St. Patty's Day - Margarita Cupcakes!

Hey Everyone -

Sometimes you just need a treat.  I find that if I make my own treats – I enjoy them so much more.  Cathryn and I made these bad boys for my mom’s Pampered Chef Party, and they were a HUGE hit.

Ladies and Gents,
Say “hello” to Margarita Cupcakes!!
Ingredients -
3 sticks of butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temp, plus one large egg white
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 3/4 cups of flour
2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 plus two tablespoons whole milk
grated peel of 4 small limes, plus 1/4 cup lime juice
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
3 cups of confectioners’ sugar (maybe a 1/2 cup more)
2 tablespoons tequila
green food coloring
lime wedges for decoration

Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350.  Line two cupcake pans with baking liners.  Using mixer, beat two sticks of butter and the granulated sugar until creamy.  Gradually beat in the eggs and oil.  Scrape down sides of the bowl and mix again.

2.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  In a large glass measuring cup, stir together the milk, 2 table spoons lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla – this will curdle – just like a science project.  On low-speed, mix in one-third of the wet mixture, then one-third of the dry mixture.  Repeat twice, ending with the dry mixture.  Mix in half of the grated lime peel.

3.  Fill each baking liner about three-quarters full with batter.  Bake until the cupcakes spring back when gently touched, about 24 minutes.  Let cool 30 minutes.

4.  Now for the frosting – (I had to make a double batch, but I LOVE frosting)  beat the remaining stick of butter until creamy.  Beat in one cup of the confectioners’ sugar.  Beat in the tequila, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, lime peel, and food coloring until smooth and creamy.  Add the remaining sugar – until you get the consistency you like.

5.  Frost and top with a wedge of lime – enjoy!!

May your day be filled with unexpected flavors and the luck of the Irish!

Andrea