Thursday, May 15, 2008

mmm... sweet!


I've been back in my baking phase, and this time it was fresh strawberry cupcakes. Mmmmm. This batch went to a yoga social... they claimed that it was a night of eating 'bad for you food' but I seemed to make the worst for you out of the whole bunch. Seriously, people brought cheeseless pizza! Ha!

I was fairly sad at first because everybody was avoiding them. But all of a sudden I was approached by this woman who said 'I'm allergic to soy and nut products... please tell me these don't have any in there.' I simply answered with 'No soy or nuts... just lots of butter, sugar and creme... oh yeah... and strawberries.'

She loved them (and said they would be perfect with a cup of tea)... so I thought I would share the recipe with you all!

Now... this photo shows the cupcakes with white (vanilla) frosting and a strawberry on top, which is a variation from the recipe. I've tried making them both ways, and both are excellent. So, your choice!

Fresh Strawberry Cup Cakes

Makes 1 dozen
2/3 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 large egg whites, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.
2. Place strawberries in a small food processor; process until pureed. You should have about 1/3 cup of puree, add a few more strawberries if necessary or save any extra puree for frosting; set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together milk and strawberry puree; set aside.
4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended.
5. With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended.
6. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer muffin tin to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in tin before icing.

icing:

Makes enough for 1 dozen cupcakes
1/2 cup whole frozen strawberries, thawed
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, firm and slightly cold
Pinch of coarse salt
3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Directions

Place strawberries in the bowl of a small food processor; process until pureed. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed and slowly add confectioners' sugar; beat until well combined. Add vanilla and 3 tablespoons strawberry puree (save any remaining strawberry puree for another use); mix until just blended. Do not overmix or frosting will incorporate too much air. Frosting consistency should be dense and creamy, like ice cream.

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