Chocolate cupcakes

One our good friend's son graduated from high school.  I've known B for a long, long time.  I can't believe he is off to college.  I remember when he was 5...I remember his parents when they were seniors in college when I was in Jr. High...eekkk where did the time go?!  One thing for sure, the neighborhood will be quiet without him. 

My sister made crepes for the occasion and I made David Lebovitz's chocolate chip cookies & the chocolate cupcakes above.

For the chocolate cupcakes, you can use any recipe. 

The Pioneer Woman Best Chocolate Sheet Cake ever!

Martha Stewart's One Bowl Chocolate Cake

You can even buy a cake mix (GASP!).

Here is the recipe for the frosting.

Chocolate Frosting

adapted from Ina Garten

6 ounces good semisweet chocolate

1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 tablespoon instant coffee powder (optional)

1. Chop the chocolate and place it in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until just melted and set aside until cooled to room temperature.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed until light yellow and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Add the vanilla.  On low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, then beat at medium speed, scraping down the bowl as necessary, until smooth and creamy.

3.  If adding the coffee powder, dissolve the coffee powder in 2 teaspoons of the hottest tap water.

4.  On low speed, add the chocolate and coffee to the butter mixture and mix until blended. Don't whip!