Herbal Blessing: GOURMET CUPCAKES

An easy yet impressive dessert for any tea party is cupcakes! They have come a long way since plain iced children’s birthday party fare, so try a few of these the next time you entertain. Great with just a cuppa tea too!

Chocolate Ganache Cupcakes: : Prepare a chocolate cake mix and put batter into cupcake liners placed in muffin tins. Bake as directed and cool. Combine 1/2c heavy cream, 8oz semisweet chocolate chips and 1tsp instant coffee granules in a double boiler until smooth and warm. Dip cupcakes in the ganache and decorate with fanned strawberries or sugared edible flowers. Do not refrigerate.

Berry-Topped Cupcakes: Prepare a white cake mix and put batter into cupcake liners placed in muffin tins. Bake as directed and cool. Spread with prepared vanilla pudding then arrange 5 strawberry slices to form flower petals and add fresh blueberries to the centers.

Black Forest Cupcakes: Prepare a German Chocolate cake mix and put batter into cupcake liners placed in muffin tins. Add 1Tbs cherry pie filling to the center of each and bake according to mix directions.

Mint Chocolate Cupcakes: : Prepare a chocolate cake mix, add 1Tbs chopped spearmint and 1/2c mini chocolate chips. Put batter into cupcake liners placed in muffin tins. Bake as directed and cool. Combine 1/2c butter and 4c powdered sugar with 1tsp mint extract and a drop of green food coloring. Ice the cooled cupcakes and decorate with mini chocolate chips.

Carrot-Ginger Cupcakes: Prepare a yellow cake mix, then add 3/4c shredded carrots, 1Tbs ginger, 1tsp cinnamon and 1/2c toasted walnut pieces and put batter into cupcake liners placed in muffin tins. Bake as directed and cool. Beat 1-8oz cream cheese until smooth then stir in 2c whipped topping. Spread over tops of cupcakes and sprinkle with cinnamon. Refrigerate.

Chocolate Surprise Cupcakes: Prepare a chocolate cake mix as directed. Mix 1-8oz cream cheese, 1 egg and 2Tbs sugar and set aside. Place cake batter into cupcake liners placed in muffin tins until half filled, add 2 tsp cream cheese mixture, then top with batter. Bake as directed and cool. Spread with icing or whipped topping.

Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes: Prepare a fudge brownie mix and fill cupcake liners half full. Press a miniature peanut butter cup into the batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until set. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.

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