Twelve Days of Cookies, Day 2

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Yes, it strains the new parameters of Twelve Days of Cookies -- er, or should I say or Twelve Days of Chocolate -- to add red velvet cupcakes on Day 2. Red velvet cupcakes are not what you would call super-chocolatey. But did you know that they have cocoa powder in them? So the essence of the cocoa bean is there.

As an aside, I went to the source and ate a raw, plain cocoa bean the other day. Here it is: (its not bad actually)


Here is the recipe for red velvet cupcakes, modified from the "Cakeman"'s recipe in Brooklyn (I saw him Throwdown with Bobby Flay for the best red velvet cake.) The recipe is modified to make 12 cupcakes, plus I reduced the oil a bit, and reduced the red coloring a bit so there wouldn't be bitterness. Top them with crumbled pecans for Southern authenticity!

Sift:
1 1/4 C flour
3/4 C sugar
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
2 t cocoa powder

Set aside.

Mix:
1/2 C buttermilk
1 egg
1/2 t vinegar
1/3 C vegetable oil
1 t red food coloring
1/2 t vanilla extract

Add wet to dry and combine. (Don't overmix like I did.)

Fill cupcake tins and bake at 350 for approx 18-20 minutes (check at 15 minutes).

Frosting:
1 C powdered sugar
1/4 lb cream cheese
1 stick of butter, softened
1/2 t vanilla

Mix butter and cream cheese. Slowly add sugar and vanilla. Frost cooled cupcakes (don't be shy) and enjoy!