Lemon Sassycakes

I think I’m losing my zest.
It all started when the garbage disposal went out.
Then, the transmission in our second car.
Then, the washing machine.
Then, the Korean exchange student.
With all of this stuff going defunct around us, I fear I may be losing my steam, too.
(You know, what if I’ve really lost all of the oot in my toot?)
Are we sitting amidst a streak of bad luck or a good many blessings waiting to be seen?
Shall I read into this as a life-altering ah-ha moment or simply a bout of mortal-life blues?
I don’t know. I’m sort of tired and craving peppered popcorn.
How does one rediscover one’s bounce in step?
Whatever can I do to kick the frump?
All advice welcome, though it will likely remain unread for a few days.
Guess who’s number came up for jury duty tomorrow?

Lemon Sassycakes
Light, fluffy white cakes with a kiss of lemon. Just the sort of low-fat baked good you’re tastebuds will crave after a holiday full of the heavy, sweet stuff. Made as bite-sized cupcakes, they become, somehow, even more irresistable.
Want to know a secret? A wee kitchen accident made for a tasty surprise. Friend, Tahna, delivered an essential oil concoction of lemon, grapfruit, ginger and peppermint for my pantry. It’s her “Sassy Water” concentrate, and I’ve become quite the fan of her home-blended mixture. When I reached for a dash of lemon essential oils for these cuppies, I accidentally put in a splash of her Doterra Sassy Water blend, and by golly, did it make for some good baking. Wanna give it her zingy flavors try? CLICK HERE to discover her website and see her goods. Looking for a layman’s version of sassycakes, instead? Just add a quick zest of grapefruit & fresh ginger, plus a drop of peppermint extract to the recipe below. Then, say hello to sassy.
*
3 T. butter
1/2 c. applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 c. honey
1/2 c. organic sugar
3 egg whites
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
Juice & zest of 1 lemon
Combine all together in a medium bowl. Spoon into mini cupcake wrappers. Bake for 11-13 minutes.
Lemon Cream-Cheese Frosting
Creamy. Zesty. And so, so simple. Yum.
4 oz. Neufchatel cheese
3 c. powdered sugar
2 t. butter
juice & zest of a lemon
Place all ingredients into a bowl, whip until light and fluffy. Pipe onto cupcakes.

Zest. Love. Cupcakes.
Caroline of Salsa Pie on January 4, 2010 at 7:09 am
MMMMMMmmmm. the Lemon Sassycakes look awesome. Mouth watering!!
p.s. I think when we go through tough things and decide not to surrender, that shows our true strength. We recently went through something very similar…no fun, but in the end sometimes misfortune forces us to see the true fortune in our lives.
Sending a HUGE hug your way. You're awesome and you'll get that zest back in NO time, I just know it! :)
tallmisto on January 4, 2010 at 9:35 am
Gosh it seems the New Year is bringing many doses of character tests. Same thing with us – new heater/ac unit, roots vs. plumbing and the roots are winning, stomach flu, and deadlines past due. I'd like to view these as blessing in the waiting as you have said. However your lemon sassycakes sure put a smile on my face. Nothing like citrus and sass and cheer one up. Thank you! I'm hoping your blessing are following right behind!
Marti on January 4, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Oh Mommy-Dearest! A day of jury duty will suit you well!
Pack a romance novel, a diet coke and a large bottle of water along with "one each" of your favorite exotic fruits! Off you go to Mommy Zen-Land!
Ta!
And thanks for leaving behind those great lemony bites!! We'll miss you!
Eliana on January 4, 2010 at 1:22 pm
These little cakes look wonderful and Sassy indeed. Almost too good to eat.
Nathan and Bethany on January 4, 2010 at 2:51 pm
I think the answer to all your problems is to be found in John's Fabio CD. Pop it in and let his soothing voice tell you all about taking his lady to the ceeneema and all your cares will melt away. Keep your chin up, girl.
FROGGITY! on January 4, 2010 at 3:00 pm
this looks awesome!!! i am going to make these lil cuties.
mosey along on January 4, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Those look so fresh and yummy. I will definitely make some. I made a frozen lemon dessert at Christmas – an old recipe of my grandmothers called "Lemon Down Fancy". Don't you love that name?
The Graceful Stitch on January 4, 2010 at 10:06 pm
When in doubt, pray and then go buy a great pair of flashy colored pumps!
Michelle on January 4, 2010 at 11:23 pm
I'm a fan of all things lemon, and will definitely be making these this week. Thank you for the recipe.
screwdestiny on January 4, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Aw, sorry to hear you're having a bout of bad luck. This too shall pass! Thanks for the fabulous recipe!
Risa on January 5, 2010 at 9:11 am
don't lose your zest, I love your zest!
Caveman Cooking on January 5, 2010 at 11:56 am
Wow! The start of your 2010 sounds a lot like my '09. But, in all the trials and tribulations we went through last year, it all got wrapped up in style and ended with a bang … giving things a decided positive spin going into the New Year.
Running yourself over a fine grater won't bring your zest back … it will only leave roadrash. ;) So, keep your head high, your family and friends close, and remember that it will get better. Though, in the off chance it doesn't get better, ignore everything I just said! ;)
Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and flavorful New Year!
Ashley on January 5, 2010 at 3:48 pm
I adore lemon! I have got to make these!
Dorothy on January 5, 2010 at 7:55 pm
Hi Brooke –Just wanted to let you know I've given you an award on my blog: http://fuzzykoalacakecompany.blogspot.com I really enjoy reading your posts! :)
Love the "Sassycakes" name! The flavor sounds very interesting…and sassy!
La Petite Gallery on January 6, 2010 at 7:57 am
Just love lemon.
I will try that recipe this week ..Thanks ,,
you are great!!1
Yvonne
Nicole on January 6, 2010 at 10:31 am
it sounds delicious.
Adela on January 6, 2010 at 5:35 pm
those cupcakes look delectable!! =D
http://pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com/
The Muse on January 7, 2010 at 7:21 pm
poor gal, i would laugh…
but been there…done that!
i will laugh at the tip of a tiny belly…:) LOL
Terresa on January 7, 2010 at 11:09 pm
These look divine.
PS: doTerra stuff is also divine. I bet these rock!
Shell in your Pocket on January 9, 2010 at 9:33 am
Oh..I love anything lemon…
sandy toe
Pingback: Sassy Sunday. | Spinach and Skittles