Chocolate Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache and Cream Filling (#11)

[ This is Cupcake #11 from Ming Makes Cupcakes ]

CUPCAKES
1 cup flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
3/4 cup milk

1. Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy.
3. Reduce speed to low and add vanilla and egg.
4. Add milk and flour mixture alternately while still mixing.
5. Pour into lined cupcake pan.
6. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out almost clean.

ICING

3/4 cup chocolate chips

1/4 cup heavy cream

1. Melt chocolate and cream in metal bowl set in simmering water.
2. When smooth, spread on top of cupcakes.

FILLING

1 stick room temperature butter

2 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

a dash of almond extract

1. Beat butter until smooth.
2. Add sugar, milk, vanilla, and almond extract.
3. Beat until spreadable.
4. Use a knife to cut a cone shape from the top of the cupcake,
5. Trim the bottom, fill hole with cream and cover with remainder.

Flower Pins for Bulletin Boards

Silk Flowers
     -  These are easy to find
         at the dollar store
         in boquets or in leis
Push pins
Glue

1. Disassemble the product of your choice, and separate out the individual flower layers.
2. Apply a dab of glue to the back side of a push pin.
3. Add one petal, another dab of clue, another petal, etc. until you're satisfied with your finished product.
4. Hold the petals in place of the pack of the pin until the glue dries.

Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting (#10)

[ This is Cupcake #10 from Ming Makes Cupcakes ]

CUPCAKES
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
pinch of cloves
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup oil
2 cups peeled, diced apples

1. Mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. In a separate bowl, beat together sugar, egg, and oil.
3. Add apples.
4. Add flour mixture and beat until smooth.
5. Bake at 350F for 30 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

ICING

1/2 stick butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla

1. Melt butter, sugar, and heavy cream in saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Continue cooking and stirring for 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and add vanilla.
5. Frost cupcakes once cooled.

Make You Own Envelopes

Chocolate Cupcakes with Mint Marshmallow Frosting (#8)

[ This is Cupcake #8 from Ming Makes Cupcakes ]

CUPCAKE
1 cup flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
3/4 cup milk

1. Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl cream butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy.
3. Reduce the speed to low and add vanilla and egg.
4. Add milk and flour mixture alternately while still mixing.
5. Pour into lined cupcake pan.
6. Bake at 350F for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out almost clean.

ICING

1 1/2 cup marshmallow cream

1/2 stick room temperature butter

2 tsp peppermint flavor

chocolate chips

1. Whisk together marshmallow and better. 
2. Add peppermint and mix until well blended.
3. Spoon a small scoop on top of each cupcake
4. Frosting will drip over edges.
5. Top with chocolate chips.