Friday, March 30, 2012

Chocolate Truffle Cupcakes


Hi it's me. enjoy this!


Picture of Chocolate Truffle Cupcakes Recipe 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup hot coffee
  • Chocolate Truffle Ganache, recipe follows
  • Whipped Chocolate Buttercream, recipe follows

Directions

Preheat the convection oven to 325 degrees F. Line a cupcake pan with 24 cupcake liners.

In a mixing bowl, add the sugar, vanilla and eggs, and mix until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the milk and oil, and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt, and mix together. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth, about 2 minutes. Turn off the mixer and add the hot coffee. Mix on low for 2 minutes more.

Fill the lines three-quarters full with batter and bake for 14 minutes. Once completely cooled, use a paring knife to cut out the center of the cupcake.

To assemble: Using a small ice cream scoop, fill the cupcakes with 1 scoop of the cooled Chocolate Truffle Ganache. Using a piping bag with a 1M tip, generously frost the cupcakes with Whipped Chocolate Buttercream, making sure to cover the filled area.

This recipe was created by a contestant during a cooking competition. The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use, therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

Chocolate Truffle Ganache:

  • 2/3 cup boiling heavy cream
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon chocolate liqueur
Add the boiling cream to the chips and stir together until chips are completely melted. Add liqueur, mix well and set aside to cool.

Whipped Chocolate Buttercream:

  • 4 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
In an electric mixer, beat the butter on high for 2 minutes. Once the butter is whipped, add the powdered sugar 1 cup a time until well blended. Add the vanilla and mix well. Add the cocoa powder and blend on medium speed until well incorporated. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the heavy cream. Once the heavy cream is incorporated, turn the mixer on high and whip for 3 to 4 minutes. 
Recipe thanks to food network.

Made these once they were amazing!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Hi, this is my all time favorite dip. Enjoy!


Ingredients:
  • 1 cup thawed, chopped frozen spinach
  • 1/2 cup thawed, chopped frozen artichoke hearts 
  • 6 ounces cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayo 
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 baguette
  • Olive oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 

Dip
Boil spinach and artichokes in a cup of water until tender and drain. Discard liquid. Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute or until hot and soft. stir in the rest of  the ingredient and serve hot.

Crostini
Slice the baguette diagonally 1/4 in slices. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

First Post!

March 28,


This is my first blog post. On this blog I will show:
Quirky recipes
Creative projects 
And so much more!


I'm a Spunky girl with awesome ideas that I want to share.
every few days I will post a new project or recipe. Hope you enjoy!


Please come back weekly for more fun ideas!