Cupcakes

Photo via http://www.weheartit.com/

Not long ago I read a (hopefully tongue-in-cheek) socialist critique of cupcakes that suggested they represent the ultimate triumph of the individual over the collective, a sort of cake version of Thatcher's "There is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women...". It went on to say that the departure from traditional British confections, such as the more restrained scone, and the growing popularity of cupcakes, with their extravagant decoration and gaudy colours, somehow represented the growth of a US-influenced consumerist society.

Now I like I good socialist critique as much as the next person, but as far as I am concerned any foodstuff in which the cake to icing ratio is often approaching 50/50 is ok with me and consumerism be damned.

Lemon Cupcakes

- 4oz caster sugar
- 4oz self-raising flour
- 4oz butter
- Grated rind of one lemon plus a squeeze of juice
- 2 medium free-range eggs

Beat all the ingredients together, put into cupcake cases and bake at gas mark 4, 170degrees C for 12-16 minutes, until very pale brown and firm to the touch. Mix the rest of the lemon juice with a tablespoon of softened butter and 6oz icing sugar. Beat to form a smooth icing. When the cakes are cool, ice them and try not to eat them all in one go.