*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

                     Spooktacular Chocolate Cupcakes

Recipe By     : 
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Halloween

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      Cups          all-purpose flour
   2      Cups          sugar
     3/4  Cup           cocoa
   1      Teaspoon      baking soda
   1      Teaspoon      salt
     1/2  Teaspoon      baking powder
     3/4  Cup           shortening
     3/4  Cup           buttermilk
     3/4  Cup           water
   2                    eggs
   1      Teaspoon      vanilla extract
                        Assorted candies (optional)
                        Peanut Butter Cream Filling:
   2      3 Oz Package  cream cheese -- sofrened
     2/3  Cup           creamy peanut butter
     1/4  Cup           milk
   1      Teaspoon      vanilla extract
   3      Cups          powdered sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Line muffin cups which are 2 1/2" in diameter
with paper baking cups.

Stir together dry ingredients in a large bowl.  Add shortening, buttermilk,
water, eggs and vanilla.  Beat on low speed of electric mixer 30 seconds,
scraping bowl constantly.  Beat on high speed 3 minutes, scraping bowl
occasionally.  Fill muffin cups 1/3 full with batter.  Bake for 20 minutes
or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.  Remove from pan to
wire rack.  Cool completely.

Prepare Peanut Butter Cream Filling:  Beat cream cheese and peanut butter in
a large bowl until well blended.  Add milk and vanilla; beat well.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.  Add additional milk, 1
tsp. at a time, until desired consistency.

Place peanut butter cream filling into a pastry bag, fitted with a large
star tip.  Insert tip into center of cupcakes; pipe filling into cupcake.
Remove tip from cake; garnish top with swirl of filling.  Decorate with
candies if desired.  Cover; refrigerate leftover cupcakes.  Yields about 3
dozen cupcakes.

Source:  Daily Breeze Food Section - October 26, 1994 


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