Dark Chocolate Cupcake with Cherry Vanilla Frosting

Its been longer than it should be since I last baked and blogged.

But lets not get into all the reasons for that

or it will look something like a pity party.

L. A. M. E.

The only thing I will say is I let myself down.

I had/have ALL kinds of fun confections to play with

that my BFH ( best friend husband) has picked

up on his travels through out the land.

And I have just let them sit there looking rejected.

So today is enough of that silliness 

Time to get my BAKE on!

Lets start slow and easy.

C.U.P.C.A.K.E.

<3

Dark Chocolate Cupcake:  (makes about 24 medium size)

2 cups sugar

1 3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup dark cocoa

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup oil

1 cup coffee

1 teaspoon vanilla

Sift all dry ingredients into a large bowl.

In a medium bowl beat together the wet ingredients.

Pour liquid ingredients into dry and beat well.

Spoon into lined cupcake pan filling 2/3 way.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 18 minutes.

Remove pan from oven and cool 10 minutes.

Remove cupcakes from pan and cool completely.

Cherry Vanilla Frosting:

4 cups icing sugar

3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

1/4 cup vegetable shortening

1 1/2 tablespoon vanilla

1/2 package of Cherry Kool- Aid powder

2 -3 tablespoons of ice water

In a mixer beat together the butter and shortening

until fluffy.

Add the icing sugar, vanilla, ice water and Kool - Aid

Beat until light and fluffy, adding more water if necessary.

Add more flavouring to your own taste.

Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes.

Decorate whatever way your little heart desires <3

*** my BFH found mini marshmallows that I tossed with

       pink and gold "disco"(pearl) dust ***

* Pearl Dust can be found at Michaels