyms here. Congrats on the write-up.
Well decorated, it requires quite a bit of effort. Thats your exercise for the day and to replenish the nutrients you need to eat some of these:) BTW I have never seen babushka cupcakes/cookies in Russia. Maybe an export opportunity and in return the Russians can export Kangaroo cupcakes/cookies to Australia:)
hehe I LOVE exercise, but I know it is not everyone’s favourite thing
ps – these cupcakes are TOO damn adroable!!!
They look beautiful but whats inside i want! yum
Its my daughters bday this sunday – can you bring me some!!!
those cupcakes are amazing..you are one talented cookie..i walked an hour a day for years and then i stopped..don’t know why..then i tried the personal trainer who was very nice but i was bored out of my mind..can’t bush walk at the moment because my bushwalking friend has just had knee surgery..excuses..excuses..
OH my gosh these turned out SO ADORABLE!!
Aww, the cakes are so gorgeous! Love all the little details you’ve put on the dolls!
I’m personally an avid gym goer myself, I get all antsy when I don’t go to the gym or go for a run for more than a day or two! I wish I had more time and more money for a personal trainer again as I haven’t had one in a year or two.
Those cupcakes looks so yummy!
They have fruit, makes them healthy right?
I used to go to the gym and I’ve never had a PT. Definitely feeling the pressure this spring but I’m at war with myself. I love food!
They’re way too pretty to eat!
How gorgeous are the cupcakes!!! Nearly too good to eat
I had a complete lifestyle change just over a year ago. It involved an overhaul of my diet in particular, as well as training. I have been a member of a gym for years, but never saw great results. My husband and I now eat extremely
cleanly 6 days a week (no processed food, all fresh produce and lean protein, some
oats, brown rice, sweet potato) and get to indulge on one day a week – this often backfires though as we find that extremely rich food doesn’t sit too well!
We train 5 days a week at the moment – weight work – as I’m competing in a bodybuilding competition in two weeks. Since starting our lifestyle change I’ve lost 24kgs and love what I see in the mirror. Sometimes I wish I could
eat whatever, whenever, but it’s really not worth it IMO!
I still get to eat food I love, just not frequently. I still get to eat out at fancy places, and enjoy cooking great food and sweet treats (although most of these are given away!)
These are just darling and I LOVE their hourglass shapes. as a matter of fact down with PT and gyms and up with curves!
Very pretty indeed….I love poppy seeds so I think I will enjoy every bite of this muffin if placed in front of me right now….I love the way you got out of exercising…who needs a treadmill when you can do yoga and zumba? or even a better ask to get blessed with a very active metabolism….no treadmill will ever be required then..
-Shilpa
Those look amazing! I wouldn’t have the patience (or the skill!)
Lovely cupcakes…!!!
Oh God…Spring is just around the corner, which means that summer is comming pretty soon…of course there is a presure…and course I don’t go to the gym…!!!
Not only do these sound delicious, but they are beautiful, Lorraine! I “pinned” them already!
Linda let me know that she mentioned me too in the acknowledgements~I am beyond thrilled!
CONGRATS on your article!!!
Wow. These look amazing and I’m thinking of doing these for my daughter’s 4th birthday, who also happens to be my personal trainer.
I completely understand your plight of exercise. I’ve never been much of a fitness or sporty person, so I wouldn’t even recommend a PT for when you start – it requires dedication and effort. Instead, go for walks! It’s how I started exercising! Grab your friends and walk in this growing gorgeous weather, with a good gossip and laugh included
I go to the gym now because it’s free due to my job, so I feel obliged :s
And I love these cupcakes! The craftsmanship of the cookies is divine! So pretty! And the cake filling sounds delicious too (I love poppyseed)
Beautiful!
Your cupcakes are beautiful, but one comment – the Russian dolls are called “Matrushka”.
Babushka means “Grandmother”.
Ahhh to be young and energetic.
They look so cute.
wow..these little girls are adorable….i love them
love bex mum
These are so cute… my husband is a little scared of babuska dolls he he so his reaction to these would be hilarious
These are gorgeous! I’m not much of a baker but what a fantastic idea for my girls. Congrats on the Detroit News too – all the hard work eventually pays off.
Oh wow NQN you’ve seriously outdone yourself!! Those cupcakes look AMAZING!!!! If I made cupcakes that cute, I’d probably freeze them and keep them in my room just to gaze fondly at. And I loved your comment about “fitness by proxy” haha – ingenious idea!!
wow, you have lots of patience and dedication!
How cute!
Awwwww, I laughed out loud with delight when I saw these, they are so cute! The idea of the poofy skirts is gorgeous.
When I became a chef, I lost 9kgs, I think creating the dish is the part I crave more than the eating of it- but I still have heaps of weight to lose
Just gorgeous
Lorraine! These are SO cute
Love them!! Babushka dolls have always intrigued me. They’re cool little things.
Stud and I have been on a wedding diet this year – only 4 months to go but yeah its the hardest thing ever to be on a diet AND be a food blogger haha. If I wasnt a blogger, I’d be a lot skinner by now. Theres just not enough time in the day for the hours I need to run on a treadmill to counteract my intake lol
So pretty. Currently considering what cakes/s to make for my daughter’s 8th birthday and as it is a high tea theme these would look great.
As to a personal trainer – I love my weekly session with Corey. He is realistic and admits he eats treats regularly too. He also does not train so it hurts, but uses Feldenkrais movement method as the basis of the training – so you always feel better afterwards. He is great! I only need to tone rather than lose weight, which is a new thing for me.
Ooh these cupcakes sound delicious! I do go to the gym – in my ‘spare time’ – i generally get there twice a week and have an extremely motivating instructor in my body combat class. I only wish she was my personal trainer! She has this way of motivating you without yelling and screaming or being a pansy. I wouldn’t still be going to the gym if it weren’t for her – and the cookies, cake scraps and cupcakes would be gathering around my middle right now! … ok so they are a little anyway, but even more so if I didn’t go! <3
Oh and Amber – GOOD ON YOU! That’s amazing! Love reading these comments and people’s stories
Kate Lawson has quite a following here in the Metro-Detroit area. That’s how I found out about You. That’s good news.
I wish I had the patience to even try making these gorgeous beauties. Love them, well done!
It occurs to me that surely the mere act of chewing uses calories?
I LOVE.
These cupcakes are so cute! Too bad I don’t have a daughter to do girly things with…on the other hand, my son would snarf down that bacon jam in no time. I have a personal trainer–my part black lab, part whippet (we think; she’s wicked fast) dog. I walk her several times a day, and I don’t feel the need for a human trainer! Not so pleasant in inclement weather, though…
Was brought up with anything ‘babushka’ kind’of from ‘next-door’! Yours are cute!! Much more important: the article in the ‘Detroit News’ – well deserved and it should garner notice
! Don’t believe in trainers and one can do a’thing ‘done’ in a gym at home: my programmes are variable: the three types of excercises needed, var kinds of meditation, breathwork, food etc etc et al – I firmly believe one can put a much more exciting and personal ‘work programme’ together oneself. Yes, I have to lose some weight now spring has sprung – shall do it myself with heaps of enjoyment!!! 
!
Oh, these are so cute. So original. I am in awe of your talent, as always. Congrats on the write-up and the amazing bacon jam.
I do yoga and walk my dogs.
The cucpcakes ARE cute as can be!
CONGRATS! WHOO HOO! re the blog mention and the article to see!
I’m my personal trainer, TRUE!
With a nickname like FANG, can you TELL what I ENJOY “TO DO”? lol
I love how crafty in the kitchen you are, Lorraine! Seriously, I would love for you to come to NY and spend a week with me in the kitchen to teach me how to make all these adorable things you make!
And lol, I haven’t crossed over to PT territory yet!
Thank you for another delightful read Lorraine.
I’m having several mini psychic episodes lately. Just last night I was wondering how your treadmill is going!! You hadn’t mentioned the treadmill or your driving adventures recently, so I was wondering how they are progressing.
You got a dud treadmill – mine is over 15 years old!!
The dolls are gorgeous. I’ve never made any recipe or visited any restaurant you’ve written about; I just love your talented writing style.
ha ha you are a funny kook Lorraine! Always crack me up. I was the laziest bum on earth till 3 years ago when I had had enough. I started going to the gym, lost and kept off 24 kilos and am hooked to fitness, good healthy eating and staying active! I love your cute cupcakes, what a sweet idea!
so cute!!!!!! They look so real too!
gaaah these are too cute! I have the babushka measuring cups and I love them! And I do go to the gym.. kicking and screaming all the way, each day.
Dear Lorraine…these babushkas are just TOO cute for words! And yes…I’m definitely finding that top button harder to do up after a long winter of delicious eating! I don’t do gym…but walking in the spring sunshine is always pleasant…especially with a friend for company
Congrats on the article and HAPPY BELATED 4 YEAR BLOGaVERSARY
these are way too cute. i have to make these for my mum, shes now a babushka!
frightening the croissants out of you!!! love it, this made me laugh so much, reminds me of myself
These are so adorable – my niece loves these dolls, but I don’t think they would survive shipping to Melbourne from Sydney! I do enjoy walking my dog, but haven’t been able to recently due to a crook back.
omg these are the cutest look cupcakes EVER! looks like a lot of effort though
u did such a good job on it
They are gorgeous! I like the thought of embracing the babushka shape.
No personal trainer for me but I drag myself out of bed every morning (except Sunday sleep-ins) to the gym or for a run.
My sister-in-law loves Babushka dolls, so I have to make her a batch of these! And yes, I’m a member of a gym. I put it on hold while I was sick, but I’m now getting better so need to get back to it to fight the Babushka tummy!
Oh my goodness Lorraine! These are the most beautiful cupcakes I have ever seen!!! I absolutely want to make these for my little one’s birthday in December! I am sure she’ll love them! How pretty!!!!! <3
These are so cute!! I am not sure that I would be able to eat them! Don’t know that my fingers are skilled enough to recreate them though. No treadmill in our house, just stairs and 2 children to chase after!
I love the colours and I am sure a little girl would love them.
I imagine you use up all those extra calories just fitting in all the things you do. I am definitely inspired to make these cupcakes, with sour cream and berries. Congrats on the mentions!
These are soooo adorable looking — even better than the real dolls, themselves!
Yes, I am a regular at the gym. I have to be — to justify all that I eat for work and pleasure. It’s always a struggle to balance calories in with calories out.
These cupcakes looks amazing. A lot of effort!
The only thing I still can’t understand why people call these “Babushka”?
Olya
Babushka in Russian means granny. And these dolls are called Matryoshka (single tense and plural would be Matryoshki or I guess in English would be Matryoshkas)
Awwwww- these Babushka cupcakes are way too cute to eat! How can they be preserved without ant colonies having a field day
These cupcakes are just the cutest!!!!! I love babushka dolls! So cute.
AMG soooo cute!! I’m obessed with anything Matryoshka!
They look absolutely gorgeous, very inventive. Gym? What is a gym??
OMG These are adorable!!!!
These dolls are really pretty….
They are dream come true for every girl on earth.
B/W Gym? Why?
Growing up my mum had an obsession with Babushka’s. The hand painted ones are beautiful. These cupcakes are just divine. I dont think I would be able to eat them.
I love anything Matryoshka/Babushka and my eyes lit up when I saw your blog today. Too cute and well done Lorraine, so perfect for a little girl’s party or Afternoon Tea party.
.
For health reasons I joined my local gym a few years ago to lose weight, gain fitness and improve my general well-being. I did all these things and felt great but the minute you let your motivation wane, you slip back to old habits and I now find myself back to square one
For people like myself who need a ‘push’ to exercise , I would recommend a PT, they really push you to your limits and take you to a level that you would normally not achieve yourself. So, as much as I LOVE all things sweet, Spring has awakened the need to get myself back into shape. Maybe, I’ll follow Amber’s mantra ( without the bodybuilding) , it sounds achievable.
These are so cute! I love the colours!
Wow! Those are incredible!! Your skills never cease to amaze!! Way beyond my capabilities!
You are forgiven the PT and treadmill as it looks like these probably burned a lot of calories in the making!!
There are so gorgeous! I love their different outfits
I had a PT for a while but quit a couple of months ago. I’ve got a few kg’s to lose now… *sigh*food*sigh*
I have the perfect solution – go to the northern hemisphere and autumn. I’m off next week to Hong Kong, Helsinki, Paris and Italy for a couple of months.
Wow, this cupcakes look soooo cute!!!
I love babushkas! Stephen’s parents brought me one back from Europe and I was one happy kid – I think if I received one of these cupcakes I’d try to open it to see if there was another one inside
The cakes are absolutely beautiful, well done. I laughed at your line about a PT scaring the croisaants out of you! Congratulations on making the Detroit News – you really are global. And, thank you for giving us another blogger’s site to check out – I’m off to have a look now
I used to hit the gym often but now I found something that works for me..Bikram yoga..it’s the best thing I found for me.
Good synchronicity: I also just made something with poppyseeds.
Bad synchronicity: Both of my parents, on separate occasions in the past four days, have not-at-all subtly told me that I should be doing some sort of exercise.
Boo! Don’t they know that whisking, folding, sifting, and walking to and from the fridge totally count?
What a great idea, popping the cookies on top of cupcakes is just genius. Thanks so much for the link and mention. I don’t go to the gym, we did used to have a Personal Yoga teacher come over pre kids but that was more for Mr Sweet’s back than weight loss. I kinda miss it but there are no tranquil moments here anymore for quiet meditation.
Ooh, the jym dilema
I joined a jym in January, but have been just handful of times, the kids are allways sick & I get sick from them all the time too, that’s my excuse. Now I haven’t been for so long I feel embarrased to go, I’m sure nobody cares if I’ve been or not, but I’m waiting to loose some weight & get a little fitter before I go back?!?!?!
Very exciting news about Bubbles&sweet, can’t wait to get her book, but getting very impatient about your book NQN, it’s being taking forever
Love the cupcake flavour – I’d never think to put blackberry and poppy seeds together! These are so beautifully decorated darling!
Aaahahahahaha how funny for me – I actually am a personal trainer!!! (I’m also now a travel consultant, and a qualified wellness coach and massage therapist, yes typical gen Y can’t decide what I want to do!) I’ve also been facing the dilemma over the last few months of having piled on a bit of weight from throwing myself into the world of food blogging… and am now getting back into my former healthier lifestyle with a bit more balance! Because at the end of the day, life’s too short to skip dessert
Such sweeties!! They look wonderful Lorraine, must have been quite time consuming making all the sugar decorations.
I LOVE THESE!!!! I love how you have shaped them around the cake – so clever!!!!
I made a Babushka cake for my daughter’s 1st Birthday cake – would love it if you could visit my blog and check it out
http://dunnntoperfection.blogspot.com/2010/07/first-birthday-cakebabushka-mumma-and.html
Hi Rosa-thanks so much Rosa!
Hi Miss Kimbers-Hehe I’m so glad you said that!
And I like your way of thinking. That sounds very sane indeed! 
Hi Lisa-Thank you!
I know, I wonder if they h ave a food bloggers class 
Hi deana-Oh but what a beauty that cake was Deana!
You are too kind!
Hi cook.eat.play-Aww shucks thank you so much!
haha really? You see I don’t think I could cope with being told off for doing my job 
Hi Cakelaw-thanks so mcuh Cakelaw!
Thank you!
Hi Three-Cookies-Thanks, yes they are a bit laborious. I was quite tired by the end of it
Ooh isn’t that interesting? 
Haha well I haven’t really seen kangaroo cupcakes!
Hi Lisa -haha I feel like you do my exercise for me
thank you!
Hi muppy-Haha cool! I really liked the poppyseed and blackberry combo
Why sure! 
Hi Jane-Thank you so much Jane!
Yes I think exercise doesn’t seem very interesting does it? I hope your knee is ok? 
Hi Julie-Thanks so very much Julie!
Hi Ashley-Thank you Ashley! You see I really wish I got like that! Mr NQN is like that if he doesn’t do some sort of sport!
Hi Apple-Haha you are so right
Yes I know the feeling oh so well! :S
Hi Tina-Thanks!
Hi Amber-Thank you! that sounds very good and very disciplined! Wow that is so impressive, well done on you!
Thank you for sharing your story too!
Hi Lora-Thanks Lora!
Haha I hear you!
Hi Shilpa-Oh fantastic!
I know I think I need to find a fun exercise because I get bored with them. Now wouldn’t that be nice? 
Hi Christine-Thanks so much Christine!
Hi Mi Vida en un Dulce-it sure is! I’m so excited! Hmm yes you’re right!
Hi Sue-Aww shucks thank you Sue!
Oh that’s wonderful! I’m in great company! 
Thank you!
Hi Tracey-Thank you! Hehe she’s your personal trainer? How very cool!
Hi Roxy-Oh I see! So once you’re into it you should get a PT? Yes walks are at least interesting, can I count shops as walking though? Thanks so much!
Hi Shan-thanks!
Hi Scott-Thanks! That’s ok, they can be whatever people interpret them to be-grandmothers or young peasant girls
Hi Ann-Thanks Ann!
Hi Bex-Thanks very much!
Hi Holly-Oh really? Do tell!
Hi Moodie Foodie-I bet you could make a great cookie version! Thank you very much!
I was so delighted by the article!
Hi Cappucino-thank you so much, that’s sucha nice thing to say!
Haha I found it hard to bite into one I have to confess 
why thankyou! 
Hi Michelle -Haha that’s the polite way of saying that I’m crazy?
Hi Blond Duck-Thanks!
Hi InTolerantChef-Thanks Rebecca!
I wasn’t sure if it was technically accurate but I decided to do it anyway 
Oh wow really? :O That’s great!
Hi The Food Mentalist-Thank you!
Hi Nic-Thank you!
I know, I love them too. I just love how they’re made with one block of wood! I can imagine but I’m sure you’ll look fantastic! 
Hi Ellen-Ooh I do love a high tea theme! sounds wonderful!
Oh now you see he sounds good!
Hi Danielle-thanks!
Wow how does she do that? 
I wonder if I should look for someone like that? 
Amber’s story is amazing isn’t it!
Hi Allan-Oh that’s wonderful! I’m not surprised though!
She seems really lovely!
Hi sandy-Thanks so much! Sadly yes they require a lot of patience which I don’t often have!
I know! I think it should burn up more! 
Hi Mrs.Lodhz-thank you!
Hi Sarah-Oh very cool!
Haha now that is an adorable personal trainer! 
I know, I would use bad weather as an excuse 
Hi EHA-Fabulous Eha!
Thanks for your kind words about the article 
I think I do so much around the house that that has got to help, right? 
Hi Victoria-thank you Victoria!
You are always so sweet! 
I think I need someone to help me with yoga 
I hurt myself every time I do it.
Hi Joanne-Thank you for your rhyme Joanne! Always brings a smile to my day
Hi Faith-Now wouldn’t that be loads of fun!?
Hehe we can avoid the PTs together 
Hi Margaret-Thankyou Margaret! Oh wow that is very psychic!
The driving is going really well! I’m driving almost everywhere now! 
Hmm it is my parents treadmill and I think they’ve had it for quite a few years. THank you so much! 
Hi Sneh-Haha thanks Sneh!
wow 24 kilos? That’s amazing, well done! 
Hi Dolly-Thank you Dolly!
Hi Kay-Aren’t they cute? Such a great gift idea too!
Ahh yes I tried kickboxing once! 
The screamign part I can do 
Hi jaqi-Thanks so much Jaqi! I know post winter is quite hard isn’t it? I like that idea, it’s much gentler too! Thank you so much!
Hi Leah-haha what a cute idea!
I know, I feel like I need to be frightened 
Hi Chris -Thanks Chris!
Ah alas I think you might be right about the shipping! I hope your back is feeling better soon?! 
Hi sugarpuffi-Thanks so much! Haha yes I can’t lie, they take a long time to make
You are too kind!
Hi Claire-Thanks Claire!
Oh you are too good! But that’s how you stay so svelte I’m sure!
Hi bronnie-Oooh aren’t you nice!
Haha the Babushka tummy, I like that! 
Hi Manu-thanks so much Manu!
Oh I bet she will love them! 
What a lucky girl!
Hi Jodie-Thank you!
It was hard to bite into one 
Oh that sounds like quite a workout!
Hi mykitchenstories.com-I hope so! It seems to be a constant battle
Thank you!
Hi Carolyn-Aww shucks you are too sweet girl! I know sometimes you win and sometimes the calories win (at least for me
)
Hi Olya-Thanks! Well I think they’re called both here as they are Babushka’s (grannys) or peasant girls
Hi Doris-Thank you! Oh I’m not sure! In the freezer perhaps?
Hi Jennifer-thanks Jennifer!
Me too! 
Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Yes have you seen the teaspoons they have now?
Hi sara-thank you! Haha I like that strategy!
Hi Reem-Thanks Reem!
You are too kind! haha I know, silly question huh?
Hi Katherine-Oh wow did she have a collection of them? That would be amazing! Haha it was hard
Hi Matilda-Oh thank you Matilda!
I agree, it’s very girly which I think is why I like them 
Well done for you, that is great to hear. I do need a push but I’d imagine that the PT might have to put up with some tantrums and abuse 
Good idea!
Hi Jen-thanks so much Jen!
Hi Naomi-Naomi you are too sweet!
I think it did, I was exhausted after making them 
Hi Chanel-Thank you! I figured real babushkas would have different outfits
Ahh all of that glorious food!
Hi Debra-haha sure! Sounds good to me except I love warmer weather
Look forward to reading all about them!
Hi Giulia-Thank you so much!
Hi JasmyneTea-What a lovely gift!
Haha I should have nested them! 
Hi ck-Thank you!
I know, I was so happy! She has a great blog so do check her out 
Hi Kay-Ooh bikram yoga, is that the hot yoga?
Hi Hannah-Oooh poopyseed twins! Oh you? You are a mere slip of a girl!
Hi Linda-Thank you and thanks for the decorating tips! Well I’m sure you’re busy with a little one!
Hi Bobbie-Hehe I’m sure I’d be full of excuses
I know, it will be great I’m sure! I know, trust me it feels like forever to me too! 
Hi Christie-Thanks darling! I know, I thoght I’d give it a go and lo and behold it works!
Hi jess-haha true that!
You are definitely well qualified! 
You’re absolutely right, life’s too short! 
Hi Hanna-Thanks so much Hanna!
They took ages yes I have to say. all day really! :S
Hi Cath-Thank you!
Aww that is so cute! Just adorable and what a lucky girl 
I love your recipes and wonder if it’s at all possible to have a printer friendly option on your site. I’m with you on the exercise. I also have a skinny other half who exercises and eats what he likes.
Wow! These cupcakes are so pretty:)
Hi Marcea- thanks so much! Ther is a print page link above the related posts at the bottom of the recipe!
hehe it’s not fair is it? 
Ahhh dreaded exercise. Wish I was one of those people who could live and breathe it on a regular basis. If only it wasn’t so painful!
These cup cakes are too cute. Love babushka dolls. Oh and congrats on the article!
poppyseeds and blackberries sounds vaguely eastern european which suits babushkas – I like your thinking about babushka fads – sylvia got a set but I fear it is no longer complete but it is hard to drag her away if passing the babushka shop in royal arcade
awww these are so sweet! love your creative cupcakes Lorraine!
How fabulous. All the colour and pattern of a Babushka and they’re edible too. GG
These are simply beautiful! Regarding exercise, you probably have read my post about my struggle to burn off the calories of what I eat, but if you didn’t or don’t remember, it involves early mornings and running. Ugh…
Congrats for your article and acknowledgement.
I just adore these Lorraine! I only wish I’t thought of it first
Between you and Linda I have my creative work cut out for me!
Lorrainre, you always come up with something amazing…these cupcakes are adorable…so cute!
Unfortunately I do not exercise…just take a walk after dinner
Hope you are having a wonderful week and thank you for sharing this post!
These are positively darling, little works of art!
Moi goes to the gym often, but I do not have a personal trainer. I don’t think I’d work well with someone shouting advice at me. I like to be the bossy one.
*kisses* HH
These are so unbelievably cute – and SO original! Did you come up with them yourself? So clever
My traitor mouth and stomach undo whatever hard work I put into exercise! I’m resigned to the fact that I’ll never look like a model but as long as I don’t eat myself to obesity again (ha, a whole other story!), I’m fine with my current lifestyle. I try to eat clean and do interval training on the treadmill + strength training 6 days/week, and indulge to my heart’s content once in a while. And hence, my inability to lose any more weight!
I tend to eat to my activity level, if I work out I’m hungrier. I’m not currently working out much so I’m eating less – so my body does’t really change if I workout (does that make sense??) so no i don’t feel Spring-time pressure. BUT i do FEEL better working out. Need to get back into it but keep getting sick!
Heidi xo
p.s. LOVE babushkas. I have babushka dolls & measuring cups. These are far too cute
You’re always coming up with the cutest ideas. That treadmill breaking story sounds a little fishy to me. xoxo Mum
I try and get to the gym every weekday, it is in the same building as my office, so no excuse really…
I have just started with a trainer and loved my first session, but I expect she was going easy on me.
they are sooooooooooo cute ^^
Congras Lorraine! And also the babushka cupcakes are so super adorable.
Congrats Lorraine on the Detroit mention and for the acknowledgement in the upcoming book by Linda from Bubble and Sweet. Love the Babbushka cake n biscuit,how cute! I think i’d use them to decorate!
Love these! The blackberry and poppyseed cupcakes look amazing on their own, but I love them dressed up as Russian dolls! You must have unending patience to put these together. Think about all the calories you’re burning by assembling these. No way you still need to go to the gym afterwards!
How gorgeous are those cupcakes and you, Lorraine, are sooooooo clever! Thank you, as always, for sharing your expertise!
My partner, Peter, is a food enthusiast, but also happens to have been a gym and aerobics instructor in a former lifetime so together we endeavour to walk and cycle off the kjs!
Lorraine!!!! I love your creations. These are just darling. I’m with you. I love the revival of the babushka.
Oh how cute and innovative!
awesome creations! u mast have a great immagination!
you had me at babushka dolls and then totally bowled me over at BLACKBERRY and POPPYSEED CAKE?!?!?!?!
OMG WANT.
And the ONLY cake I eat is orange and poppy seed.
exercise shmexercise. if i lived in russia, my layer of blubber would come in handy.
adorable and creative cupcakes, as usual. bravo!
Ah so cute!!
Well done on the international superstardom too
Hi Yaelian -Thanks Yaelin!
Hi Dressed and Eaten-Me too! I wish I needed less sleep and wanted to do more exercise. Alas I just can’t
Thank you so much! 
Hi Johanna-Yes I was hoping that but hadn’t seen any recipes pairing them but they do suit which was a relief!
Hehe I loved them as a child too!
Hi Christine-THanks Christine! I love making them!
Hi Glamorous Glutton-Yes I love using colourful fondant colours
Hi Nuts about food-Thank you! Yes I remember reading about yours! Good on you! Thanks so much
Hi Di-licious-Thank you Di!
Hehe yes she is great isn’t she?
Hi Juliana-Thanks Juliana! Oh that sounds like you’re doing well with that-walking is great for you! You too thanks so much!
Hi Heavenly housewife -THank you so much HH!
I know, me too! 
xxx
Hi Kerry-Thanks Kerry! Yes I saw Linda’s cookies and wanted to make a 3D cupcake version
Hi Lucy -Good for you! It’s all about what you want to do and what is achievable
At least you get to indulge once in a while! 
Hi Heidi-That’s a good idea and I think that’s listening to your body too. Oh no, is it the weather? I hope you get better soon! xxx Ooh yes I should get the measuring spoons too!
Hi Barbara-Thanks mum!
Haha you are funny, you don’t believe me? Well apparently Mr nQN got it working yesteryda-damnit! 
xxx
Hi Em -Good on you and that’s great that you loved it!
Hi Yuki -Thanks Yuki!
Hi penny-Thanks Penny!
Hi sia-Thanks Sia! You are too kind
And hehe yes why have only one when you can have two sweets 
Hi Diana-Yes the cupcakes themselves were really good!:) Haha I like your way of thinking too
You are a woman after my own heart!
Hi Lizzy-Thank you Lizzy!
Wow that is very motivating I’d imagine! 
Hi Julia-Thanks Julia! Go Babushkas!
Hi Phuoc-THanks Phuoc!
Hi Luma-THanks Luma-it’s overactive
Hi Kelley-Haha if only you were here I could have given you some!
Hi grace-Haha that is very true! Although I’ve seen apic of you Grace and you have no blubber
THanks!
Hi Phunk-Thanks Phunk!
Haha!
Only you would do such a cute thing as babushka cupcakes. How did I miss this one? I’m going to pin.
Hooley Dooley, just a SMIDGE of work involved here…they are beautiful, and I hope I can someday make them for my russian friend, who would love them. Thanks so much for the well written instructions.ps, I wonder how they would go with liquid fondant icing, which is whatI normally use for any sugar cookies I make…
I’m sorry, but Matryoshka can not be old, it’s like if you say “Barbie can be whatever people interpret her to be – grandmothers or young peasant girls”. Real Russian Doll Matryoshka is a young girl. Babushka means grandma only, Russians have no babushka or any old lady dolls for kids.
Post a Comment