Monday, March 14, 2011

Lemon Raspberry Cupakes






































This recipe is too good not to share.  Lemon cupcakes with a Raspberry filling.  Let me be more specific.  Lemon cupcakes (made with squash) with a raspberry (made with beets) filling.  In the words of Gob Bluth, "C'MON!!!"  You would never think it!!  As if I haven't talked about Jessica Seinfeld's cookbook enough......but seriously-these are delectable.  Here is the recipe....

FILLING
* 1/4 cup frozen raspberries, thawed
* 2 Tablespoons beet puree (I used canned beets, drained, and pureed)
* 2 Tablespoons confectioners' sugar
* 1 Tablespoon butter

BATTER

* 1 cup granulated sugar
*1/2 cup nonfat milk
* 1/2 cup yellow squash puree (I cheat and use baby food)
* 1/3 canola oil
* 2 large egg whites
* 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon pure lemon extract
* 2 cups all purpose flour
* 2 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

FROSTING
* 1 8oz package cream cheese
* 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
* 1 teaspoon pure lemon extract

DIRECTIONS
1.  Preheat the oven to 350 degree.  Coat a 12 cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line with paper baking cups.

2.  For the filling, puree the raspberries, beet puree, sugar, and butter in a blender or food processor; set aside

3.  For the batter, beat the sugar in a large bowl with the milk, squash puree, oil, egg whites, lemon juice, and lemon extract until smooth.  Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix until incorporated.

4.  Using about half the batter, fill each muffin cup 1/3 full.  Dot each with raspberry filling, then cover with the rest of the batter.

5.  Bake until tops of cupakes are lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.  Let cool.

6.  For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and lemon extract.  Spread the frosting over the cool cupcakes.

a few things crocheted....

I finished these items a few weeks ago, but I am finally getting around to posting them.  I got the idea of this newborn onesie and sweater shell from Bobbi, and here is the onesie pattern I used.  These items were a little outside of my comfort zone, but I think they turned out pretty cute...and with the abundance of pregnant women I know right now, I shouldn't have any problem finding someone to give them to!

Now on a side note.....it's supposed to be in the mid 40's today...who's up for a WALK!?!?!