St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

Submitted by Laura Hintze
Ingredients:

1 3/4 C. all-purpose flour

4-serving size pkg. instant pistachio pudding mix

3/4 C. chocolate chips

2/3 C. sugar

2 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

2 eggs, beaten

1 1/4 C. milk

1/2 C. cooking oil

1 tsp. vanilla or 1/4 tsp. almond extract

1 C. cream cheese frosting (recipe to follow)

Green-colored sugar


Instructions: Grease muffin cups or line with paper baking cups. In a large mixing bowl, stir together flour, pudding mix, chocolate pieces, sugar, baking powder, and salt. in a small bowl, combine eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla or almond extract. Stir into flour mixture just until combined. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Frost with cream cheese frosting; sprinkle with green sugar.

Yield: 18 cupcakes


Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

1/8 C. butter, softened

2 oz. cream cheese, softened

4 oz. powdered sugar

1/4 tsp. vanilla

food coloring (if desired)


Instructions: Cream butter and cream cheese. Gradually add powdered sugar; beat until mixture is light and fluffy. Add vanilla and food coloring.