Slice fresh jalapeno the long way to get strips. Discard seeds. Slice into thin strips. Bring the water and the 2 C sugar to a boil. Add the jalapeno strips. Simmer for 30 minutes. Be sure to run the fan – depending on the heat of your jalapenos, this can be pungent! Strain and separate…

Mix the cream cheese and butter together with the paddle attachment for a stand mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and mix slowly at first until it is all incorporated and smooth. Add vanilla bean paste and molasses and mix until incorporated. Yield: Enough to fill and…

Icing Make chocolate buttercream by adding chocolate ganache to the icing. Ganache To make the ganache bring 8 oz (1 Cup) of heavy whipping cream to a boil, pour over 16 ounces To make the ganache bring 8 oz (1 Cup) of heavy whipping cream to a boil, pour over 16 ounces of finely chopped…

Have cream cheese and butter at room temperature. With paddle attachment of a stand mixer or hand mixer, mix butter and cream cheese together. Slowly add confectioners sugar. Add vanilla last and mix until fluffy.

Chop chocolate into small pieces and place into a large metal or glass bowl. In a heavy sauce pan, heat the cream to boiling. Pour the cream over the chocolate and stir gently. Continue stirring to melt the chocolate. Once the chocolate has melted and the mixture is glossy, you can use an immersion blender…

Bring the corn syrup and the water to a boil–stovetop or microwave. Add the powdered sugar (I like to use powdered sugar in plastic bags instead of from a box–it seems to have fewer lumps and incorporates easier) and mix using a wire whisk until it is an ice glaze consistency. Add the vanilla. Clear…

In the bowl of an electric mixer combine powdered sugar, meringue powder and lemon and lime juices. Mix at medium speed for 2 minutes until fully combined and smooth. Add 1 Tbsp lemon or lime juice if the glaze is too thick. Place into a disposable pastry bag. Cut a small hole in the tip…