Monday, November 8, 2010

Stud Muffin Shower

I was so honoured to help host a baby shower for my newest nephew and his beautiful mama in October.  We had a great time visiting, eating and playing a few classic baby shower games.  Instead of going for the traditional blue baby boy theme, I thought I'd mix it up a little.  Since the shower was being held in the morning, I was keen on planning a brunch and instantly thought Muffins for Max.  I expanded the theme to include the traditional song "Do you know the muffin man?" as well as playing off of the STUD MUFFIN idea.  The weather here in Alberta was definitely saying FALL, so the colours and other decor is pretty obvious.
Front of Invitation:  Picture found on Google Images
Inside of Invite says : Do you know the muffin man?  Come meet Baby ____________...


Thank you Favour:  Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Squares
Back of Favour Tag

Banner that read "Muffin Man Max" (Muffin jpeg found on Google Images)

Some of the muffins and cupcakes
(Chocolate Caramel, Peanut Butter Chocolate,
Honey and Cherry Cupcakes)
Martha Stewart's Cupcakes: 175 Inspired Ideas for Everyone's Favorite Treat
Most of the cupcake recipes that I used for this baby shower can be found in this book.  I like to mix and match recipes, so I have also included some of the frosting recipes below.  This book is easy to bake from and makes a beautiful coffee table book as it is full of full-colour photography of all recipes.  I highly recommend this book.
CHOCOLATE FROSTING for Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes can be found here.

HONEY FROSTING (adapted from Martha Stewart Recipes)1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, very soft
1 bar (8 ounces) regular (or reduced-fat) cream cheese, very soft
1/4 cup honey

PEANUT BUTTER FROSTING for Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes can be found here.

CHERRY FROSTING for Cherry Cupcakes can be found here.

Group Gift was a gift certificate to IKEA (to make a great playroom)
and two books Where the Wild Things are and
If you give a Mouse a Muffin

Hand painted Pumpkins with the M initial
with decorative dried corn and brown/beige candles

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

Bran Muffins

Outdoor Painted Sign on the Porch

The table and the banner

Fruit Salad with sunflower seeds and Homemade Egg McMuffin

Easy Homemade Egg McMuffins

Each cupcake/muffin had a sign (All images found on Google Images)

Honey Cupcakes with Real Honeycomb

Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes

Cherry Cupcakes

Gluten Free Chocolate Cheesecake Cupcakes