SWEET GOOD LIFE with a side of cupcakes!

Skip this message. Go right to the recipe and whip up some fabulousness as soon as possible!  Wow - this adapted recipe (I adapt all my recipes based on what is available in the cupboard!) is the best attempt at baking with a successful outcome I have ever had. 

First of all, there are few things better in life than cupcake batter...so often my kids tell me to not bother cooking the batter or the dough because once it hits the oven, a chemical reaction of sorts destroys my effort.  Not this time! This one worked and must be shared! 

Here's to the fabulous aroma that sweet strawberry cupcakes leaves behind long after the cupcakes are gone!

What a sweet life we get to enjoy!

Homemade Buttermilk Cupcakes with Strawberry Jam and

Sweet Cream Frosting

1/2 cup butter softened

3/4 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 3/4 cups flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

little less than 1/4 tsp. salt

1/3 cup strawberry jam

Mix sugar and butter until creamy; add eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk; whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl; pour flour mixture into wet ingredients until well blended.  Make sure to take some yummy bites of batter along the way! Spray nonstick pan and pour batter in only 1/4 way up; add a dollup of strawberry jam and then cover with remaining batter until cup is 3/4 full.  (This recipe makes about 8 cupcakes) Bake at 325 degrees for about 20 minutes.  Take out, let cool, and frost with cream cheese frosting - see below.  Top with a sliced fresh strawberry. 

Enjoy and eat while they are still warm!

(Frosting:  Mix 3/4 cup cream cheese, 1 tbsp vanilla, 2 tbsp butter, 1 3/4  cup powdered sugar)

Sweet Sweet Fabulousness

Tonight's Music Recommendation to accompany the making, baking, and eating of cupcakes:
Connie Evingson's Si Tu Savais from her Stockholm Sweetnin' album .... classy jazz and great guitar accompaniment