CUPCAKES

Dark Chocolate Cupcakes - These are very dark chocolate cupcakes that use the Hershey's Special Dark cocoa. They come together fairly quick over the stove top, but the batter is quite runny and can be difficult to distribute. Obviously, omit the bacon unless making these for Jeff. The frosting that accompanies the cupcake recipe is also very good and intensely chocolate. Don't use regular cocoa in place of the dark cocoa. The results are just not nearly as good.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcakes - I really liked these cupcakes and they are pretty fun to make. For the mini cookie topper, feel free to use any cookie recipe. I actually wasn't very impressed with the included Alton Brown recipe. These are a real crowd pleaser.

Strawberry Filled Lemon Cupcakes - These cupcakes are one of my most requested non-chocolate flavors. I even made the recipe myself! The cake is very moist and lemony and the fresh strawberry puree really makes these great.

Chocolate Cupcakes w/Pumpkin Mousse Filling & Dulce de Leche Buttercream - This is actually my award winning recipe. There are a lot of steps involved, but none of them are too difficult. The dulce de leche can be made in advance and you can make the mousse while the cupcakes are baking. The flavors are very warm and rich so this makes a perfect fall dessert.

Vanilla Overload Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Cream Cheese Frosting - These are really great when you want to let vanilla shine. Using vanilla bean paste in both the cupcake and the frosting is what kicks the vanilla flavor up a couple notches.