Well a very good day to you. The storm has finally cleared the UK and I sincerely hope you survived it unscathed? If you are sleep deprived, due to the banging, blowing and crashing howls of wind a Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes may be just what you need to help you get through the day with a smile!
Nature’s beauty can be mesmerisingly beautiful, but we should never underestimate it’s force or ruthlessness and ability to deprive us all of a good nights sleep!
CUPCAKES!!!!!
I’ve posted lots of pics, now I give you the recipe:
Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes (makes 18)
You will need:
2 x 12 Deep Muffin Tins (not shallow fairy cake tins)
18 Cupcake liners (I’ve used brown ‘tulip’ liners – plain white ones look good with chocolate, but the choice is yours!)
Recipe : Chocolate Chunk Cupcakes – makes 18
10oz Unsalted Butter (at room temp)
10oz Dark Brown Muscavado Sugar
2tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt (I use Kosher)
5 Large Eggs (Pref Free Range – at room temp)
3oz Cocoa Powder (NOT hot chocolate powder)
7oz Self Raising White Flour
3-4tbsp Whole Milk (at room temp)
6oz Milk Chocolate Chunks or Chips
Large bowl & an electric whisk (it really makes creaming the sugar & butter bearable!!!!)
Method :
PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 175C (160C Fan Oven).
Line the muffin tins with 18 cupcake cases.
Firstly place the butter and treacly dark sugar into a large bowl (of stand mixer, if using, with the paddle mixer attached).
Unless you are ready for a serious workout I really recommend using an electric whisk to beat the sugar/butter mixture. It will take a while (approx 5-10 mins) for the mixture to become smooth and fluffy.
Next add the punch of salt& vanilla extract and beat the whole mixture until thoroughly combined.
Now if you want to switch to a wooden spoon for mixing you can. Using an electric whisk/beater is also ok, just make sure you don’t over mix once the flour is added, otherwise you won’t have light, cupcakes.
Add 2 of the eggs (I always crack them into a separate bowl first, no one wants crunchy cupcakes!!!) and a third of the cocoa/flour (sifted). Gently mix until almost incorporated.
Repeat this process again.
Now add the last egg and mix gently. Then add the last of the flour/cocoa & the chocolate chunks/chips. Fold these ingredients in gently adding 1 tablespoon at a time to loosen the mixture and allow all the ingredients to mix thoroughly and have a slightly wet dropping consistency.
I use an ice cream scoop to evenly fill the cupcake cases. But you could always use 2 desert spoons. Just ensure an equal amount of mixture is placed into each case. This ensures that all the cupcakes will be cooked evenly & in the same amount of time.
Cook for approx 20 minutes. The cupcakes are cooked when lightly pressed in the middle and the cake springs back.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 5-10 mins until cool enough to transfer to a cooling rack.
NOTE: if using the tulip style cupcake cases, I’ve found it best to leave the cupcakes to COMPLETELY COOL IN THE TIN. The paper cases will then adhere to the cupcakes when removed from the tin.
These chocolate chunk cupcakes are then perfect to serve unadorned!
However if making for a special occasion or just because, you can ice or top them with whatever you like!!
I’ve used Betty Crocker’s Chocolate Fudge Icing (which I’ve found is easier to apply using 2 teaspoons, rather than piping, when using the tulip cupcake wrappers. I’ve then sprinkled a variety of gold sugar balls, white chocolate stars, glitter, even rice paper figurines.
Melted chocolate drizzled over the top, or half double cream/half chocolate melted together in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (making sure that the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water), creates a chocolate ganache. If using ordinary (not tulip) cases the cupcakes can then be dipped into the ganache, covering the entire surface of the cupcake. This will then cool to a soft, fudgey consistency, whereas melted chocolate on its own will harden on cooling.
You can then sprinkle & adorn to your hearts content. Although left without the sprinkles these cupcakes still look gorgeous & scrummy.
Now it’s time to share!!
I invested in some individual clear, plastic cupcake holders, which not only allow the cupcakes to be transported easily but also allow the recipient to clearly see their gift. I have also popped the cupcakes into cellophane bags tied with rafia. This also looks beautiful, but is more fiddly & you have to be careful not to get any of the icing on the inside of the bag, as it spoils the look.
If you want to make someone smile, or you know someone who needs cheering up, this recipe is FOOLPROOF.
When I give a gift, especially one I’ve made, I’m NOT looking to be basked in thanks & glory for what I’ve given. I want the recipient to feel special. To know that they’ve been thought of & know that they are special to me.
I’ve received gifts that are more about the giver than the recipient & although I’m always thankful, somehow, if the giver is looking to be showered with praise, the gift feels soulless.
In my world GIFTS SHOULD ALWAYS BE ABOUT THE RECIPIENT NOT THE GIVER.
Don’t get me wrong a thank you is nice, but other than that I’m not seeking praise. I really try to think of who I am giving to & what their likes & preferences are. In doing this I must disregard what I want and focus on others.
Some people like a big fuss & that’s fine. They like attention & they enjoy being the centre of it. So when giving them a gift I know they don’t mind if it’s in a roomful of people. They enjoy celebrating in a big way.
Others are quieter. They would be mortified at the notion of being centre of attention. That is fine too. So the gift will be given quietly, without pomp & circumstance. Because it’s not about the giver but the recipient.
If you’ve taken the time, love & care to make something for someone, give equal thought to how you will give it to them.
Nobody, especially me, gets it right all the time! But we can all try, me included.
A well meant gift, given in a thoughtful way says you care.
Have fun trying the cupcakes. If you want to make fewer a rough guide is 1 egg/2oz butter/1 1/2oz self raising white flour/1/2oz cocoa powder.
I’d love to hear how you get on, so please leave a comment?
In the mean time have lots of fun, feasting and sharing!!
Sammie x
