Fall is here! There’s a crisp breeze in the evenings now. That maple tree in front of our house is changing from green to red to gold. Li’l bushy-tailed squirrels are dashing between trees, collecting acorns for the winter.
The ancient Greeks and Japanese ate acorns when other food staples were scarce.
Native North Americans, especially in California where oak trees thrive, have long known how to remove the bitter tannins when making acorn meal.
Curiosity is k i l l i n g me. After seeing Hank Shaw’s Acorn Maple Shortbread Cookies, I really want to know what acorn flour tastes like.I’d be outside, looking under oak trees right now, but our squirrels don’t need the competition (and I’m lazy).
So, I decided to make my own.With chocolate. Naturally.
The weather’s just tolerable enough for one last movie night in our backyard with the neighbourhood kids. Shawn’s in charge of the technical set-up. Daisy and I plan the baking, something fitting to welcome Autumn. Last year’s cute owl cupcakes would be tough to beat.
But, we had a plan. My favourite chocolate cake recipe (below) would be a great foundation.
Chocolate acorns would give the cupcakes a fresh look.They’re easy and really fun to make. Grab the kids and gather around the table.
Chocolate acorns would give the cupcakes a fresh look.They’re easy and really fun to make. Grab the kids and gather around the table.
The hardest part is unwrapping the Kisses, but if you reward yourself by eating the ugly ones, you’ll have a bunch ready in no-time. Get the kids to help. This is so much fun.
Homemade chocolate cake always tastes best, but if you’re short on time, use boxed cake mix and ready-made frosting.The acorns can be made ahead of time and stand ready to decorate any cake or cupcake.
These Chocolate “Acorn” Cupcakes are perfect for any get-together and sure to be the star at the local bake sale.
Donate any amount, even $5, at http://www2.mda.org/goto/cocointhekitchen
and you’re in for the drawing! The winner will be picked randomly on October 30th.
and you’re in for the drawing! The winner will be picked randomly on October 30th.
It’s just that easy and for a very good cause. Then, go celebrate with a cupcake. You deserve it.
Guru Uru says
Festive fall cupcakes? That is so awesome! They look divine 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Mary Callan says
Aren't these just the cutest things – and delicious! what a lovely fall treat:)
Mary x
Cocoa and Lavender says
Those ARE the cutest darned things ever! I just want a bowl of acorns now… It would make me want to watch Ice Age so that I can see the short movie of Scrat looking for acorns!
Asha Shivakumar says
Those cupcakes are too precious looking. An absolutely unique idea to top the cupcakes. Perfect little treats for parties.
Colette Joseph says
Thanks, Uru. I know you guys are going into summer there. Hope you've got big plans to enjoy the sun ! xox
Colette Joseph says
Thanks, Mary. Glad you like them. xo
Colette Joseph says
Scrat! The original squirrel
Colette Joseph says
Yes, Asha. They did well with the kids indeed!
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
Dear Colette, now these chocolate acorns are certainly very cute! They look easy enough to assemble and they will make the kids mighty happy! I simply love your fall themed cupcakes! You are so very creative!
Hope all is well – many hugs for Daisy!
Andrea
Betsy says
love your site. i saw a comment of yours on another site, you need to post your stuff on http://www.flauntmyfood.com you would probably get some more visitors to your site! Cheers!
Ambreen (Simply Sweet n Savory) says
Oh Colette, these chocolate acorns look so adorable. Wonderful cupcakes for fall!
Shashi Charles says
Wow – LOVE the idea of the acorns! Love your time cosuming tip too “reward yourself by eating the ugly ones, you'll have a bunch ready in no-time”!
These cupcakes sound delish and are GORGEOUS!
Colette Joseph says
Thanks, love. Hope you make some w your sweeties. xoxo
Tertúlia da Susy says
Que excelente sugestão, adorei!
Kiss, Susana
Colette Joseph says
Hi, Betsy. Welcome.Hope you enjoy my recipes!
Colette Joseph says
Thanks, Ambreen! xo
Colette Joseph says
Great to meet you, Shashi. So glad you enjoyed reading the post as much I enjoyed writing it! Hope you make a batch of these cupcakes soon.
Colette Joseph says
Welcome, Susana! Nice to meet you.
Anita L Arambula says
Oh my gosh! These look so adorable! Must make for work. 🙂
Colette Joseph says
Your coworkers are very lucky, Anita!
vanillasugarblog says
Those cupcakes are adorable!
Love the adorations!
Simi J says
The acorns look so cute, Love the cupcakes
Zoe says
Hi Coco,
You are so clever making this yummy acorns! The cupcakes look wonderful too!
Zoe
The Sweet, The Sassy and The Blur says
Adorable!
Colette Joseph says
Thanks!
Colette Joseph says
Welcome, Simi. Thanks for stopping by. Glad you like these li'l cuties.
Colette Joseph says
Hi, Zoe love. Hope you make a batch w your kiddos!
Colette Joseph says
Hi there. Welcome!
Cozinha Caseira says
Hello
I love cooking and this suggestion is delicious, a real treat.
Smacks
http://www.pratocaseiro.blogspot.pt/
Colette Joseph says
Hi there… Love your header photo with the spices.
Chocolate Shavings says
These cupcakes are super cute! And perfect for this time of year!
Fuji Mama says
These are darling! I have a daughter who's nickname is Squirrel…I think she would particularly love these.
Colette Joseph says
Thanks, Jennifer. Glad you stopped by so I could find your blog, too.
Colette Joseph says
Awww, how cute! Hope you make these acorns with her.