ESPRESSO.......

.......ultra-efficient caffeine delivery system!


In a cupcake no less:

Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Glaze
&
Powdered Sugar Dusting

The Little Surprise Inside Is
A Chocolate Covered Espresso Bean!

Espresso Cupcakes with Espresso Syrup

Cupcake batter:

• 2 tablespoons boiling water
• 4 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 12 chocolate covered espresso beans

Syrup:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
• 2 tablespoons Karo syrup
  
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Confectioners' sugar to dust

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons boiling water and 4 teaspoons espresso, stirring until espresso dissolves. Stir in buttermilk.

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 3/4 cup granulated sugar, butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and buttermilk mixture alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Press one chocolate covered espresso bean in the center of each cupcake. Use a toothpick to press the bean down into the middle of the batter.

Spoon batter into a 12 cup muffin tin lightly coated with cooking spray. Bake 14-16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes on a wire rack and then remove cupcakes.

In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons espresso, Karo syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 3-5 minutes. Using a toothpick, pierce the cupcake tops several times. Brush espresso syrup evenly over each cupcake. Cool completely on wire rack. Sift confectioners' sugar over the top before serving.

Adapted from Cooking Light;
Culinary in the Desert

ENJOY!

~Shop-buzzed-girl