This is a common misconception about two similar (but not the same) baking products.
One similarity between cupcakes and muffins is the ingredients. Both usually contain flour, eggs, butter, sugar and milk. However, muffins sometimes replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, oat flour or even various nut flours. Muffins can also be filled with a variety of tasty mix-ins, such as dried fruits, nuts or chocolate chips. In addition, muffins may replace butter with a liquid form of fat, such as vegetable oil. The amount of butter and sugar is higher in cupcakes than in muffins.
The mixing process and the consistency of the batter differentiates cupcakes and muffins. Cupcakes are made by creaming the butter and sugar together to create a smooth, fluffy batter. Cupcake batter is beaten significantly longer than muffin batter; this creates a uniformness of air bubbles throughout the cupcake. Muffin batter, on the other hand, is beaten briefly and remains relatively lumpy. This makes for a more dense baked good.
Muffins are often believed to be the healthier option, which is why it is acceptable to eat them for breakfast. But muffins are not always the healthier option. You can, however, have savory muffins, but not savory cupcakes. If you think removing the frosting from a cupcake makes it a muffin, you’re wrong. This is how I see it: a cupcake is a small cake and a muffin is a small quick bread. If you can’t pour the the batter into a 8-in. circular pan and make a birthday cake, then you have yourself a muffin.
I actually didn’t know there was a technical difference between cupcakes and muffins, though I am the kind of person that would still be quite happy with cream cheese frosting on a blueberry muffin. Thank you for clearing it up and making me wonder what a cake-pan sized muffin would be like. I really should bake more.
The Sun opposite Moon qualities of emotions and instincts reach their peak at a lunar eclipse. This lets you take an objective and balanced look at your close personal relationships. Being in touch with your own needs and intentions, and those of others, you can clearly see any relationship imbalances causing disharmony.
With a lunar eclipse in particular, the blotting out of the Moon represents a resetting of emotions, clearing away the emotional baggage of the previous six months. The horoscope for a lunar eclipse is like a snapshot in time, but like old style photography, it takes time to develop.
The August 7 full moon in the Sign of Aquarius is actually in the Constellation of Capricornus. The Sea Goat has a great influence over human affairs and brings major changes in such areas as climate and political customs. A lunar eclipse in the “Mansion of Kings” will focus attention on leaders, their rise to power and fall through overthrow or assassination or overthrow. Unfavorably situated with regards to lunar eclipses (opposite Mars) the constellation indicates major storms, especially at sea.
Jupiter square Pluto is the strongest and most important aspect in the chart after the lunar eclipse itself (Sun opposite Moon). The full impact of Jupiter square Pluto is felt four days before the eclipse and it remains the major background influence. This aspect makes you want to succeed, and succeed big-time. It could be a pet project or career that you feel this intense drive to reach the top.
Moon trine Jupiter increases your chance of success, wealth and happiness. It encourages harmony in relationships and will soften the ruthless nature of your ambitions. Moon trine Jupiter also encourages a more moral and ethical approach. Intimate relationship will benefit from your openness and honesty. New relationships started now will be based on these same genuine qualities. Mutual respect and understanding can lead to very successful personal and business partnerships.
Sun sextile Jupiter brings optimism, good luck and happiness. This is an ideal time to meet your goals as there should be little or no resistance. Starting new projects will benefit from the growth and expansion of Jupiter. Others will be generous and hospitable toward you, especially Jupiter type people like judges and other authority figures. Other means to expand your horizons may include further education and long distance travel.
Moon opposite Mars will make you impatient to succeed and easily angered by any delays. Little things will annoy you that you would normally ignore. Anger and a tendency to act without thinking increase the risk of minor irritations turning into arguments or fights. Relationships with your partner, family and close friends are most likely to suffer from your impulsive actions and aggressive instincts. Channeling your aggressive energy toward hard work and competition will reduce the risk of conflict.
Sun conjunct Mars brings an abundance of energy and initiative which must be used constructively, otherwise there can be damaging consequences. If this hot energy were to build up in your body, it would be spontaneously released without control. Such a release of uncontrolled hot energy would be rapid and destructive, hurting yourself or others. Physical activity is preferred but the brain can also burn up a lot of energy. Your sex drive could go through the roof. Baby making suits the creative and productive nature of this aspect. You can express your identity through physical actions.
Sun quincunx Pluto will highlight some specific problem areas in your life that must be resolved to move from the unstable red state to the peaceful blue state. It makes this lunar eclipse a turning point in life that may be felt as a mini crisis or threat. A buildup of pressure to an intense level can result in neurotic, obsessive or destructive behavior. An event or person may trigger this tipping point by taking away your personal power.