Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting (#5)

[ This is Cupcake #5 from Ming Makes Cupcakes ]

CUPCAKES
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup buttermilk (room-temperature)
3 heaping Tbsp cocoa
1 stick butter (8 Tbsp)
1/2 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla

1. In a small bowl, dissolve baking soda in room-temperature buttermilk.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and cocoa together at a low temperature.
• When smooth, add water.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together sugar, flour, and salt.
4. Add egg to cocoa mixture and mix at a low speed.
5. Add vanilla to buttermilk mixture and beat until smooth.
6. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

ICING

1 stick butter (8 Tbsp)

5 heaping Tbsp cocoa

1 lb confectioner's sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1/4 cup milk

1. In a saucepan, melt butter at low temperature.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together cocoa and sugar.
3. Add melted butter, vanilla, and milk together. Beat at low speed until mixed.
4. Frost cupcakes generously.