Foodie Friday: Leprechaun bark , Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Hey guys..........Yes, I know I've been MIA and I totally wouldn't blame you if you fired me, although that would mean you will miss you on all the upcoming goodies. So.....  don't fire me just accept my "it's been a crazy few weeks but I've missed you guys" apology so you can continue to keep up with the Kardashians  this crazy broad name Brittany!

So St. Patricks Day is coming up and lets face it I would really love a shot of Jameson and some green beer but since my heart condition is a major buzz kill I will have to replace the beer with mint chocolate goodness to embrace my Irish roots. Who am I kidding ? I think we all know I would have eaten the cupcake ( or two or three ) anyway, I'll just have to settle for a glass of milk for the wash down as opposed to ultimate hangover known as Irish Whiskey.

Cupcakes:

Ingredients 

2 cups sugar

1 3/4 cup flour

3/4 cup cocoa powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp mint extract ( not peppermint )

1 cup boiling water

1/4 chopped dark choc or mini dark choc chips

Instructions

1. preheat oven to 350 and line with muffin tins with liners

2. stir flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt,in a bowl

3. add in eggs, oil,vanilla extract, mint extract, and milk and beat on medium high for 2 minutes

4. add boiling water and stir in choc chips (FYI your batter should be pretty liquidy so dont freak out ;)

5.fill cupcake tins about 2/3 full and make for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted

6. cool completely before frosting

   Frosting

   Ingredients

1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 teaspoons mint extract

melted chocolate for drizzle (optional)

Mint Oreo cut in half for garnish

Instructions

1.Beat butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy

2. Add in powdered sugar gradually (about 1/2 cup at a time) with the mixer on low speed, slowly increasing the speed until it's combined. 

3.Add in vanilla extract and mint extract, then beat on medium-high speed

 until thick and fluffy ( about 5 min) 

4. Frost cupcakes and finish with half of a mint Oreo and chocolate drizzle

Ingredients :

2 cups dark chocolate 

2 tsp mint extract

5-8 mint oreos

mint m&ms

Instructions:

1.Cut each Oreo into about 6 pieces

2.melt chocolate in microwave safe bowl 

I use the Meltables by Wilton but reg chocolate chips would work too

3. Pour melted chocolate onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet and spread evenly

4.While the chocolate is still hot place Oreos and M&Ms

 onto the melted chocolate and press down slightly

5. Place cookie sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes

6. Break the chocolate into "bark" pieces. There is no science to this

             

Hope you enjoy these sweet St. Patricks Day treats! 

Stayed tuned for the next Beauty Bag Goodie Swap ! Signups will begin tomorrow so be sure to come back and check out the details! You wont be disappointed I promise! 

Happy Friday Ya'll