Cupcakes

I am a trend and fad follower.  My husband says I am a marketer’s dream.  Since cupcakes are the current rage, I am there!  

Believe it or not, I am actualy making my first cupcakes.  I have numerous muffin tins from mini size to jumbo, but until recently I did not own a regulation cupcake-size pan. 

Last week (after being inspired by Cupcake Wars),  I tried my first batch which won rave reviews from my husband’s co-workers.  I simply used a lemon cake mix, mixed and baked according to directions, and then I started to play.  I pureed some blackberry freezer jam that I made last summer, squirted some into the cake after baking to create a filling, and topped with cream cheese frosting. 

I actually screwed up on the frosting, adding too much cream cheese, but I like a thick frosting so I decided to write down my mistake and keep it as is: 

Oops! Cream Cheese Frosting

2 pkgs. Neufchatel (1/3 less fat cream cheese),  softened
1 stick butter, softened
1 t. vanilla
zest of one lemon
juice of 1/2 lemon
2 lbs. of powdered sugar

But, tonight I am trying to make Mardi Gras themed cupcakes for Fat Tuesday. 

I adapted the cake recipe from Vintage Sugar Cube’s Six Layers of Sexy .  (I love this website and eagerly await what will be posted next.)  Since I didn’t want to make a six layer cake, I modified the recipe by cutting it by thirds for cupcakes.

I bought the cheapest box of white cake mix (95 cents) and ran home from work to get going. 

Mardi Gras Citrus Cupcakes

1 box white cake mix
1/2 c. lite sour cream
3 eggs
1/3 c. canola oil
1 cup 2% milk
Zest of 1 lemon, one lime, and one orange

Mix all ingredients in a stand mixer until incorporated.  Using an ice cream scoop, portion out the batter into cupcake liners.  (I used silver for the Mardi Gras theme.)  Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Makes about 20 cupcakes.

I used the “frosting recipe mishap” above, divided it in thirds, and tinted each portion a purple, a green, and a yellow. 

I tie-dyed the leftovers! 

Indulge and Happy Feasting!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!
Cupcake