Mancakes

Yep, you read that right...Mancakes. The newest trend in the world of baked goodness - cupcakes geared towards men. Perfect for 'manly' gatherings like golf tournaments, stags and birthdays. These can also be a good addition to the somewhat 'girly' cupcakes served at weddings - or as a great subsitute for the Groom's cake.

As a WPIC alumni, and a follower of theirs on Twitter, I saw a post about these 'dude delights' and had a "why didn't I think of this?" moment. Well, For the Love of Cake in Toronto has thought of it and they offer a variety of mancakes with ingredients such as beer, brandy and bacon!
Here are descriptions of the flavours they offer:

Stout Spice

A moist spice cake flavoured with orange zest and Guinness topped with a stout glaze and a candied orange peel.

Maple Bacon

A maple and bacon flavoured cupcake filled with blueberries and topped with a maple frosting and bacon bits.

Guinness Chocolate
A chocolate cupcake flavoured with Guinness beer, filled with an Irish whiskey chocolate ganache and topped with cream cheese frosting and chocolate shavings.

Black Forest
A moist chocolate cupcake filled with a splash of Kirsch brandy and sour cherries and topped with more cherries and a dollop of vanilla butter cream.

I'm sure you'll see Mancakes popping up all over the place as more bakeries and cake specialists get on board the trend train. What kind would your man like?

Mmmmm....Mancakes.

Find the "lime" to relax & enjoy the summer....

Bud Light Lime's motto right now is "The Summer State of Mind" - and we recommend that you try to do just that - enjoy the moment, enjoy the summer, and enjoy good food with friends.

If you're heading up to the cottage this long weekend, or going camping, or are about to host a bbq, birthday party, or even a bridal shower, I've got some yummy recipes made easy with the help of Bud Light Lime.

Bud Light Lime Braised Shrimp

Makes 36 pieces

½ cup Olive Oil (Light)

10 cloves Garlic (large, diced)

12 oz. Bud Light Lime

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
36 pieces shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined)
6 limes cut in half
Salt and black pepper to taste
6 oz. Extra Dry Vermouth

In a large skillet, on high heat, add the olive oil and garlic. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the shrimp, season with cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes and then add the Bud Light Lime and limes. Finish cooking the shrimp, about 5 more minutes or until shrimp are firm and white inside. Add the Vermouth and serve.

Wok Seared Lime & Teriyaki Sea Scallops

Serves; 4

12 large, fresh Sea Scallops
5 Tbsp. Olive Oil
Hot sauce to taste
Teriyaki sauce to taste
Sea salt to taste

1 Red Bell pepper, julienned

½ lb. Sugar snap peas, trimmed and cleaned
½ lb. Bean Sprouts
2 tsp. Lime juice
6 oz. Bud Light Lime

You will need to cook the Scallops in two batches, so the wok does not get crowded.

Heat the wok over high heat; add two tablespoons of olive oil. When the oil is hot add six scallops, a couple dashes of hot sauce and a couple dashes of teriyaki. Sear both sides, about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from wok and repeat cooking process for the next batch of scallops.

Turn heat down to medium, add to the wok one tablespoon of olive oil and red bell peppers, and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar snap peas, sprouts, lime juice, Bud light Lime and several generous dashes of teriyaki. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Return all the scallops to the wok, gently toss, season with sea salt to your taste and serve.

When I think of kickin' back in the summer, I can't help but think of "Toes" by the Zac Brown Band.

Cheers to great food, good times and enjoying a "summer state of mind".

* be responsible, don't drink and drive
* recipes courtesy of Edelman PR for Bud Light Lime