the perfect chocolate cupcake

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp coco powder 
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp hot water
• 2 1/4 cup flour
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 225 grams butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup yogurt + 1/2 tsp baking soda ( mix and keep it aside)

For the Butter Cream

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 2-4 tbsp water
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 3/4 cup icing sugar

Method:

1. Mix cocoa and hot water until smooth.
2. Melt butter and sugar in a medium flame.
3. Until the butter is melted and mixture is smooth.
4. Beat the mixture in a large bowl until the mixture is cool.
5. Add the egg one by one beating after each addition.
6. Add the vanilla and the cocoa mixture is blend well.
7. Sieve the flour, baking soda and baking powder.
8. Add the flour mixture alternating with yogurt mix.
9. Mix until smooth.
10. Preheat the oven for 10 minutes @ 175C.
11. Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and fill 2/3.
12. Bake until the tooth pick comes out clean for 15 minutes.

Butter Cream:

• Cream the butter until smooth.
• Add vanilla and water and mix it.
• Add cocoa and icing sugar .
• Whip until mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Frost the cupcakes once it is cool.

Regards

S

Recipe source : the baker upstairs . 

Shortbread

Ingredients:

• 8 tbsp butter cut into small pieces
• 1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup superfine sugar

Method:

1. Place the flour, salt and sugar in a large bowl and mix together.
2. Add the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients.
3. Continue to work the mixture until it forms a soft dough
4. Light press the dough into the tart pan. 
5. Using a knife, mark the dough into 8 pieces and prick all over with a fork.
6. Preheat the oven for 10 mts @ 175C.
7. Bake for 45 minutes or until the shortbread is firm and just colored.
8. Let cool for few minutes , then sprinkle with sugar if needed.

Regards,

S

Almond cake

Ingredients:

• 5 eggs separated
• 200g sugar
• 1 tbsp flour ( or cornflour)
• 225 gms almond powdered
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. Beat yolks with sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Drizzle the almond extract while the yolks are mixing
3. Add flour , continue beating.
4. Add baking powder and a pinch of salt while beating.
5. Add the almond meal and continue mixing.
6. When the batter gets firmer.
7. Add the egg white which is beaten well , spoon by spoon.
8. Preheat the oven @ 175 C for 10 minutes.
9. Pour the mixture into a 9inch tin.
10. Bake for 1 hour or until when a toothpick comes out clean.

S