The Freshman Cook: July 2013

It’s 4th of July! One of my very favorite holidays. I hope you have something fun planned. These cupcakes are easy and quick and they will fit perfectly into your holiday menu! I had fun using the Twizzler red, white and blue licorice strings to decorate.  

Red, White and Blue Mini Cupcakes   

(adapted from BHG)

egg whites 

2 cups all-purpose flour 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 cup butter or shortening, softened 

1 3/4 cups sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla  

1 1/3 cups buttermilk 

Allow egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until well combined. Add egg whites 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to butter mixture, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Spread batter into the cupcake liners

  Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool thoroughly on racks.

Frosting

6 oz warm water

5 tablespoons Meringue Powder

1 teaspoon Cream of Tartar

2.25 pounds Confectioners Sugar
Red, white, and blue licorice strings

In a mixing bowl, place the warm water and the meringue powder.

Whisk for 30 seconds.

Add the cream of tartar. Whisk for 30 seconds more.

Pour all the confectioners sugar in the bowl at one time.

Mix on low speed for 10 minutes. Cover with towel to keep frosting fresh.

 Color 1/3 of the cake mix red, and 1/3 of the mix blue.

Add some white cake mix, some red mix, and……

Swirl the colors together.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Let cool.

Make your frosting.

 Cut your licorice into small pieces.

Top each mini cupcake with frosting.

Top each cupcake with pieces of the licorice.

Enjoy and celebrate!

Happy 4th of July! 

We are partying here:

Fabulous Fridays! 

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