I use the doctored recipe from mybakingaddiction too... and I've mixed it up a lot with different flavors and the cupcakes always come out tasting amazing.
I also use an ice cream scoop that holds about 3 tbs on batter... (the kind with the lever on the side that releases the ice cream). I would fill about 2/3 full. You can fill a pastry or zip lock bag with the batter and snip the corner...
Cheesecake is done with the middle is still a bit jiggly. Are you using a water bath?? I made a cheesecake and the first one browned on top and cracker horribly.... I tried again the next day and did a water bath with it and pulled it...
I would suggest extracts as well! Maybe some decorative things like sprinkles, sugar pearls, liners, etc. Last year my mother in law got me a gift card for a local grocery store so I could stock up on powdered sugar, butter, etc. It...
I'm not sure there's any secret ingredient? It depends on what kind of frosting you're looking to make... cream cheese? Buttercream? How much confectioners sugar you use in ratio to milk (or cream) for the stiff consistency, etc.
