Super Chocolate Cupcakes

This past weekend the weather was so nice... me and the family hung out at the park and on Sunday just me and the kiddos went for a walk. It was on this walk that I realize just how fast time flies. My daughter was telling me all about the latest 5th grade gossip and the GRAND end of the year party that she was planning. (Which I have yet to be invited too... and wonder how she plans to pay for) Anyway, I was enchanted by my pre-teen daughter who seems like only yesterday loved pink pony stuff animals and Disney princess dresses. As a parent, it's amazing to watch your kids grow, be there for every milestone and loose tooth. But sometimes life has you going you forget to really take time out and enjoy the little things...like Sunday strolls. I'm guilty of this...

I am learning that I need to stop... take time...

enjoy a walk...

capture more priceless moments...

enjoy a nap or two...

and perhaps...eat more Chocolate Cupcakes...

Super Chocolate Cupcakes

What you need

Dark Chocolate Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup strong, hot brewed coffee
2 eggs, room temp, slightly beaten
1 tablespoon vanilla

Chocolate Ganache ( Is that just not a fancy way to say melted chocolate with cream..just sayin)

1 cup heavy whipping cream
9 oz semi sweet chocolate chips

What you do:

Preheat oven to 350.
In bowl of electric mixer sift all dry ingredients for the cake (cupcakes). Add remaining ingredients to bowl with the dry ingredients and with paddle attachment on mixer, mix for 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Pour batter into prepare muffin tin (this made 24 cupcakes).
Bake for 15-20 minutes... mine cooked in about 17 mins... Try not to overbake... it will make the cake dry...not that I know from experience or nothing..

Now let's make them fancy with Chocolate Ganache

Place the chocolate into medium bowl. Heat cream in small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to a boil, watch closely because the cream will boil out of the pan..We don't want that..just want to bring to a boil..
Then pour over chopped chocolate, and whisk until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly then dip the cupcakes in the chocolate.. (i just did the tops but feel free to submerge those babies in chocolate..i've done that too)

These were going to be hostess cakes... BUT my daughter vetoed that idea and decided she wanted to put shamrock sprinkles on the top.

Now Let's Eat Chocolate...

Bloglovin