tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6217627860647652519.post-24433253794885073892008-07-08T08:44:00.006-06:002008-07-08T09:52:36.992-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8s0_78n5Ms0/SHN98RELhvI/AAAAAAAAA60/MeUGbv7E8eQ/s1600-h/DSC02446.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8s0_78n5Ms0/SHN98RELhvI/AAAAAAAAA60/MeUGbv7E8eQ/s400/DSC02446.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220654867379095282" /></a>I've been trying to come up with more and more of my own recipes.  I realized that it's probably not the best idea to post all of the recipes out of the cookbooks that I haven't actually written myself.  So I've been trying to get my brain thinking and I've been experimenting and trying to become a more creative artist in the kitchen.  Hopefully that all works out...it's coming slowly though.  So, I just found these cute muffin cups that I wanted to use, and I was trying to create a half pound cake half cupcake recipe.  I had the recipe all on paper hoping it would all work out. My daughter helped me get the batter made and as I'm scooping it into the muffin cups I realize that I only added half the butter as I intended.  They turned out beautifully despite the mistake. Extremely buttery and moist.  The perfect cupcake.  I must not have had my baking "mojo" properly connected because another mistake of filling the muffin cups too full ended up as huge mess in my oven.  But they were salvaged.  These cupcakes were perfect.  I topped them off with a creamy chocolate buttercream frosting.  Delicious!  <div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Buttery Vanilla Cupcakes with Creamy Chocolate Buttercream</span></span></div><div>recipe by Stephanie</div><div>makes 12 cupcakes</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">For the cupcakes:</span></div><div>1 1/2 cups all purpose flour</div><div>1 cup sugar</div><div>1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder</div><div>1/4 teaspoon salt</div><div>3 eggs</div><div>1/2 cup butter, softened</div><div>1/4 cup milk</div><div>1 teaspoon vanilla (or you could use almond or lemon)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">For the frosting:</span></div><div>1/2 cup butter, softened</div><div>1/3 cup cocoa powder</div><div>2 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar</div><div>1/3 cup heavy whipping cream (or half and half or milk)</div><div>1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla</div><div><br /></div><div>1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.  In a mixer, beat butter until creamy.  Add milk.  Add eggs, one at a time until fully incorporated.  Slowly add the dry ingredients until well mixed.  Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.  Batter should be fluffy and creamy.</div><div>2. Line muffin tin with muffin cups.  Fill the cups only 1/2 full with batter.  Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool completely in muffin tin.  Transfer to wire rack to frost.</div><div>3. For the frosting, in a mixer cream the butter.  Add the cocoa and mix thoroughly.  Add vanilla. Slowly add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup cup at a time, alternating with the cream until consistency is fluffy and creamy.  Frost on cooled cupcakes.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8s0_78n5Ms0/SHOCSNehyxI/AAAAAAAAA68/FnDbcVY02Iw/s1600-h/untitled.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8s0_78n5Ms0/SHOCSNehyxI/AAAAAAAAA68/FnDbcVY02Iw/s400/untitled.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5220659642419497746" /></a></div><br />I felt so honored when I received not 1 but 2 Yummy Blog Awards! One from my good friend <a href="http://pickypalate.blogspot.com/">Jenny at Picky Palate </a>and the second one from the lovely <a href="http://www.thehungryhousewife.blogspot.com/">Leslie at The Hungry Housewife</a>. Thanks girls! It made my day and made me feel very special! I've met some of the nicest people here in Foodie Land. I love seeing the creativity that comes from the blogs I love and it inspires me to do better! So now I want to pass this great award on to 5 other great Food Blogs. I could choose so many, but here are the glorious blogs I chose:<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://phemomenon.blogspot.com/">Holly at Phemomenom</a>: Holly bakes so many wonderful treats, I really wish I lived next door. I could easily make everything on her blog and die a happy girl.  She is not afraid of a little flour and sugar, and I love that about her blog!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://cafejohnsonia.blogspot.com/">Lindsey at Cafe Johnsonia</a>: I would hope that someday she does open her own cafe, because I would be a loyal customer!  Everything that Lindsey makes seems so fresh, healthy and delicious!  I love pulling up her blog nearly everyday and finding a new and delicious post and my mouth waters every time!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://therecipegirl.blogspot.com/">Lori at Recipe Girl</a>: Lori's blog is outstanding.  I love seeing her new posts and the bounty of recipes she has on hand!  She always has something new and delicious waiting for me when I turn on my computer!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/">Kalyn at Kalyn's Kitchen</a>: Kalyn is all about healthy, and so when I look at her blog, it inspires me to be more healthy in my cooking.  It is easy to get so many wonderful ideas to lighten up your diet!  Something I need for sure...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.visionsofsugarplum.com/">Emiline at Sugarplum</a>:  Emiline is truly original.  She creates all of her own recipes and it is truly an inspiration!  Her recipes are all mouthwatering.  I've made a few and they were all completely delicious!  <br /><br /></div><div>Make sure you check out these great blogs and be inspired!</div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06439315992139747191noreply@blogger.com