Sunday, May 13, 2012

Cupcakes, meet Margaritas. Be best friends.



I just finished eating one of the best cupcakes I have ever had. I know that sounds lofty, and it sounds even worse when I disclose that I baked them myself, but it was so good! I stole the Margarita Cupcake recipe from the Brown Eyed Baker blog (http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2011/05/05/margarita-cupcakes-cinco-de-mayo/) so you can check it out there. I made a few little changes and I doubt that they altered the final product, so feel free to take note or ignore the following:

The Hubbs and I prefer Corralejo tequila, so I used that instead of Patron. Good choice! Curious about the taste of Corralejo? Check out this review: http://www.tequilatown.net/reviews/reposado/corralejo-reposado/. You can find this stuff for a great deal at Costco if you're willing to hold a bottle the size of a newborn child.

No zest was used in my version because I don't have a zester and the cheese grater does not work well for that purpose. Surprise.

I baked my cupcakes at 350 because my oven doesn't know how to bake at a lower temperature, even when I set it to 300 degrees. I can't wait to move to place with a legit, properly-calibrated oven! Regardless, my cupcakes turned out great and did not burn or dry out.

I cheated on the frosting. I bought store-brand vanilla, because it was cheaper than sin and holds up to piping nicely. If you choose to do this, scoop the frosting into a bowl and then add a dash of tequila and lime juice to taste. I like quite a bit of lime, but toned it down for The Hubbs. I also added one drop of green food coloring since I didn't have zest to add any color/garnish. I chilled the frosting mixture for about an hour for ease of frosting. Then, I spooned it into a ziplock and cut off the corner for a disposable frosting extravaganza! I had plenty of leftover frosting because I don't like to pile it too high and the recipe only makes 12 cupcakes anyway.

All that being said, if you are looking for a satisfying, tasty, tangy, sweet cup of deliciousness... make these! I wish I could take them in to work to share tomorrow, but there is unbaked tequila in/on them and I don't want to go against the rules. Keep that in mind if you also work on campus at a college where no alcohol is allowed. Or just in any conservative work place.

Now I think I'll go taste test another one....