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Tell me I am not the only one…

So since the passing of John Hughes there has been a surge in his movies being on as of late. Which is great, because I can always watch them. But the thing is, why do I always watch them with commercials?

I own pretty much every movie made by the man on DVD. And yet, I don’t bother to get them out and watch them, but will sit there and watch the edited version on TBS.
I was watching Ferris the other day thinking to myself, I own this. My husband must have thought that too because he walked in and was like…”don’t we own this?” “Why are you watching it with commercials?”

All good questions.

Baking and the bathroom are the answers. Not at the same time though. Don’t worry. 😉 I think when I watch a movie that has no commercials I feel like I owe it to the movie to sit down and watch it all the way through. Oh sure there is the pause button, but for some reason it just doesn’t seem right to pause it.
But with commercials I have a potty break. A snack break. And I can bake something while watching as well. And if it comes back on, no biggie, I’ve already seen it. I can still hear it. It’s all good.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is where I first developed my crush for Mathew Broderick. Dark hair, dark eyes…and what a charmer. Every body loves him. After all, “sportos and motor heads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, dickheads…they all adore him. They think he’s a righteous dude.”

By definition, I had to hate his best friend Cameron for the fact that he wore a Red Wings jersey the whole movie. Nuff said.

Though I loved this movie as a kid, I grew to appreciate it more as a teacher. I can’t tell you how many times “anyone, anyone” was coming from my mouth as a teacher.
“In 1930, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, in an effort to alleviate the effects of the… Anyone? Anyone?… the Great Depression, passed the… Anyone? Anyone? The tariff bill? The Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act? Which, anyone? Raised or lowered?… raised tariffs, in an effort to collect more revenue for the federal government. Did it work? Anyone? Anyone know the effects? It did not work, and the United States sank deeper into the Great Depression. Today we have a similar debate over this. Anyone know what this is? Class? Anyone? Anyone? Anyone seen this before? The Laffer Curve. Anyone know what this says? It says that at this point on the revenue curve, you will get exactly the same amount of revenue as at this point. This is very controversial. Does anyone know what Vice President Bush called this in 1980? Anyone? Something-d-o-o economics. “Voodoo” economics”
Of course, I was far more interesting. 😉

These are pretty simple to make. If you are not a chai tea person, that can easily be omitted. I have kind of thing for chai lately and so the thought of it with some orange and spice sounded really good. And it was. I made these for a Kitten Shower (like for a baby, but was a kitten…this is a story for another day).
I chose to just go with a vanilla spice buttercream as I didn’t want the chai to be in both. It can be a strong flavor if you aren’t careful.

Hopefully if you are reading this you are commenting. You readers haven’t been commenting as of late and it is making me feel like I am doing something wrong, sigh.
Anyone, anyone?

Orange Spice Chai Cupcakes with Vanilla Spice Buttercream Frosting

2 ½ cups sifted cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
zest of one medium orange
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
 ½ tsp freshly ground nutmeg
1/3 cup vegetable oil
½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 chai tea bag
¼ cup water
½ cup buttermilk
½  cup orange juice, preferably fresh squeezed

 

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray two mini cupcake tins with baking spray. Or grease and flour them.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in medium bowl. Set aside.

Place sugars in a medium bowl. Add zest. Using your fingers, rub the zest into the sugar. Oils should release and give your sugar an orange flavor.

In a small saucepan, bring ¼ cup water to a simmer. Add tea bag. Leave for 3-5 minutes, depending on how strong you want the flavor. Remove tea bag. Let cool to room temperature. Set aside.

Using a stand mixer, add the oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat at high speed of an electric mixer for 5 minutes. Scrape down the bowl often.

In a large liquid measuring cup add cooled tea, buttermilk, and orange juice.

Add sifted dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk/chai mixture, starting with and ending with the dry ingredients.

Mix until fully incorporated and batter is smooth with no lumps.

Bake for  12-15 minutes, or until a wooden pick or cake tester inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes. Remove from pan and move cupcakes to wire rack to finish cooling. When cool, frost with buttercream.

Vanilla Spice Buttercream

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
6 to 8 cups powdered sugar
½  cup milk
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1/8 tsp fresh ground nutmeg
2 tsp vanilla extract

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl.

Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk, spices, and vanilla.

On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.

Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. You may not need to add all of the sugar.

Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Frosting source: More from Magnolia by Allysa Torey

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Comments

  2. I think this is the coolest post I’ve read all day. I love Ferris Bueller. I used to really hate movies, but I liked that a ton when I saw it at math camp and then when my math teacher showed it before summer break. Good times. I am also thoroughly amused by the kitten shower…

    Reply

  3. Ooooh. Chai. Ooooh. Suddenly my latte seems a bit dull.

    I can never seem to justify (or, uhm, bother) icing cupcakes. Except when I am decorating the icing with candy and calling it a kid’s treat. It sounds like this would really add something, though. Guess what’s on my to-bake list for the weekend? (Yes, I plan that days in advance. No matter that I usually don’t get around to it: I still feel like a domestic goddess in anticipation.)

    Reply

  7. We might not be commenting but we’re here! And i’m only making this comment just so you don’t get any crazy ideas again about running away from the blog!
    Also, thanks for making me feel less of a weirdo about the commercial thing. You are not the only one out there. 🙂

    Reply

  9. I love the chai in these cupcakes!

    To be honest, the first time I tasted chai tea was when I did a trip to British Columbia one month ago… I don’t why I waited that long! 😛

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  11. I always watch movies I own on TV. And I always ask myself why I don’t just put the DVD in. And Ferris was my FAVORITE growing up. I knew it word for word from start to finish.

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  12. Ooh, I think I have to make these. I love chai, and they’re so darn cute! My almost 3yo just saw them on the screen. “Mommy, what are those?” “Little cakes. I think we should make some.” “Then I will eat them all gone!”

    Reply

  13. Well I hardly ever comment but since you’re concerned, I’ll just say “hi Peabody, hi!” I read all your posts and really enjoy your blog – I’m just the shittiest commenter known to man.

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  14. Those cupcakes look so tasty! I had the same feeling last night while watching a TV show I own on DVD. However, I also baked cookies while I was watching it, so I welcomed the commercial breaks. I guess we think along the same lines!

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  15. I will definietly have to try these! Chai is a perfect fall flavour. I do the same thing – bake and watch/listen to movies on TBS.

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  18. I do the same thing with movies! In fact, when my husband and I were first dating we had a talk where we each listed the movies that, if they happened to be shown on tv, we just had to watch them. It was the “no flipping past” talk. Now, the ground rules are set and we’ve each provided our list so there is no more discussion, regardless of whether or not we own the movie.
    For me, its like a special gift when something I love is shown on tv, like someone out there in tvland felt the same affection for a movie that I deemed good enough to purchase for my collection, and I just HAVE to watch it. Potty & snack breaks are a plus!

    Reply

  19. I WILL comment and send you a huge email actually as its been almost 2 weeks now that I am not doing any of my FAB work but guerilla-reading your blog, backwards, all the time. im in 2006 nov at the moment, reading EVERY word, and keep some job-related windows open just in case somebody pops up behind my back to check upon me.

    If I get fired you will have to bake me something.

    OK i go on reading and when I finished I will email, if it’s OK
    GO FAT GO SUGAR

    Reply

  20. Those look great – I will have to try them. I hope we get to hear about the kitten shower – do you have a photo of the kitty?

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  21. These look great and so moist! I have a fear of making mini-cupcakes/mini-muffins. Every time I make them, they turn out a tad on the dry side even when I pull them out at the “right” time. Perhaps I let them sit in the tin too long after they are pulled…

    You have inspired me to try again 🙂

    Reply

  25. Long time listener, first time caller.

    “When you’re bent over faking a stomach cramp, you lick your palms. It’s a little childish and stupid, but then again so’s high school.”

    I love this movie. I also watch movies on TV even if I own them. There’s something about the spontenaity of finding them on TV that appeals. I do enjoy the built in snack and bathroom breaks.

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  26. I’m not a John Hughes fan, except for “Ferris Bueller’s…” – please don’t hate me – but these cupcakes I would certainly love. I love how delicate the frosting looks, so girlie.

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  27. Ferris Bueller was, and still is, my most favorite from that era. The end scene when he’s running home is the best. And these cupcakes don’t look terrible either!

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  30. I love the idea of a kitten shower! Whenever a friend gets a new pet, we always take them a little gift – usually treats and a toy. It just seemed like the right thing to do.

    My husband loves chai – chai lattes are his guilty pleasure. It’s especially lovely as the weather gets cooler. I can see these in our future, probably as a layer cake, since I have to make cakes to take to a decorating class.

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  31. These sound really good-fall”ish” too. I’m wondering if I could swap out the chai for a white rose tea and some vanilla…Thoughts?

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  32. No, you’re not the only one. I’ve even given some thought to it, and my conclusion is that when I watch the movie as it is being broadcast, I feel as if I am watching it with other people, whereas if I was watching my personal copy by myself, I am definitely watching alone. Similary, if I am lonely and want company I’ll turn on the radio, rather than a recording.

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  33. Those cupcakes are super cute. I also love to watch TV movies, there are so many things you can get done in a commercial breakfast. And a kitten shower is awesome, probably way more fun than a baby shower 🙂

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  34. Thanks for luring me to your blog! 🙂 It’s a lot of fun and your desserts look really scrumptious. That Ferris Bueller is a movie that does lend itself to being watched over and over. I know some of the dialogue by heart! It’s addictive. Probably a lot like these chai cupcakes.

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  36. Another one adding to the pile, you are not the only one! I totally do that; but we actually gave our movie collection to friends; we weren’t even watching them that way!

    Love, love, love chai!

    I always read (and enjoy) your posts in google reader, but don’t always have time to pop over and comment. Always enjoying them though.

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  37. Me! Me! Me!

    I guess I might post one of these anyones in my blog, but something tells me it will only make me miserable, as it will backfire

    🙂

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  38. Guilty of lurking recently, so will tell you I’ve been enjoying the John Hughes tribute (especially reminding me of “those aren’t pillows”)

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  39. oh, peabody…chai spice! everytime i stop by i see fall creeping in and i get very excited!

    i do the same thing w/ movies as well…i don’t feel like i owe the movie something if i don’t actively seek it out, pop it in the player and go. if it’s already on i can continue w/ my tasks 😉

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  40. Love your blog! Do you happen to have a chai spice mix recipe (sans the tea)?

    I made your bacon and cheese quiche the other day & oh my, was it wonderful!

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  41. We watch movies on TV, even when we own them, all the time, and mostly for the same reasons that you expressed. The thought of a kitten shower, just opened up a whle new world of party ideas for me! LOVE IT!

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  42. I love to multi-task… so I’ll put in a movie I’ve seen a million times (or at least enough to know the lines by heart) then I’ll bake, clean, knit, or sometimes even read.

    But I also live by myself and don’t have cable.

    These little bites look amazing, by the way. Definitely making it to my “to-make” list!

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  43. I’m drinking a cup of tea now, so these do look lovely. I wish I could just reach out and take one (but I guess I’ll just have to make them, ha!). Would love to hear about the kitten shower!

    Reply

  45. Totally feel you on the movie watching…

    Jerry McGuire is my downfall and I don’t even particularly like that movie.

    Reply

  47. Hi. I’ve been enjoying your blog for some time in anonymity. These look great! I was looking for another recipe to make for a b-day party over Labor Day and these are perfect. I can’t wait to try them!

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  49. I feel the same way about movies. I love to have movies I’ve seen before on while I’m doing stuff. That’s why I love TBS. I can count on them to show a good movie I don’t have to pay attention to!

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  50. 1. I can’t tell you how many of your recipes are in my “Make This Soon” folder. You’re doing things right.
    2. My boyfriend won’t watch Ferris Bueller with me anymore because I’m one of those annoying people who says all the lines a split-second before the character says them. It’s REALLY bad with that movie.
    3. I love the John Hughes tributes. They make me happy.

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  52. I would like to hear about the kitten shower. That sounds like something I would do. I have enjoyed the posts about John Hughes movies. My best friend and I can recite the entire dialog of “Sixteen Candles” and have been know to refer to each other as “sessy girlfriend.” Even though I am married, I still dream that Jake Ryan will pull up in front of my house in a 1984 red Ferarri, complete with acid washed jeans and a sweater vest.

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  53. I admit to being a lurker on your site. Everything always looks so professional I assume you don’t need the extra pat on the back. These muffins are another great example of your wonderful posts! I really need to get some mini cupcake tins.

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  54. So, we had this theory that perhaps Cameron is a figment of Ferris’s imagination… What do you think about that? It is a fun thought to ponder. And these sound delicious!!!

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  57. I watch the TBS movies too, although I have most of them on DVD as well. It’s just a different mood for some reason!
    I don’t usually comment, but I do check your blog very regularly – we’re out here, even if we don’t speak up much!
    I would love to see photos of the kitten shower…..

    Reply

  58. I will admit that I miss those movies as well. I have the same phenomenon. I watch them on TBS and complain how they’ve been edited and there is worse on prime time tv! Anyway, the built in breaks are useful. Bathroom break, check the game scores, chase a kid or two or three….

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  59. I love the taste of chai so I will be trying these very soon. That little swirl of buttercream on top makes them look extra-special and will be a good job for my 11 year old.
    I will sometimes watch a movie on TV even if we own it. I don’t know why but I guess it is because I get involved in the movie and can’t be bothered to go get the DVD and put that on instead. I am also guilty of dvr-ing something and then watching it with the commercials rather than zipping through them. I just forget that I can do that but it is surprising how quickly you can watch a TV show without those pesky things.

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  62. Some of my favorite movies…ferris, sixteen candles, breakfast club….they come on and you drop everything to park yourself on the couch. Such a guilty pleasure. For these lovely cupcakes I may break my cake box habit (I do make the icing from scratch) and do the hole thing.

    And of course we want to hear more about the kittie shower.

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  64. Oh my goodness, those chai cupcakes look so good! And… you made them teeny so they are portion controlled and I won’t have to ruin my diet by making them! Yay!

    I disliked Ferris Bueller’s best friend too but it was because he looked like he was thirty when he was supposed to be sixteen and he was such a stress case.

    I have the same problem you do. My boyfriend banned me from watching cable because I kept finding the movies we owned and would watch them. I think I was a little lazy and didn’t want to go find the movie and put it in the DVD player. In fact, I’m sure it was laziness.

    So… I can’t believe your crying over the fact that you get over thirty comments on each post. If you want to see lonely, come over to my blog sometime. The day I posted about grass fed beef you could here a pin drop!

    OK. Are you happy? I delurked and now you got a novel to read! I love your blog, I just don’t always have something to say! :0)

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  67. Mimi-
    Not crying, just an extreme drop off. My blog readership has gone down by half…as have the comments. This after everyone told me not to go.

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  68. yay kitten shower and ferris!!!

    these look absolutely fantastic!
    <3 lots of hearts <3
    sorry for the lack of comments as of late ^^ we’re probably still all here, no worries! Just a busy summer…if you ever live in Japan, beware of getting your driver’s license here, it’s a pain in the booty.
    ;D hope everything is going take care and thank you for your fun and yummy posts!!!!

    ice cream hugs (because hugs are slightly less pleasant when everyone’s sweaty – cold hugs please <3)

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  72. Thanks for making these yummy treats for my shower Pea! After I turned down the leftovers my taste buds (but not my waistline) were disappointed. 🙂

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  73. Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?
    Peabody? Peabody? Peabody?

    If we were neighbors, we’d be dangerous! I SO love chai and baking cute little cuppy cakes and celebrating baby kittys…and watching Ferris…so sad to lose Mr. Hughes, I did not know til I read this, and I very good read I might add. Gotta try this killer recipe! thanks for sharing! Anyone?

    Reply

  75. Oooooh these look delicious! Sorry I’ve been awol recently, but keep meaning to get here.LOL on the potty & snack break…ha ha! I love these endearing little beauties & have never tried a chai flavour. It’s funny how the word ‘chai’ from here has made such a comfy place for itself in the West. I find it very heart-warming, the thought!

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  76. Thanks for visiting my blog – so great to have found yours. Your readers have been quiet of late? Wow, with the number of comments here, couldn’t imagine when you’re ‘busy’. Love these little cupcakes. The frosting is just perfect. Just want to grab one and pop in my mouth now! 🙂

    Reply

  77. I have read and I am commenting :). Great photos and yummy cupcakes: chai is indeed special.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog: when I saw your comment in the morning I nearly fainted, but I am ok now 🙂 (I have followed your blog and admired you for a long time).

    Reply

  78. Went to see the movie “Julie and Julia” last night and it made me think of you. Julie also wanted to know that she was not blogging for nothing, that there were in fact readers out there who were interested in her cooking blog. Just so you know, I check your blog every week!

    Reply

  80. I must agree with your reasoning behind watching a movie the the tv that you own. I don’t usually back during one, but I can’t seem to sit for 2 whole hours without doing ANYTHING! What a waste of time. I’m always running around doing dishes, laundry, doing my nightly bedtime routine during the commercials.

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  82. We’re still reading!

    In fact, I’m making 8 dozen cupcakes tomorrow for a surprise party Saturday. I was thinking of doing a chocolate-chai flavor (something I had once at a cupcake spot). Do you have any recommendations for building on this recipe to do chocolate chai?

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  83. This is definitely a contender for the going-away party at work on Monday. Your wonderful pictures make me want to try all of your recipes, but alas, I always make the same peanut butter, oatmeal, choc chip cookies when the baking bug strikes. Its probably best for my waistline that I don’t bake so much.

    I love Ferris singing Danke Schene on the float. It gets stuck in my head really easily!

    There, a frequent lurker commented. Now you know.

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  84. I always thought Cameron had the most amazing blue eyes. Go look again. Look past the jersey, Peabody! 😉 LOVED the movie. I love that you are doing all these great movie recaps and quotes.
    “Pardon me, but Cameron is so tight that if you stuck a lump of coal (tv version)–“in his fist”, in two weeks you’d have a dia-mond!” (Some of those tv edits are the best!)
    Oh, by the way, the cute little cuppies look de-lish!
    My husband does the same thing–watches movies on tv that we own on DVD. I just love it that you wrote about it. And your reasons for doing so are all great and understandable!

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  86. I can’t believe your post today… You have finally made it possible for me to explain to my roommate why I have some of my favortie movies saved on my DVR when I have the DVD! Thank you!!! And thanks for the great recipe. I have an elderly friend who lives in a board and care home and I’m always looking for something new to take to the ladies. They LOVE their sweets and I’ve tried a couple of your recipes and they’ve always been a big hit.

    Reply

  87. Ok I admit it. I’ve been lax with the comments, but I’ve loved every word you wrote about every John Hughes movie. I agree completely. Well except for hating Cameron because he wore a Red Wings jersey through the ENTIRE movie. That’s what made him AWESOME! oh and he had really pretty blue eyes.

    I’ve never had chai, but I plan on trying it sometime!

    Reply

  89. I’m exactly the same way with movies! Even though I’m even worse in that I hate the idea of even starting a movie, commercials or not. Ah commitment issues…

    By the way, I’m one of your regular readers that has never (I don’t think) posted a comment. So hi! You’re not doing anything wrong; keep up the great work!

    Reply

  90. Cute little cakes…jsut right for a shower. Never heard of a kitty shower, but they used to have doggie birthday parties at the dog park next to where I lived in Berkeley.
    Ferris continues to be a memorable character. Remember the trick with the thermometer? He also was a pro at breaking the 4th wall and talking to the audience as if we were part of it all. Great movie!

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  91. As one of the lucky ones who actually got to eat these, I will vouch for them and tell your readers that they are, as my 2 year old would say, “a-lish-ous”

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  92. What timing- I just made chai-spiced muffins myself, and although they lack the citrus and frosting, they remind me a lot of these. Hurrah for fall baking! Its about time for cooler weather to come, after all.

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  93. I love your website Peabody! I ABSOLUTELY do the same thing. If I am cooking or baking, I will not put in a DVD, but watch something that’s on TV with the commercials. I feel the same way. The commercials make me feel like I don’t have to pay attention as much. Thanks for the super yummy recipe!

    Reply

  94. hahaha, I feel the same way about movies I own but watch them anyway on tv with commercials.
    Your cupcakes look fantastic. My mom is a lover of all things chai, I bet she’d love these!

    Reply

  97. Teach, thanks for the history lesson. It’s a crying shame that we can’t DVR the past 12 months that has put this nation into trillons of dollars of debt!

    Love Ferris & Chia and as always your cupcakes look simply divine…

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  100. I do the same thing, watching a movie on TV we have- there’s no stress if you get up or anything, it just goes on and let’s face it, I have Ferris memorized any way! I’m such a dork I went to his High School and took a picture on the steps when I went to Chicago, lol. Love the post as usual Peabody! 🙂

    Reply

  105. Thanks to you I can continue my quest of making all kinds of fall desserts, squeezed into this one month! Cupcakes are the new star in my kitchen, thanks to the new stand mixer the hubbs got me for my b’day – these chai cupcakes are next on my list!

    Reply

  106. i made these cupcakes today, and they are AMAZING!!! thank you so much for sharing this recipe! i bookmark your page now, and look forward to trying more of your recipes!

    Reply

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