Can you believe it is 2012?!? Saying it sounds so foreign. I remember when 1999 would see the world reach its end, or technology go stark raving mad on us. The thought makes me chuckle now....
My lover (you SNL fans will get that) and I opted for a more intimate ringing in of the new year. Board games, dinner, dessert and cocktails. Each new year's eve, we spend a few moments recapping the year behind us and sharing our hopes and plans for the year ahead. Staying healthy is always on the list...
So what better way to start things off than with these one-bite, melt -in-your-mouth wonders - Chocolate and Pomegranate mini cupcakes.
Combine my love of chocolate with the sweet, tart taste of a fruit packed with vitamins, potassium and polyphenols (antioxidants) and what do you get? A stunningly, delicious pairing - a powerhouse couple akin to Brad and Angelina, Barrack and Michelle, Kermit and Miss Piggy...
Before I move on to the recipe, I want to thank you all for regularly visiting my corner of the blogosphere and for taking the time to let me know you were here with your comments and emails.
On your next visit, look for the newly implemented loyalty program that allows you to earn points with every visit that can be redeemed for some exciting gifts. I will provide more details in the next few days.
I wish you all a year filled with love, peace, happiness and success in all you do. I look forward to hearing from you and sharing with you all the sweet treats I whip up each week.
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| I just about started a small fire with these sparklers - burned my thumb instead. |
Servings: 24 mini cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 11/2 cups 100% Pomegranate Juice
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water heated to boiling
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Frosting:
- ½ cup butter 1 stick
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup pomegranate juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F with rack in the center.
- Prepare muffin pan by either greasing/spraying or lining with paper cups.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients to combine well.
- In a large bowl, combine pomegranate juice and boiling water.
- Add oil, vinegar and vanilla to the pomegranate juice mixture.
- Add to the flour mixture all at once and whisk to combine (batter will be lumpy).
- Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups - about half full.
- Bake 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and free of crumbs. Let cool.
- Frost with chocolate pomegranate frosting.
To make the frosting:
- Melt butter and s
- tir in cocoa.
- Add powdered sugar and pomegranate juice, beating until it thickens to a piping consistency.
- Add vanilla.
- Garnish with pomegranate arils.
Notes
adapted from SparkRecipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @isugarcoatit or tag #isugarcoatit !
Paula Kelly says
Oh my goodness!!!! Could these photographs be any more stunning? I think not! Happy New Year Jacquee and may only the best of everything come your way in 2012.
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thank you, Paula!! It's so neat to see my progress as I peruse my posts. I think these are my best shots to date. Way to start the new year, huh!! All the very best to you as well. J
I Sugar Coat It! says
Thank you, Paula!! It's so neat to see my progress as I peruse my posts. I think these are my best shots to date. Way to start the new year, huh!! All the very best to you as well. J