Jack's Birthday Cupcakes

I wanted to do something special in honor of Jack's 1st birthday in Heaven. A few close friends and family went to dinner at Main Street Grill. I thought it was appropriate since this is where they also went when Sam died. I say 'they' because I was in the hospital when they went. I did go here for my birthday last year though and really liked it. I just wanted a place that we could eat well and have a nice conversation over dinner. While there, we had Monica Salad and Jack Cupcakes! Here is the recipe for the cupcakes I made for my dear sweet son. I love you Jack!

HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

• 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temp.
• 6 tbsp. Hershey's cocoa powder
• 1 c. sugar
• 3/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. milk, room temp.
• 1 large egg, beaten, room temp.
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 c. boiling water

Place rack in center of oven and heat to 350 degrees. Line cupcake tins with 12 liners; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine cocoa, sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add butter, milk, egg and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes making sure that all ingredients are well blended. Add boiling water and beat to combine (batter will be thin). Divide batter evenly between cupcake liners.

Bake until a toothpick inserted int he center comes out clean, about 23-25 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your favorite chocolate icing or dip in chocolate ganache.

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CHOCOLATE GANACHE

• 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate discs
• 8 oz. heavy cream

Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Warm cream to scalding, then pour over chocolate to melt. Stir til glossy and chocolate is completely melted. Allow to cool to room temp before dipping cupcakes.

When cooled, dip the cupcake tops in ganache. Refrigerate any leftover ganache.

NOTE: I used Guittard 61% cocoa chocolate discs. You can use other chocolate (milk, semi-sweet or dark) but don't use chocolate chips. The chips contain stabilizers and they tend to separate and the ganache will become grainy. If you can't find the discs, then use a good quality chocolate bar and break it into pieces.

I had ganache leftover, so I double dipped the cupcakes. Yummy!

In Memory Of:

Jackson Robert- February 21, 2007

Happy 1st Birthday My Love!