May 25, 2007

The Secrets Of Cupcake Perfection

Taste Of Home Magazine Cupcake Contest Yields Sweet Results

  • Play CBS Video Video Award-Winning Cupcakes

    Catherine Cassidy of Taste of Home magazine and the top cupcake recipe contest-winner Mary Bilyeu show Hannah Storm some of the secrets to making award-winning cupcakes.

  • Video Award-Winning Soups

    Taste Of Home magazine launched a nation-wide contest for America's best soup. Harry Smith meets the winner and learns why her recipe topped the rest.

  •  (CBS/The Early Show)

(CBS) 
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Special Mocha Cupcakes
PREP: 25 minutes
BAKE: 20 minutes + cooling

Topped with a fluffy frosting and chocolate sprinkles, these extra-rich, extra-delicious cupcakes smell wonderful while baking and taste even better! — Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, MI

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup cold brewed coffee
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 teaspoons cider vinegar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract

MOCHA FROSTING:
3 tablespoons milk chocolate chips
3 tablespoons semisweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
1/2 cup chocolate sprinkles

In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, coffee, oil, vinegar and vanilla. Add to dry ingredients; mix well.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups three-quarters full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool.

For the frosting: In a small, microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt chips and stir until smooth. Add butter and beat until blended. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and coffee. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes. Top with sprinkles; gently press down. Yield: 1 dozen.

Continued



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