Hello Blog Babes and welcome to the end of a very long week! Please join me and pass the umbrella drinks around, will you?

First…are you watching Project Runway All Stars? Show of hands…who really needs NotHeidi to NotBeOurHostess? I know she’s trying to sound kind and comforting to the contestants, but it comes off as patronizing and not a little condescending.

And, though I really do love Joanna Coles as the mentor during her workroom strolls…I miss Tim coming into the sniff & sob room after the elimination and hugging the booted contestant. And do you notice that all of the contestants say “Good-bye, Mood! Thank-you!” when they leave…because Tim isn’t there to do it? In fact, I guess no one goes to Mood with them? So…I kind of miss all of that chumminess and good will.

But, I will say…these folks can sew a dress. I might not view all of the contestants as all stars, but I will say, the caliber of the competition is a high level. They don’t have a whole lot of Yike walking down the runway. Well, now that Moon Girl and Sweet Pea are gone, anyway. Yes, I know it’s a shock, but Sweet Pea did go home last night. Her dress was an improvement over the Little House on the Beach Commune look she did last week, but…alas…home she went. (See above dress on the left…not really an opera frock…) And I was glad they saved April, because, sure, she’s a mess and all over the place, but her point of view is at least interesting. Mostly. Other Bottom Three contestant was Kara. I like Kara, but she needs to get her act together. I do think she and April aren’t long for this season.

I am loving the high caliber of the guest judging. Badgley-Mischka? Are you kidding me? Pretty awesome. And for a Night at the Opera Gown challenge, you couldn’t get better. So, of course, all the pressure was on the Ballgown guys: Austin and Anthony, and they both came through in the top three, though I think I might have had Anthony down a slot or two (yeah, not digging those leather gloves…), and had Mondo up there instead, but…minor quibble.

The surprise…because it’s always a surprise to me that Michael can style…is that he was the other one in the Top Three, and I gotta say, he earned it. Fortunately, in the end, Austin’s very glam and sophisticated gold lame and tulle (no, it really was sophisticated!) won the day. And we didn’t have to see him have a heart attack. Poor thing was so stressed out, I was worried for him.

But…I still miss Our Tim. What say you, PR Blog Babes? DISH!! Are you looking forward to next week??

Now, the news you’ve all been waiting for (and you don’t fool me, I know you scrolled down and peeked already!) Which two happening blog babes win this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest and score advance copies of SWEET STUFF? Come on down Alyssa C and Kiki W!! Send me your mailing addresses to donna@donnakauffman.com and I’ll get your prizes in the mail.

Have a great weekend, everyone! I’ll be back Monday (Holiday!!) with a new contest! And, heads up…next week’s cupcake recipe is FUN!!! You’ll all want to try it!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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It’s been a week. A long week. Deadline is Monday. And I’ve used up even my secret stashes of chocolate.

So, I thought maybe this would help….

You be the judge.

Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow for Free Stuff Friday and find out which two blog babes win advance copies of SWEET STUFF!! What? You’re not the running? Well scroll down to Monday’s blog post for the entry details, then scroll right back on up here and enjoy the view…. No, no, don’t thank me. It was my absolute pleasure.

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, when I finally couldn’t write another word last night, I got a cold glass of milk and grabbed the last cupcake on the counter (NO I did not eat them all! I heard that!) My college senior son is home for semester break and it was BCS Championship game night with him and his buddies….I was lucky I got ONE!

And since LSU couldn’t seem to figure out how to play football, (Roll Tide!) I settled in with my DVR for a long winter’s night of complete and utter TV Junkie Goodness. And the payoff…it was good.

First up…Downton Abbey. Thank you, Masterpiece Theater for re-running the first season, leading up to the debut of the second season. It’s funny, but I had a completely different reaction watching the whole season at once, than I did watching it week to week a year ago. I realized how unhappy most of the characters were this time, whereas before, I thought it was more an even mix of happy and hardship. But the settings were every bit as lovely as remembered, the plot lines just as gripping, and the upstairs/downstairs intrigue just as delicious as ever. And the Season 2 premiere did not let me down in any of those regards!

I had thought, with the scenes of both Thomas the evil footman and Matthew, our imminent Downton heir, at war, meant we were going to perhaps see some kind of change in both of them, as a result of what they were going through. Alas…Thomas remains the tortured evil soul that he is–though we get a better insight into why. And I love it when we start to care about the villains, too! Only….not too much!–and our hero, the heir, stays just as heroic. Even if he is going to marry the Wrong Woman!

And speaking of marrying the wrong woman…YIKES for poor, poor Mr. Bates. I was so happy, rooting for him and Anna. For like…five minutes. You just KNEW his conniving spouse was going to ruin it all. I hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of them and that she eventually gets what’s coming to her!

Our Poor Edith once again gets robbed in love, though the whole driving the tractor thing was kind of hilarious. You know, I can’t decide how I feel about her and Mary. With the youngest daughter, you can root for her, she’s fairly heroic. But both Edith and Mary are such tortured souls. I find myself rooting for Mary to be happy, except, she is selfish and petty and self-centered. And as the ugly sister, of course you root for Edith…but then she does hateful things, too. So…I don’t know. Mostly, I do know that I want more happiness more of the time. Even if there is a war going on. At least we have Maggie Smith as the delicious Dowager Duchess for humor. Nobody delivers lines line Dame Maggie.

So, then it was on to Once Upon A Time. Another great entry to the series. I was prepared to hold on to my grudge for them killing off Sheriff Eye Candy, but was immediately pulled in to learning about the backstory of Rumpelstiltskin/Mr Gold. Same thing as with Downton and Thomas, you learn a little of why he is the way he is and how he came to be so evil. Not that it makes him particularly sympathetic, but when you understand what motivates the evil, you can appreciate just how far he’s willing to go, and it ups the ante. And I like that. I wish we could learn more about the backstory of the Queen and Snow in that particular case. All in due time, I know. But I think, all in all, Rumpel is the far more compelling villain in this story. I hope they flesh the queen out as she’s a bit one note and you know how she’ll behave. With Rumpel…it’s a bit more complex. You know it won’t be good, but you don’t always see it coming the way it unfolds.

And…show of hands…given that Rumpel/Gold gave Emma those walkie talkies as something to remember the (ever so lovely and so unfortunately deceased) sheriff by…don’t you think there’s some connection to when she and Henry use them as part of their mission? Like…maybe he’ll be able to eavesdrop?

We only got a little of Snow and Charming in this episode and…well, I find myself hoping he grows a pair soon. He’s not appealing when he’s lost and whipped. Lost and yearning for Snow, I can live with. But we need to see him get his valor on, and soon. The other part of last night that was hard for me was Ty Olsson playing a bad guy. Although I did appreciate the chainmail and black armor. A lot. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of seeing Ty anytime, any way I can. But…I miss Sam the Plow Guy!! (See: Men in Trees.) To me, he’s a Good Guy. An adorable, hunky good guy who really needs a good romantic comedy. Okay, okay, so maybe a good romanic comedy where he wears chainmail and black armor and has a really big…sword. Sigh. Still…good to see him on my tv screen. I think I need another cupcake…

Next week? Hansel and Gretel!! (And I saw a sneak preview of Red Riding Hood who is positively gorgeous and haunting. I love how they style these characters!)

Then it was on to Good Wife. I loved this episode of delicious Lockhart & Gardner Goodness. The thing that made this episode so much fun, was the delightful humor that laced the in-fighting and intrigue. Right from the start, with the whole art museum piece, so beautifully staged, going right into the Men in Tights thing. HA! (Diane, upon seeing the Napoleonic, be-tighted David Lee: “Not to imply….but did you enlist?”) Loved Eli taking on David Lee, loved the twist of the case they were delving into this time, and very much loved the side storyline of our hot Aussie process server and Diane Lockhart. More of that please! But my most favorite part of all? The return of Flaky Lawyer Elspeth. Whoever thought of pitting her against the Wendy Scott-Carr character has my undying love and writerly respect, because that? Was made of hilarious awesome. And you so know it’s not over yet. Great hour. I hope they keep the underlying humor as a note that continues in this new year of episodes.

And finally, last, but never, ever least, I capped off my marathon with an hour of Nathan Fillion. And, you know, those other people in the show. It might not have been my favorite episode ever, but it was entertaining and funny, and we finally get to see Ryan’s wedding, and there was a lot of Castle being Castle and Beckett rocking the kohl eyeliner, so I was happy enough, in the waning wee hours.

So….what say you? Are you engrossed in Downton Abbey all over again? Do you want to have tea with the Dowager Duchess? I do! But only if I get to play dress up! Whose storyline has you most invested on Once Upon a Time? And do you think Sheriff Graham the Good Looking is really truly dead forever and ever? Did you enjoy the lighthearted bits on Good Wife, mixed in with the slick legal stuff? (Oh, and did you love, love, love when Diane had her little chat with Eli and David Lee in the end? And Eli, you think Lockhart/Gardner’s not a family? Well, Mom just put you in time out. Just sayin. Will Hot Aussie Guybe back? And, are you hoping for more character development on Castle like I am?

But, most importantly, have you entered this week’s Free Stuff Friday contest for a chance to win an advance copy of SWEET STUFF? Well, check out yesterday’s blog post, get your entry in, then grab that umbrella drink and join me in the shallow end of the pool here…and DISH!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So…I’m writing the third book in the Cupcake Club Series, titled BABYCAKES…and I’m coming in to the final stretch. Book is due next week, which means…oh yeah: I’m. On. Deadline. And we all know what that means.

Yes. Chocolate. And lot’s of it.

So, today, in the Cupcake Kitchen, I went full tilt. Chocolate Fudge Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip cupcakes. Seriously. I don’t mess around when it’s deadline hell time. And these? SO worth it!!

I started with a recipe from the Original Martha…yes, I’m talking about Betty Crocker. And while I liked the cream cheese chocolate chip filling, the cupcake batter called for cocoa. And cocoa on deadline? Yeah, just won’t do. I need the real stuff. The kind you have to chop up and melt. The kind where I wield sharp things and melt stuff and risk having to call that cute EMT over again when something catches on fire or I (inevitably) nick a finger while in a chocolate chopping frenzy. (How do chefs chop so fast? I make a chop like, once every ten seconds, and I still end up with bandages.)

So, I went searching and dug up this chocolate fudge cupcake recipe in my “family” folder. Not sure which family member this came from, or where they got it, but they are my new, Most Favorite Family Member, that’s for sure!

It’s an easy recipe, as there is no frosting. Because, a sugar rush is one thing, a sugar coma…well, just make sure Cute EMT Guy is there before you collapse. But with this one, it’s sort of like the frosting is on the inside.

Here we go!

Preheat oven to 350. Line 24 muffin cups with cupcake papers. (You may want to double line these as there is a lot of melting chocolate going on!)

Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Filling:

1/2 cup sugar
6 ounces cream cheese (two 3oz packs)
1 egg
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:
1. Beat sugar and cream cheese until smooth
2. Beat in egg
3. Stir in chocolate chips. Set aside.

Fudge Cupcakes:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups milk
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate melted

Steps:
1. Chop chocolate and melt in double boiler, let cool.
2. Whisk togethe flour, baking powder, soda and salt.
3. In separate bowl, use mixer set on med high to cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs, one at a time, scraping sides as needed.
5. Stir in vanilla
6. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. 7. Add melted chocolate and mix thoroughly.

Filling cups:
Fill each cupcake liner approximately half full, reserving at least 1 1/2 cups batter for later. Then drop a tablespoon size dollop of cream cheese/chocolate chip filling onto the top of each cup. Finally, add a teaspoon size drop of cupcake batter on top.

Bake for 19-22 minutes, or until the toothpick test says you’re done. Let cool on rack for 10 minutes, then remove and cool the rest of the way on a rack.

Then pour yourself a big ol’ glass of very cold milk and enjoy! SO good, am I right?? And you don’t even have to be on deadline, to enjoy them!

Okay, okay, before you race out to buy cream cheese and chocolate chips…don’t forget to enter this week’s Free Stuff Friday Contest! (And don’t forget to come back and check on Friday to see if you’re a winner! Yes, I’m talking about you, Last Week’s Winning Blog Babes!)

This week, up for grabs is an advance copy of Cupcake Club Book #2, SWEET STUFF, which your friends and neighbors can’t get their hands on all the way until January 31. So, be the envy of your block and be the first one to snag a copy! To enter, just send me an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Cupcake Coma isn’t enough! I need SWEET STUFF, too!” in the subject line. I will pick TWO lucky happening blog babe winners and announce them here Friday. Don’t forget! You gotta check in to see if you win!

And don’t forget to Like my Fab New Facebook Fan Page & follow me on Twitter for all the latest daily goings on. Today we took the What Cupcake Flavor Are You quiz. I’m Key Lime. Come join the fun…and find out what flavor you are!

And yes, yes, I know I promised you all the MAC you could stand, but this week’s first Morning After Commentary will have to wait until tomorrow. I was too devastated when my beaten up Steelers couldn’t stop the Tebow Train, so I only got as far as the season premiere for Downton Abbey. (And if you are not watching this, head right on over to www.pbs.org and watch the first season for free. LOVE this series!)

I will have all the dish on that, Once Upon a Time and Good Wife AND Castle when I finish my TV Junkie Marathon in the wee hours after coming out of Deadline Cave.

Because nothing, and I mean, nothing ends a Monday better than Chocolate Fudge Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip cupcakes with Nathan Fillion on top. Seriously.

Bon apetit!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So, last night on Project Runway, they launched their “All Star” season. Yeah, I use those like air quotes. Sigh. I have to question any show that claims some of those folks were stars. (I won’t name names, you know who you are!) However, there were some highlights (Hello, Austin! Hello Mondo! Hello Rami’s Big Broad Shoulders!) that had me tuning in. (Yes, with little umbrella drink in hand…sitting in the shallow end of the pool. Join me, won’t you?

The bad news? No Tim Gunn. Yes, complete Runway Sacrilege. However, instead we get Marie Claire editor, Joanna Coles in his place…and I liked her. A lot, actually. Who I didn’t like? The Heidi Klum wanna-be Other Model hostess. I can’t even remember her name. She wasn’t bad so much as she Just Wasn’t Heidi.

Over in the judge arena, we got the owner/CEO of the Marchesa design house, and I liked her, too. But…we also got Isaac Mizrahi, who…not so much. Now, I used to be a big Isaac fan…but, I’ve kind of gotten over that. He’s not the nicest guy. Just sayin. (Though I heard he got married today! Congrats on that! Maybe marital bliss will soften him up a little. Or..you know..not.) However, all that said, in a change up from Michael Kors and Nina, this is actually a change I can live with. For now. I reserve the right to say I told you so! about my Isaac reservations at any point, and possible many times over. Fair warning.

I liked the first challenge, the favorite “Make Something From Weird Stuff” one, where, in this case, they had to work with dollar store items. Nothing came close to Austin’s innaugural season lettuce dress, but they did an interesting, worthy job. I completely agreed with the top two (Mondo and Rami) though I wanted Mondo for the win, they both deserved it.

Even more heartening? The bottom three were actually the worst of the bunch. Seems obvious, I know, but it doesn’t always work out that way. And, if it had to come down to Sweet Pea and Elisa of the Moon Children…well, I was happy moonchild got the boot. Truly not from this planet, that one, though I’m happy she’s so happily blissed out on her bliss. (Though I wouldn’t pay her to spit on me. People pay her for that. No, really. Well, according to the spitter.) Mostly I’m just happy that she’s no longer going to be spitting on things on my tv. Although, I will miss Anthony’s comments about her. That? Was comedy. Please, PR-AS, keep Anthony on the show regardless of his madd skillz set or lack their of. Love him.

All in all, a winning return to my reality guilty pleasure! And tonight? New Tom Selleck. I know, right? Deep, appreciative Magnum sigh.

Now, I know I usually blog a new cupcake recipe on Fridays, but I’m still recovering from the disappointment of finding out far too late to do anything about it, that yesterday? Was National Whipped Cream Day. Who forgot to send me the memo?? But I promise an amazingly decadent little cake recipe come Monday’s blog. Santa gifted with with a new collection of cupcake recipes, so I’ll have the weekend to decide which one to use next! Be warned, I’m in the mood for chocolate. (And clearly, given my rant above, I need some. I heard that!)

Which means we can go straight to the Big Announcement! We have TWO winners of this weeks’ Free Stuff Friday contest. TWO lucky blog babes will win their very own advance copy of SWEET STUFF, the second book in the Cupcake Club series. And the lucky winners are? Rhonda J and Katye J! Woo hoo! Rhonda, I already have your address, so will pop your prize in the mail to you. Katye, just email me your addy to donna@donnakauffman.com and I’ll get yours out, too.

And…don’t be sad if you didn’t win. I’m doing it all over again next week! And, if you haven’t made up your mind about the Cupcake Club series, click on over to my Author Spotlight at RT Book Reviews for a SUGAR RUSH excerpt and a little extra blog by moi!

So, tune in Monday for some Morning After Commentary (the MAC is back!) on Once Upon A Time and maybe some Good Wife thrown in, a new cupcake recipe..and all the contest entry details.

But, right now? DISH like it’s 2012! Did you watch Project Runway? Have a favorite? Do you want a nice, big hug from Ravi like I do? Tell me all about it!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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So…I’ve been trying to get excited about the current season of Top Chef, a show I normally love…but this season’s batch of cheftestants is leaving me feeling a bit meh. The Texas setting isn’t really firing me up, either…although I’d get in my car right now and drive all the way to Austin to get some of that BBQ they were showing last night. (Note to self: never watch cooking shows at 1am when the fridge and pantry are barren…)

About the best thing this season has to offer is the new Last Chance Kitchen twist, where the latest chef to pack of their knives and go are then surprised with one last chance to get back in the kitchen, and in the running for the prize. Sudden death duels are always so much fun. Of course, I should mention, the LCK is only available to watch online. I know. So…an uneven season at best. Maybe I was just spoiled by the Next Iron Chef competition, which was insane. Of course, they were all All Stars, and, of course, my least favorite chef won, but it was a great competition.

So…I’m holding out hope that the All Stars can rescue me again from the hinterlands of No Reality TV on my DVR tonight with the premiere of the new season of Project Runway. Yes, blog babes, it’s an All Stars season. And though I could do without them bringing back so many of the villains, I’m excited to see Austin Scarlett compete again, and Mondo-Who-Was-Robbed! And, there is always the hope that when you put all of the biggest beyotch contestants in one workroom, at least one of them will get stabbed to death with a pair of pinking shears. Just sayin. It could happen.

I know I’ll be tuning in!!

Don’t forget, today is your last day to enter this week’s sweeeeeet Free Stuff Friday contest! See Monday’s blog post for entry details. You can win an advance copy of Cupcake Club Book #2, SWEET STUFF (on sale, January 31.) What is that? You haven’t read Book #1 yet? Well, click here and we can get your SUGAR RUSH sent right to you! (I know, I’m so helpful like that!)

Good luck, and tune in tomorrow for the contest winner and all the (hopefully) delicious Project Runway dish you can stand!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Hey Happening Blog Babes!

Today I’m In the Spotlight, over on RT Book Reviews with my own little blog, and an excerpt from SUGAR RUSH! Check it out…and pass the cupcakes!

And, in other fantastic news, SUGAR RUSH is presently sitting at #3 on the Barnes & Noble Romance Trade Bestseller list! Thanks to everyone who made the possible!! But then, we all know…Blog Babes rock!!

Cupcake Club #2, SWEET STUFF, is coming soon! Check out yesterday’s blog to find out how you can win your very own advance copy. Good luck!

Last night, it was the Return of the Hawaii 5-0 Hunks, and tonight, we get NCIS back. Yes, my Mark Harmon fix is only a few short hours away. Yes, it is lovely here at the shallow end of the pool. Join me, won’t you? Pass the umbrella drinks and sink into those blue eyes….

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Well, Happening Blog Babes, can you believe it…today marks my 6th year with this blog! My how time flies in the shallow end of the pool! So, grab your fancy umbrella drinks and join me, won’t you?

We’re still in the Death Valley Days of television programming, so no MAC today (Morning After Commentary, for you new Happening Blog Babes…) but that will resume shortly, because we can Man Candy Hawaii 5-0 back tonight and everything else will follow in the next week. Project Runway All Stars begins Thursday and you can be I’ll be on board! Then, be still my heart, Masterpiece Theater’s second season of Downton Abbey begins this weekend. Hello, 2012!

But, while we’re waiting, let’s talk Free Stuff Friday, shall we?

I want to thank everyone who made the December 27th launch of SUGAR RUSH such a great success! And if you haven’t rushed right out to get a copy….well, HURRY! Book 2 in the Cupcake Club series will be out in just a few short weeks and you don’t want to be behind, do you? Come meet all my pals on Sugarberry Island, Georgia, won’t you? Then set a spell, put your feet up, and have a cupcake. Or two. (Or…you know…ten.)

So, with SWEET STUFF’s release right around the corner, and SUGAR RUSH being inhaled right and left…I figured, why not give away an advance copy…or TWO? Yeah…let’s make it two, why don’t we?

And…here we go! If you’d like to be in the running to win your very own copy of SWEET STUFF, just send an email to donna@donnakauffman.com with “Need…more…cupcakes!” in the subject line. I will draw two names from the entry stack and announce the winners here on Friday. AND! I’ll be doing this every week for the month of January!!! (Different entry details each week, so be sure to check in every Monday for how to enter!)

I know!! How SWEET is that? And look for a Very Special Giveaway the week of SWEET STUFF’s launch! It hits the shelves January 31!

Ready…set…..ENTER!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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Wow, has it been another year already? We’ve been having so much fun here in the shallow end of the pool, what with our fancy umbrella drinks and Man Candy….time just flew!

I wanted to take a moment from all the fun and frivolity to thank each and every one of you fabulous Blog Babes here for your support, your laughter, and your sisterhood. It’s been a year of commentary, contests, and cupcakes….lots and lots of cupcakes! From Man Candy Mondays to Free Stuff Fridays, it’s been a blast hanging out with you all and I can’t want to start it all over again in the New Year!

Please enjoy your weekend, celebrating the last, waning hours of this year…then join me come Monday to help kick off the new year with a bang! I’m talking contest, of course, and it’s going to be a fun one!

SUGAR RUSH is finally on sale out and your support has been so incredible!! Now we’re just a few short weeks away from SWEET STUFF, the second in the Cupcake Club series, showing up in your bookstores…so, naturally, we have to do something to celebrate!

Tune in Monday for all the fun details! And, in the meantime, be merry and safe this weekend and just know…Blog Babes ROCK! (And Rule! )

Happy New Year, to you all!!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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It’s here, it’s finally here! After a year of cupcake blogging, SUGAR RUSH, the first book in The Cupcake Club Romance series is finally here! Woo hoo! Or…better yet…Whoopie!

Yep, to celebrate Big Release Day, we’re making Whoopie Pie Cupcakes! Thanks to CakeSpy for the great recipe (and photo!)

Ingredients:: For the cupcakes and cookie tops:
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup butter
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk

Steps:
1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare two baking sheets: one muffin tin and one cookie tray. Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners, and the cookie tray with a sheet of parchment.
2: Sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Set aside.
3: With an electric mixer, cream the butter, eggs, and vanilla together in a large mixing bowl until light and lemon-hued. Add the dry ingredients bit by bit, alternating with the milk until your batter is smooth.
4: Using either a cookie scoop or by heaping teaspoons, drop 12 rounds of cookie dough on the cookie sheet, leaving about an inch and a half around each mound of dough. Try to size them so that they are slightly smaller than the circumference of the cupcake cups you are using.
5: With the remaining cookie dough, fill the cupcake cups. This should be enough batter to fill each cupcake cup about 2/3 full.
6: Bake until lightly browned around the edges (these are a lighter cocoa color than some whoopie pies so you will see light browning). For the cookie tops, this will be 8-10 minutes; for the cupcakes, this will be about 15-20 minutes (a toothpick inserted in the cake should come out clean). I baked both at the same time, simply taking out the tops sooner and leaving the cupcakes to bake a bit longer.
7: Let the cupcakes and cookie tops cool completely.

Ingredients: For the filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:
1: Beat butter and marshmallow fluff together until smooth
2: Stir in vanilla until well blended.
3: Scoop filling on top of cooled cupcakes, then top with the cookie tops.

Inhale.

A big, hearty thank you to all the bakers and readers out there who have followed my adventures in the kitchen this past year. I look forward to sharing many more cupcake recipes with you in 2012!

Tags: Writing by Donna
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