Heavenly & Handwritten: Hostess~Inspired Valentine's Day Cupcakes . . .

Looks like you are getting two times the cupcakes this week, because I just love these retro-inspired Valentine's Day treats, from Martha Stewart! These little lovelies just bring back the memories, don't they?  Such a throwback to the carefree days of youth when your biggest worry was if you would get enough Valentine's in your little box at school that day:)  Here's how you make them . . .


'HOSTESS'~INSPIRED VALENTINE'S DAY CUPCAKES


Ingredients (cupcakes):
~ 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
~ 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
~ 1 1/2 cups sugar
~ 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
~ 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
~ 3/4 teaspoon salt
~ 2 large eggs
~ 3/4 cup warm water
~ 3/4 cup buttermilk
~ 3 tablespoons safflower oil
~ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:


1.) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners; set aside. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl. Add eggs, warm water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl to assure batter is well mixed.

2.)Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full. Bake until tops spring back when touched, about 20 minutes, rotating pan once if needed. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

Chocolate Glaze Ingredients:

~ 2/3 cup heavy cream
~ 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
~ 1 tablespoon corn syrup


Directions

~ Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Place chocolate and corn syrup in a small bowl. Pour hot cream over chocolate mixture, and stir until smooth. Use immediately.

Decorating Directions:


~ Dip tops of each cupcake in chocolate glaze, letting excess drip off. Let stand until set, about 30 minutes. Fit a pastry bag with the smallest plain round tip. Fill bag with melted white chocolate, and use to write on cupcakes. Decorated cupcakes will keep, covered, for up to 2 days.

These sweet treats rival just about any store-bought snack, don't you think?  Stay tuned tomorrow for a fun little DIY project that is sure to keep you nice and toasty for the SIX more weeks of winter you have ahead . . . darn Groundhogs!!