Food Friday

Last weekend I went over to my sister's house and we made cupcakes together for our mom's surprise birthday party! It was fun to hang out and bake with her like that. Her husband (who is an amazing cook) had to intervene and save the ganache, but it all worked out well in the end! The only photo I got of the cupcakes was at the dim restaurant the night of the party, so pardon the terrible lighting. If you're a chocoholic like me, you need to try these... maybe with a chocolate mousse filling too like this recipe? Next time...

Chocoholic Cupcakes
(adapted from this recipe at Eat Good 4 Life)

What you need:

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup chocolate syrup
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
2/3 cup plain yogurt (reduced fat)
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking soda

How to make them:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line cupcake pan with paper or foil liners (we used these amazing ones, they stay beautiful when you bake cupcakes in them!).

Mis first 6 ingredients in a bowl with a wire whisk. Add flour, cocoa, and baking soda. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake for 22-28 minutes (until a toothpick inserted in the top comes out clean). Cool on the counter for a while before topping.

Dark Chocolate Ganache Topping

What you need:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

How to make it:

Put cream and chocolate on the stove (best in a double boiler, if just in a sauce pan, be careful not to burn it!). Heat until chocolate is melting, stirring constantly. Mix until completely combined. It should be fairly thick (see photo, it will hold it's form when cooled), so if it seems runny to you, add a little more chocolate and combine. Let the ganache cool a little, then dip the cupcakes. Let the topping set before you put them away!