St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

March 1st has finally arrived and we are getting very close to springtime!  People who live in New Jersey like I do certainly can't complain about this winter at all but it would be nice to have the whole winter season over with so we can start Spring.  Once the yellow and purple crocuses pop up out of the ground like they have recently you know Spring will be here soon.  Sam will be home for the start of her spring break this weekend and we can't wait to see her. These green cupcakes will certainly put you in a happy, spring mood! The cake recipe I found on www.foodnetwork.com.

Ingredients:
Cake
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
1-1/4 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
3 cups sifted cake flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup milk
a few drops of green food coloring

Ganache
8 oz semisweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy cream

Buttercream icing
1 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 box confectioners sugar
3-4 tbsp heavy cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a bowl with a mixer cream butter until light and fluffy.  Add the sugar and continue to cream.  Gradually add vanilla extract and eggs and mix well.  Sift together the dry ingredients, then mix into the butter mixture alternating with the milk.  Add green food coloring until desired shade is acquired.

Pour batter into cupcake lined muffin tins filling them 3/4 full.   Bake until firm in the center and light golden brown on the top  about 20-25 minutes.  Let cool before frosting.

Prepare ganache by pouring heavy cream into glass measuring cup and microwaving 45 seconds until bubbling starts.  Add chocolate chips and stir until mixture comes together and becomes shiny.  Let cool for a few minutes.  Spoon a little ganache on top each cupcake to cover.

Prepare frosting by mixing butter, vanilla extract, confectioners sugar and a 2 tbsp of heavy cream together until light and fluffy.  Add more heavy cream to reach desired consistency.  Pipe frosting over ganache and top with sprinkles if desired.

This is linked to:  www.mrsfoxssweets, www.happyhourprojects.com, www.mizhelenscountrycottage,
 www.somethingswanky.com, www.sweetology101.blogspot.com, www.4littlefergusons.wordpress.com,
www.alli-n-son.com, www.whipperberry.com, www.made-famous-by.com, www.sixsistersstuff.com,
www.iheartnaptime.net, www.sweet-as-sugar.blogspot.com, www.wellseasonedlife.com, www.itsybitsypaperblog.com, www.ourdelightfulhome, www.36avenue.com, www.momscrazycooking

Enjoy!  Susan