Monday, February 29, 2016

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cupcakes

We really don't do much for Valentine's day, I usually make Randal a treat though and this year I didn't have much time so I made my chocolate cupcakes because I can make them quickly and I know they will be good.  I made my swiss meringue buttercream and threw some strawberry puree in there and topped them with a chocolate covered strawberry.



Chocolate Cupcakes:
¾ cup plus 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
6 tbsp. valrhona cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
½ cup black coffee
½ cup buttermilk
1½ tsp. vanilla extract

Strawberry Puree:
1 lb strawberries
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
Seeds from a 1/2 of a plumped vanilla bean

Strawberry Swiss Meringue Buttercream:
5 egg whites
1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
2 cups of unsalted butter at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
1/2 cup strawberry pure

To make the cupcakes, in a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt, whisk to blend and set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the sugar, vegetable oil and egg. Beat on medium speed until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, blend in half of the dry ingredients, beating just until incorporated. Blend in the coffee, buttermilk and vanilla just until smooth. Beat in the remaining dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Divide between baking cups and bake at 350 for 22-24 minutes.

To make the strawberry puree, combine the berries, lemon juice, vanilla and sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar, until the berries have given off some juices and they come to a boil. Transfer to a sieve set over a bowl. Using a spatula rub the berries and juices through the sieve.

To make the frosting, put a few inches of water in a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Put the egg whites and sugar into a bowl that will fit over the pan of water and whicsk until it reaches 150 degrees and the sugar has all melted. Transfer mixture to the bowl of your stand mixer and whisk on medium speed until the bowl feels cold (this can take up to 10 minutes) add the butter 2 tablespoons at a time, then add the vanilla, salt and puree.

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Menu Plan Monday


 





Monday: Chili

Tuesday:  Swedish meatballs

Wednesday: Changs spare ribs, rice pilaf

Thursday: Chicken tikka

Friday: Eating out
  
See other menu plans over at Organizing Junkie

Buttermilk Brownies

Am I the only one who is constantly searching for things to make with leftover buttermilk? I feel like I always have a bottle in the fridge just sitting in there waiting until the lid blows off (yes, that has happened more than once) for me to throw it away.

I was determined with the latest bottle to at least use some of it, and as the 4 year old in my daycare loves to help me in the kitchen I let her pick the recipe.  She chose these buttermilk brownies form Shugary Treats and why wouldn't she, the girl loves chocolate!  Sophie Bear was the first one to taste test and she gave them a thumbs up and so did the rest of us!

Brownies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Frosting:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups icing sugar
3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400.

In a small pan combine butter, cocoa and oil.  Bring to a boil, set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together sugar, buttermilk and eggs.  Stir in the melted butter mixture.  Fold in the flour, baking powder, salt and chocolate chips.

Pour into a 9x13 baking pan, bake for 20 minutes.

To make the frosting, in a small pan combine butter, buttermilk and cocoa.  Bring to a boil and set aside.

In a large bowl add the icing sugar and pour in the melted butter mixture.  Whisk until smooth and pour over brownies. Top with chocolate chips.


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Monday, February 22, 2016

Menu Plan Monday


 





Monday: Cuban sliders, fried potatoes

Tuesday: Chicken stir fry

Wednesday: Pepsi pot roast

Thursday: Chili

Friday: Eating out
  
See other menu plans over at Organizing Junkie

Monday, February 15, 2016

Menu Plan Monday


 





Monday: Shrimp and grits

Tuesday:Blood orange pork, roast potatoes and peas

Wednesday: Eggs benedict

Thursday: Chicken tikka

Friday: Eating out
  
See other menu plans over at Organizing Junkie