Name: Blossom-Topped Cupcakes
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 hr 20 min
Yield: Makes 16 cupcakes
Ingredients: 16 (2 1/2-inch) paper muffin-cup liners; 2 cups cake flour (not self-rising); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 1 cup confectioners sugar; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon rosewater (optional); Garnish: nontoxic and organic (pesticide-free) small roses, pansies, and scented geranium leaves and blackberries dusted with confectioners sugar

Image may contain Cupcake Food Creme Cake Dessert Cream Wedding Cake Bakery and Shop

Blossom-Topped CupcakesRomulo Yanes

Cooks' notes:

· You can make cupcakes 1 day ahead (leave them unfrosted) and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. · Frosting may be made 2 days ahead and chilled, covered (beat until smooth before using).

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.