Margarita Cupcakes

I know that valentines day is a day we pull out everything red, pink and any combo of the two. I honestly don't like red and pink together.
My husband has to be very creative when it comes to valentines, I'm not an average girl I don't like stuffed animals, I can't wear jewelry or perfume and I don't like spending money on flowers that will go bad in a couple days.
So I am going to give you a perfect valentines day present for any stressed out tired mom of little ones (at least for me)
These cupcakes are simply sexy (yes I said sexy, covering mouth is shock, Oh no she didn't just say that!)
They are light and moist and just perfect as a desert right after a romantic dinner.
I think the best gift I will be given is our marriage retreat coming up! I'm super excited. It's hard to keep our marriage romantic and creative when you have small kids!
I've read the book covenant marriage, it's really an awesome book, that would be another great gift idea. Try spending time together after the kids are asleep, reading and eating these lovely mini cakes.

What would your perfect gift or night be???

Happy Valentines remember to thank God for the ones you love!



Margarita Cupcakes

Printable Recipe

MAKES 2 DOZEN

INGREDIENTS

For the cupcakes:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 limes, juiced and the zest kept separate
• ½ tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the frosting:

• 2 cups sugar
• 8 large egg whites
• Pinch coarse salt
• 3 sticks (1½ cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2½ tbsp. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2-4 tbsp. tequila

DIRECTIONS

To make the cupcakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 325˚ F. Line two normal sized cupcake pans with some pretty paper liners.  (I used Wilton's paper liners)
2. Grab a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; stir to blend well.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy on med-high speed, 3-5 minutes.  
3. One at a time blend in the eggs , mix well after each addition and scrape the sides of the bowl if needed.  Beat in the lime zest, lime juice and vanilla.  
4. Turn the mixer to low speed, mix the dry ingredients in 3 additions beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk,   Beat each addition until just incorporated.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full, don't overfill. 
6. Bake the cupcakes 20-24 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  
7. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.  Brush the cooled cakes with gingerly with tequila to emphasize margarita flavor and to give the cupcake a kick.

To make the frosting:

1. Combine the sugar, egg whites, and salt in a (Bain-Marie) heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.  
2. Heat until the sugar mixture reaches 160° F and the sugar has dissolved, whisk frequently.  
3. Transfer mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.  Beat until stiff peaks form on med-high speed  make sure the mixture has cooled to room temperature, about 8-10 minutes.  Reduce speed to medium and add the butter, 2 tablespoons at a time, adding more after each addition has been incorporated.  If the frosting looks soupy or curdled, continue to beat on med-high speed until thick and smooth again, about 3-5 minutes more (Don't give up if it looks soupy, just keep going. it will come together eventually! might take a long time though)  Stir in lime juice and tequila and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Keep buttercream at room temperature if using the same day, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 1 month. Before using, bring to room temperature and beat with paddle attachment on low speed until smooth again, about 5 minutes.  Frost the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream.  Garnish with lime zest and lime slices as desired. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of  Annie's eats