Hot Kidney Cupcakes

I know what you're thinking... Kidney Cupcakes?!?! WHAT!!  Well if you're picturing an actual kidney (the human/ animal kind) as you indulge in this post, then you're on track! But bear with me, I promise you, it's not as gross as it may seem.




Photo from: Livestrong.com
Earlier this year, I had a chance to catch up with a friend I hadn't spoken to in a while. She shared that she had recently been hospitalized, and that some major issues with her kidneys had been discovered.   The kidneys can be viewed as the body's "clean-up crew". They process hundreds of liters of blood daily and are responsible for the elimination of waste and toxins and the regulation of  water, sodium, calcium, potassium and phosphorous levels in our bodies. "Kidney disease or dysfunction causes osteoporosis, nerve damage, high blood pressure, nutritional problems and cardiovascular disease. When untreated, kidney disease can eventually lead to death or the need for dialysis." (Donner, 2011)
(Click here for more info.)

Nevertheless, she assured me that she was doing much better and that she couldn't wait to try one of my cupcake or cheesecake concoctions. When I got off the phone I naturally went into brainstorming mode. Determined to make a  cupcake that would aid her recovery, I began searching for foods that have positive effects on the kidneys.  The first thing that came to mind was of course, kidney beans... And that is where my research began.

LiveStrong.com purports that kidney beans contain essential nutrients that can promote kidney health for persons with healthy kidneys, as part a balanced diet. However, since these beans contain protein, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium, their consumption must be monitored for persons suffering from kidney ailments resulting from an excess of these nutrients. As I continued my research, I discovered that in The Doctor's Book of Food Remedies, Selene Yearger recommends flax seeds, on the basis that they can improve kidney function and reverse kidney damage.  A group of researches in the University of Western Ontario discovered that several measures of kidney function improved quickly when nine people with lupus were given flax seeds.  It was speculated that "the lignans and omega-3's in flaxseed fight inflammation in the tiny very fragile arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, helping reduce the artery-clogging process that can lead to kidney damage." (Yearger, p. 223) Moreover, research suggests that flax seed can fight bacteria and fungi, which may aid in fighting infections.


Naturally, kidney beans and flax seeds became the basis for this concoction.

Armed with a bag a dried red kidney beans, a package of flax seeds and a jar of dark chocolate hot fudge (for balance of course) I began my experimentation.  I was about to make the most "healthy" cupcakes I've ever made, and probably the most delicious. Many of the persons I had taste test these cakes were a bit hesitant at first, but I watched as they took a bite and fell in love with the flavorful, moist, yet crunchy combo!  

In some of the reviews I received , most people enjoyed the Hot Fudge swirl and frosting. But some also thought that the cake by itself was excellent and I agree! (I made a batch without chocolate and frosting and it was scrumptious!)

You may find that the process is a bit tedious, but here is the journey...

Step 1: Sugar-less Buttermilk Kidney Bean Compote
Materials:
0.25  cup Dried Red Beans 
1 cup Water
1 stick of Cinnamon bark
0. 5 tsp ground Vanilla Bean
0. 5 cup Buttermilk + 0. 25 Water
Photo 1

Method:
(Cooking dried kidney beans or red beans requires some for thought, unless you have a pressure cooker of course) I soaked the beans for about 8 hours before I placed them in a pot with water, cinnamon bark and ground vanilla bean. I boiled them until the water dried up (ensuring they did not burn or stick to the bottom of the pot)  and they were soft: squeezing one easily turned in to mush.  (Photo 1)

Next I added the buttermilk and water combo to the soft kidney beans (Photo 2) and boiled them again creating a reduction. Photo 3 shows the reduction half-way done and Photo 4 shows the completed reduction: a creamy bean paste. Some beans appeared whole, but they were thoroughly cooked and soft.


                             
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4














Step 2: Concocting a Hot Kidney/ Red Bean Flax Seed Cupcake
Photo 5: Final addition of
Kidney Bean Compote to batter.
Materials
0. 5 cup Oil
0. 75 cup Flour
1. 25 cup Sugar
2  large Eggs
1. 5 tsp Baking Powder
0. 5 tsp Baking Soda
0. 5 tsp Salt
0. 25 cup Flax Seeds
1 cup Buttermilk Kidney Bean Compote

Method (Note: I did not use a mixer for this cake)
In a glass bowl, combine oil and sugar, until it appears like wet sand. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and then add to oil and sugar mixture.  Next, add flax seeds to mixture. In a separate bowl, combine dry ingredients and sift 3 times. Alternate the addition of the dry ingredients with that of the Buttermilk Kidney Bean Compote, in a 3 : 2 ratio. (See Photo 5 on the right)  Using a whisk, fold batter until all elements are evenly distributed.   


Photo 6
Photo 7: Minis after bakin

Scoop batter into prepared cupcake pan, only fill the cups half-way and add a thin layer of warm hot fudge, next add another layer of batter. Using a toothpick, make swirls in each cup, disturbing the layers to create a marbled effect. (Photo 6) This recipe makes 1 dozen minis, and 8 standard sized cupcakes.



Step 3: Making Flax Seed Bark
Photo 8
                                                                            Materials:
0. 75 cup Flax Seeds
0. 5 cup Sugar
0. 5 cup Water
0. 5 tsp Baking Soda

Method: 
Photo 9
In a sauce pan, combine water and sugar and bring to a boil. Add flax seeds (sugar should be completely dissolved before adding seeds). Cook until mixture becomes thick, stirring constantly to ensure that it does not burn. When the flax seed mixture begins to clump together, add baking soda and mix until completely incorporated. Next, remove from heat and spread evenly on to a cookie sheet or parchment paper lined baking pan. (Photo 8) Allow to set until partially stiff. Using a cookie cutter mold in to desired shape shown in (Photo 9) and allow to set for another couple hours or until it the sugar re-crystalizes and bark becomes crispy.

Step 4: Combining all of the elements

After cooling, garnish the Hot Kidney Flax Seed cupcakes with a dollop of Vanilla Buttercream and cap with a piece of Flax Seed Bark. The end!



1 comment:

  1. The Kidney Patient Support Center deserves all the accolades for their exceptional kidney transplant service. Having observed their work closely, I am impressed by the level of expertise and commitment demonstrated by the entire team. The center's focus on education and awareness regarding organ donation is commendable, fostering a culture of understanding and compassion. The support provided extends beyond the surgical aspect, encompassing the entire transplant journey. It's heartening to see an organization that not only saves lives through transplants but also prioritizes the overall well-being of the kidney patients they serve. Truly a beacon of hope in the realm of organ transplantation!

    ReplyDelete

Your contribution and comments to this experiment is a great catalyst. Thank you for your participation!

Search Lab Notebook