Hot Fudge Cupcakes

Ahhhh....a new year, a time for resolutions and rigorous diets and workout plans.  It seems like everyone resolves to lose weight and workout more or become a nicer person or spend more time with their family.  The sad part is, by February, most people forget about their resolutions or give up altogether.  I'd like to offer you a chance to take part in a resolution that is sure to be a success...a resolution that I can certainly handle as well.  EAT MORE CUPCAKES!!!  You can start with these...

Very Strawberry Cupcakes

I like to do things the hard way.  I know at least one person who is currently agreeing whole-heartedly with this statement, but I'm sure he's smart enough to keep it a silent opinion.  So, when these little beauties were in the brainstorm stage, I was thinking of every way to make it harder than it really had to be.  I knew one thing for sure...I had a pint of strawberries that I really needed use.  Then I remembered that Duncan Hines makes a Strawberry Supreme cake mix, and the rest is cupcake history.  So, if you're interested in death by strawberries, I encourage you to indulge.  I'm eating one now and thinking about the 4,557 sit-ups I'm going to have to do to burn it off.

Caramel Coffee Cupcakes

Coffee used to be part of my morning ritual, everyday.  I have really cut back in the last few years, but every now and then I get a craving for Caramel Macchiato which can only be satisfied by waiting in line at StarBucks.  One particular day, as I was growing more and more impatient ( I know, what you're thinking...sweet innocent me being impatient?  No way, not this angel.) I got the urge to combine coffee with cupcakes.  Lucky me, StarBucks had a special on their Caramel Via packets.  Now, fast forward about 6 months (Me...procrastinate?  Not in a million years.).  Husband?  Out of town.  Baby?  Fast asleep.  Dog?  Upside down and drooling on the couch.  Mama?  Battling a sweet tooth from the underworld.  This, my friends, is when I remembered that glorious purchase 6 months ago.  I love me for thinking ahead.  Almost as much as I love cupcakes.....almost.

Vanilla Cherry Cola Cupcakes with Cherry Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

I think my favorite treat in this vast universe is Cherry Coke.  I love the stuff.  I can just imagine myself in a 1950's diner sipping a REAL cherry coke.  The kind from the fountain with coke and cherry syrup and REAL cherries.  Yes, I can see it now...me, just sitting there sipping....in a pink poodle skirt with a sideways ponytail and saddle shoes.  Ahhh....hey, I can dream, can't I?  So fast forward a bit...I'm in my kitchen....hair a mess, PJ's still on, and the cutest little kitchen helper ever babbling "ma-ma" at my feet.  I'm elbows deep in cake batter and happy as a lark.  Yes, I believe I AM dreaming.

Banana Pudding Cupcakes

Hello Beautiful.  I'm pretty certain that cupcakes are a god-send.  Perfectly portioned and at least a million varieties...yes, it seems they qualify as food of the gods.  So, it seemed fitting that my first post should be about cupcakes, the delectable little bits of heaven that they are.  These Banana Pudding Cupcakes certainly fit the bill.

What you'll need:

15-20 Nilla Wafers (crushed fine and divided)

1 box instant banana pudding mix (unprepared)

1/2 cup butter (room temperature)

2/3 cup sugar

3 eggs

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon banana extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350°.  Spray muffin pan with non-stick spray or line with paper cups.

1.  Whisk together flour, pudding mix, baking powder and salt.  Set aside.

2.  Cream together butter and sugar until smooth.  Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

3.  Add vanilla and banana extracts.

4.  Alternate adding flour mixture and milk.  Beginning and ending with flour mixture.

5.  Cover bottoms of muffin cups or paper liners with crushed vanilla wafers.  Remember to save some for garnish.

6.  Fill cups 2/3 full with cupcake batter.

Bake for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Allow to cool before icing.  (I suggest Banana Cream Cheese Icing)

Makes 12 cupcakes

**Option**I stuffed my cupcakes with vanilla pudding.  To do this, prepare 1 package vanilla pudding mix according to directions.  Use melon baller to scoop out a portion of cooled cupcake.  Fill with vanilla pudding, then apply icing.  

Banana Cream Cheese Icing

4 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)

1/2 cup butter (at room temperature)

3-4 cups confectioners sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon banana extract

1.  Cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth.

2.  Add confectioners sugar 1 cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.

3.  Add vanilla and banana extracts.

Store any unused icing in the refrigerator.