The birthday girl getting down (via Webber)
Your hostess getting down with fellow revelers! (via Webber)
Three years into my annual tradition of baking up something special for Ms. Jackson, I already decide to mix it up with cupcakes. This year felt classic all over. Ms. Jackson celebrated her actual birthday on the 4th by singing the national anthem at the Nathan's Hotdog eating contest. Watch it! And we got to celebrate the 4th with the time honored American tradition of breaking the law and blowing stuff up! I am feeling a little cheeky today. It's reflected in the recipe below. Comments from the eaters included, "I think my mouth just had an orgasm." and "I can die happy and fulfilled now that I have eaten that." and also "Holy Crap!"
Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate and Raspberry Buttercream Frosting
yield 2 dozen
3 cup of all purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter room temperature
1 cup white sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
4 eggs, also room temp
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup buttermilk
Pre-heat the oven to 350. Line your baking trays with cupcake liners. If you're me, get your shims ready for your really uneven oven!
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugars and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly for each egg. Beat them like you would beat a bad school girl/boy. *Wink
Sift together flour, cocoa, salt, and baking soda.
Add 1/3 dry to the butter mixture and blend well. Add 1/3 of the buttermilk and mix well. Repeat two more times. Pour into the liners and bake 15-18 minutes until a tooth pick comes out clean.
For the frosting
1 stick butter, softened
1 pound of confectioners sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 teaspoon raspberry flavor
5-6 tablespoons milk
Beat the butter until very light and fluffy. This is even more beating than the eggs, so it must be very bad! Sift in the powdered sugar and add the flavoring. Add milk to get your desired consistency.
