Vanilla Cupcakes

My daughter Olivia who is almost 4 have been asking for cupcakes. She is a big fan of pink so naturally the cupcakes had to be pink as well. I've used vanilla cupcake recipe from Amy Sedaris's book " I like you: The hospitality under the influence" The book is hilarious and has great recipes. I'm quoting the recipe exactly because I think you will appreciate Amy's sense of humor.


Judging by the picture, cupcakes and PINK frosting were a huge hit!

# 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
# 1 1/2 cups sugar
# 2 eggs
# 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
# 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
# 1/4 teaspoon salt
# 2 1/2 cups flour
# 1 1/4 cups milk

Turn oven on to 375 degrees F.

Put butter in mixer and beat at medium speed until somewhat smooth. Pour in sugar and beat well. Add 2 eggs. I like to crack the eggs on the side of the bowl while it is moving, which can be really stupid. I like to take chances. Yes, I have had to throw away my batter because I lost eggshells in the mix. Yes, it was a waste of food and yes, I know how expensive butter is, but what can I say? I'm a daredevil. Mix well. Add: vanilla, baking powder, salt, flour, and milk. Beat until it looks like it is supposed to and pour into individual baking cups, until they are about 2/3 full. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Should produce 24 cupcakes; I get 18 because I'm doing something wrong, although my cupcakes were voted second best in the city by New York Magazine.

I've used the cream cheese frosting with some red food coloring as Olivia requested that frosting be pink.

Cream Cheese Frosting

* 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
* 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Beat in lemon peel and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate until just firm enough to spread, about 30 minutes.