Chocolate Summer Cupcakes!

Here's an easy and cute recipe for cupcakes! I make these to celebrate being out of school for the summer!!!! I found the cupcake recipe at http://www.cupcakerecipes.com/

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all purpose flour

1 1/3 cups sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add shortening, milk, and vanilla. Beat for 1 minute on medium speed. Scrape side of bowl with a spatula.

Add eggs to the mixture. Beat for 1 minute on medium speed. Scrape bowl again. Beat on high speed for 1 minute 30 seconds until well mixed.

Spoon cupcake batter into paper liners until 1/2 to 2/3 full.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 5 minutes in pans then remove and place on wire racks to cool completely.

Now you can make your frosting. This recipe is my Aunt Jackie's recipe and it is amazing! Click here to view my aunt's blog.

In mixer combine 3/4 cup butter at room temperature, 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon clear vanilla, and 3-4 tablespoons water. Beat until fluffy. Add 1/4 cups cocoa powder. Add more water is needed one tablespoon at a time.

Last step.... Enjoy!!! I LOVE SUMMER!!!=)

I LOVE CUPCAKES!!!!

Lime Ginger Cookies

These are amazing! I've made them twice in one week and I'm absolutely in love with them!

Ingredients:

1 cup softened butter

1cup sugar, plus extra for rolling dough in sugar

1 egg

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2-1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon grated lime rind

3/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Put butter and sugar in a medium-sized bowl and cream until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat until incorporated. Then add baking soda and flour little by little.

Then add grated lime peel and ginger. Roll dough into balls and roll the balls in the additional sugar. You can also mix 1/4 teaspoon ginger into the sugar to roll the balls in. Squish balls with the bottom of a cup. Bake at 350 for 8-9 minutes or until edges are slightly browned. 

You can also sprinkle some extra grated lime peel on the top if you want too.

ENJOY!!!