Tuesday, February 5, 2013

The Queen Of Hearts

As all good Southern girls know, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach! Let me tell you, cupcakes are a surefire way to get to a man’s heart. So, if you just happen to have a sweet tooth or are looking to impress a special someone, here is a terrific cupcake recipe that anyone will love!



Chocolate Cupcakes
12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, shaken, at room temperature
½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
2 tablespoons brewed coffee
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup good cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line the cupcake pans with paper liners

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and 2 sugars on high speed until light and fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. Lower the speed to medium, and the eggs 1 at a time, then add the vanilla and mix well. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, sour cream, and coffee. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. On low speed, add the buttermilk mixture and the flour mixture alternately in thirds to the mixer bowl, beginning with the buttermilk mixture and ending with the flour mixture. Mix only until blended. Fold the batter with a rubber spatula to be sure it’s completely blended.

Divide the batter among the cupcake pans (1 rounded standard ice cream scoop per cup is the right amount). Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, remove from pans, and allow to cool completely before frosting.
~ Barefoot Contessa



Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, at room temperature
½ cup butter (1 stick), at room temperature
1 pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a bowl, blend together the cream cheese and butter. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla. Fill and frost the cupcakes when it is completely cool. Decorate the cupcake anyway you like to add your own Valentine flair to it!
~ Paula Deen




To enjoy more recipes from these two great cooks check out their cookbooks above!

No comments:

Post a Comment