Monday's Menu

Last week, I mentioned that I made a mint chocolate cake for Dude's birthday. Chick, however, can't stand mint anything.

So, I promised her that I would provide an alternative. This was the sweet little alternative I found.

And it happens that its a handy little thing to have on hand since it makes exactly two cupcakes -- just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving a huge cake sitting around waiting to add to your waistline.

I found the recipe at Brett Bara's website but it wasn't working for some reason when I tried to attach it. It's also in several other places including this one. And according to Chick, it's definitely a keeper.



Two (Exactly Two!) Chocolate Cupcakes

3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda (just eyeball half of a quarter-teaspoon and it will be fine)
1/16 teaspoon salt (otherwise known as a pinch)
2 tablespoons cold water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/16 teaspoon vanilla (ie, just a few drops)
1 tablespoon chocolate chips (optional)
Chocolate Frosting (mini recipe follows)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Whisk all the dry ingredients together in a small bowl. In a second small bowl or spouted measuring cup, combine the wet ingredients. Add the dry to the wet and stir till combined, whisking well. Divide batter between two cupcake liners and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Bake for 18 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Allow to cool before frosting.


Chocolate Frosting For Two Cupcakes

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
3 tablespoons confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon half and half or any milk/cream
dash of salt

Melt the butter in a small bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients to the butter and whisk to combine. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes or until frosting is partially set. Whisk again then allow to rest at room temperature until cupcakes are cool enough to frost. (Start making the frosting as soon as the cupcakes go in the oven, so that it will be set and ready to go once the cupcakes are cool.)