eggnog cupcakes make me smile through the tears

I've had it in my brain to try baking up some eggnog cupcakes. Today was the day for it! I put on some Christmas tunes and danced around my kitchen to the sounds of Frosty the Snowman, White Christmas, and of course, a little Karen Carpenter.

I had some moments of giddiness as I scooped the batter into my snowman cupcake liners. My anticipation grew as I delighted in the aroma that filled the air as the cupcakes were baking.

While the cupcakes cooled, I whipped up some yummy frosting and quickly frosted one for my friend Meredith. We were meeting up so that she could deliver my PartyLite order. We chatted over lunch. It was fun getting to know her a bit better. We went to school together and until the PartyLite party we hadn't seen eachother for over twenty years. I wish a had a photo to show, she's such a doll! ;0)

Speaking of dolls, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law got me this darling ornament. Isn't she too cute?!



It was a bittersweet day. I noticed this evening that our parakeet had died. I had to break the news to my sweet children. It was a tough mommy moment. It's the first time we've had to handle the death of a pet. I'm actually glad we started small, if you know what I mean.



Thanks for letting me share my day.

Eggnog Cupcakes
by theUngourmet

makes 1 dozen cupcakes

1 1/2 cups AP flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar (I used slightly less)
1/3 cup softened butter
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp rum extract
3/4 cup eggnog
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg

Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. Cream the sugar and butter together until fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla and rum extract and beat until smooth. Alternate adding the flour mixture and eggnog, beating well with each addition. Continue beating for 1 more minute. Spoon batter evenly into 12 muffin liners and bake at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of cupcakes comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Creamy rum frosting

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup softened butter
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1 tsp rum extract
1-2 tbsp eggnog

Beat the powdered sugar, butter, shortening, and rum extract on low speed until blended. Add the eggnog 1 tsp at a time until desired consistency is reached.

print recipe

Frost up those cupcakes and drown your sorrows or share your joy!