I measure my seasons by the arrival of different drinks at Starbucks. Yesterday when I saw the Eggnog Latte and Peppermint Mocha on the menu, I knew that winter is coming— though it also marked another important day! I honestly don’t know whether I should be proud or ashamed of this, but I obtained “gold status” at Starbucks, which basically means nothing except that I have a slight obsession. The drinks make me feel festive, and as I reeled over all of my cookbooks looking for something to inspire me, I realized there was not one thing I wanted to make from them. I know that is slightly hard to believe, seeing that I have at least two dozen, but the heart wants what it wants, and my food moods are very particular. I went to Barnes and Noble and sat myself down with a pile of cookbooks and my computer, and eventually settled on a  cupcake cookbook. I never make cupcakes— I don’t know why. They’re God’s way of saying sorry for our stomachs’ not being able to fit normal sized cakes — so he gave us little ones instead. I was actually surprised about how creative the cupcake flavors are — I have a lot to catch up on.

 The cake tastes like cinnamon. The frosting does too. It’s a super-moist spiced cupcake that makes you think of Christmas. Just crumble some snickerdoodle cookies over the top and they’re perfect. The recipe is coming, I promise!