Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Sunshine & Strawberries

     Nothing says summertime like the taste of a juicy red strawberry.  They are in peak season here in our region and they are ripe for the picking.  I love to pair my strawberries with chocolate. Actually, I like to pair pretty much everything with chocolate!  It's a  flavour combination made for savouring. 
 
     These cupcakes are moist and delicious and the strawberry buttercream  is the icing on the cake; literally and figuratively!  The strawberry puree flavours the buttercream and turns it a beautiful shade of pink.  Whip up a batch of these cupcakes and enjoy the taste of summer.



Strawberries & Chocolate Cupcakes



For the cupcakes you will need:
 
1 Box chocolate devil's food cake mix
1/2 cup melted butter, cooled 
3 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line pans with cupcake liners (the prettier the better!)
  • Sift cake mix into a small bowl and set aside
  • Combine all other cake ingredients in a large bowl and mix until well combined
  • Stir in cake mix until smooth
  • Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 17-22 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean




For the chocolate ganache you will need:

1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 heaping amount of self control so as not to lick the bowl clean!
  • Place chocolate chips is a heat proof bowl and add heavy cream
  • Microwave for 20 seconds, remove and stir
  • Continue to microwave in small increments until mixture becomes smooth and creamy
  • Dip the tops of the cooled cupcakes into the ganache and let set while you make the frosting



For the strawberry buttercream you will need:
 
3/4 cup butter, softened
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-4 tbsp strawberry puree (put a handful or two of strawberries in a blender and puree until they reach a liquid consistency - be sure the lid is secured tightly!)
3-4 cups powdered sugar
Fresh sliced strawberries to garnish
 
  • Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth
  • Add vanilla extract and 2 tbsp. strawberry puree
  • Slowly add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency
  • If mixture becomes too thick, add more strawberry puree
  • Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and top with sliced strawberries


 

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