AMAZING CUPCAKES

 EASIEST NO-FAIL CUPCAKE RECIPE

• 1 cake mix (I use yellow cake mix or white cake mix)
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp almond flavoring

YES, THAT’S IT, no water or oil or other liquids!  All you do is mix the ingredients together and fill cupcake liners halfway.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for 14 minutes, remove and let cool. 

I modified this buttercream recipe from the America’s Test Kitchen Cookbook.  I love this recipe because it’s buttery, and have a very well-rounded taste.  Here it is:

ALMOND BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon almond flavoring
• pinch of salt
• 2 1/2 sticks salted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Beat this mixture for 5-7 minutes until light and fluffy.  ENJOY and try not to eat the whole bowl.

PIPING BAGS & TIPS:

When you are done with the light and fluffy buttercream mixture, add the frosting to a piping bag.  My favorite one is from Orson Gygi and it’s the 14″ bag.  With that I use one of two tips.  My very favorite tips for this are the ATECO brand #808 the simple circle one or #826 which is the star looking tip.  Depending on my mood, I use either of these.