Make it Monday

Okay so I didn't forget to do something for "Make it Monday." Life gets crazy plus I had a headache and wasn't feeling too great. I decided to try out some cupcakes from my brand new book-Hello, Cupcake. The cupcakes were pretty tasty. I also tried out two different frostings-cream cheese and chocolate. The cream cheese frosting didn't really go with the chocolate cupcakes so that is why I'm late in writing this blog. But, I'm sure you all understand. Anyway, here is the recipes.

Perfect Cake-mix cupcakes

1 box (18.25 oz) cake mix (French vanilla, devil's food, or yellow)

1 cup buttermilk

vegetable oil (the amount on the box)

4 large eggs (in place of the number called for on the box)

1-Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.

2-Follow the box instructions, putting all the ingredients in a large bowl and using the buttermilk in place of the water specified (the box will call for more water than the amount of buttermilk that you are using), using the amount of vegetable oil that is called for (typically, white or yellow cakes call for 1/3 cup; the chocolate cakes usually call for 1/2 cup), and adding the eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase the speed to high and beat until thick, 2 minutes longer.

3-Spoon half of the batter into a ziplock bag. Snip a 1/4 inch corner from the bag and fill the paper liners two-thirds full. Repeat with the remaining batter. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the baking pans, place on a wire rack, and allow to cool completely.

Chocolate frosting

1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces

2 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 box (16 oz) confectioners' sugar

1/3-1/2 cup milk

1-Combine the butter and the chocolate in a small saucepan. Melt over medium heat, stirring constantly. Add the cocoa powder and stir until smooth. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer.

2-Add the confectioners' sugar alternately with the milk, adding more milk, if necessary, to thin, and beat until fluffy and smooth.

Let me know how it is. Thanks. Until next time...