The Thoughtful Baker

I kind of like it when one or two fall apart straight out of the oven. It means, in my mind, that for the good of all, I must eat it. Because certainly, one wouldn't want to serve a crumbing cupcake, would one? Of course not. One must self-sacrifice and eat it before anyone's sensibilities are disrupted.

I'm just thoughtful like that.

• Black Bottom Cupcakes •
(for Grammy's Birthday)

Cream Cheese Mixture:
Whip together:
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/3 c. sugar
• 1/8 t. salt
Stir in and then set mixture aside:
• 6 oz. chocolate chips


Cake:
Mix dry ingredients:
• 1.5 c. flour
• 1 c. sugar
• .25 c. cocoa
• .5 t. salt
• 1 t. baking soda
Combine wet ingredients and combine with dry:
• 1 c. water
• 1/3 c. canola oil
• 1 t. vanilla

Fill muffin cups 1/3-1/2 full with cake batter, leaving room for a healthy dollop of cream cheese mixture atop. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for crunch and sparkle. Bake at 350 degrees, 30-35 minutes.

**Note: Makes 16 -18 cupcakes. Odd amount, I know, but I don't want to mess with a good thing!