Top Tips for perfect cupcakes

• Check the oven temperature is correct before cooking - the cupcakes may come away from their cases if the oven is not hot enough or they haven't been cooked long enough.

• If you want a domed shape cupcake, fill the case to 3/4 full.

• Warm your eggs before using them by placing them in a bowl of warm water (still in their shells) for a few minutes. This will help to prevent them curdling. Then break them and whisk lightly before adding to the other ingredients.

• Make sure your butter is well softened. Many recipes recommend using margarine for good results but the flavour is always better with a good quality butter.

• When the cupcakes are taken out of the oven and still warm, brush them with a syrup to add flavour and moisture. This can be made with a little water boiled in a pan with a little sugar. 

• Various flavours can also be added or melt some jam with a little water.

• Add a moist, flavoured filling by cutting a small cone shape from the top of the cupcake. Then fill this with some jam or curd. The cone can then be replaced before the topping is added.

• Cupcakes can then be decorated to taste...