Nothing beats the taste of a freshly baked cupcake and this beautiful book presents more than 150 recipes for cupcakes and muffins as well as plenty of different serving suggestions and topping ideas. There are ideas here for breakfast muffins, savoury muffins, teatime cake treats, fruity cakes, sweet and indulgent cakes, as well as an inspiring chapter on cupcakes for celebrations. Start the day with Honey and Yoghurt Muffins or Apricot and Orange Buns at breakfast-time and enjoy unusual bakes such as Chilli Cheese Muffins with soup or on their own. Relax with a cup of hot coffee and treat yourself to a Gooey Butterscotch Cake or a Double Chocolate Muffin. There are plenty of fruity recipes - try making classic Blueberry Muffins or sticky Citrus Syrup Cupcakes. When something a little bit special is called for, try Madeleine Cakes with Raspberry Buttercream or rich Chocolate Truffle Muffins. On special occasions, guests will be delighted with Christening Cupcakes or Halloween Muffins with Spooky Frosting! The final chapter details all the basic ingredients and equipment required and presents basic cake mixtures that can be used as the basis for any recipe. Every recipe and technique is clearly explained with the aid of beautiful photographs. There are cook's tips, variations, and nutritional breakdowns throughout. Whether you are an experienced baker or novice cook, this book will be a welcome addition to your kitchen shelf. Author Carol Pastor trained as an illustrator and worked as a magazine designer before becoming a food writer, creative food stylist and food photographer. She writes food and travel features for national magazines and newspapers and has run a cookery school. Carol is the author of six cookbooks, two of which she has photographed herself and five of them specializing in baking and patisserie.