Page 118 - Cupcakes

CUPCAKES:

1 package (18.25 ounces) plain yellow cake mix

1 package (3.4 ounces) vanilla instant pudding mix
1 cup vegetable oil

¾ cup whole milk
4 large eggs
¼ cup vodka

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons Kahlúa
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

KAHLUA WHIPPED CREAM:

1 cup (8 ounces) heavy (whipping) cream

2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon Kahlúa
2 tablespoons semisweet chocolate shavings (see “the Cupcake Doctor says”),
for garnish

the CupcakeDoctor says...

The key to beautiful chocolate shavings is right in your kitchen drawer.
Pulling a sharp vegetable peeler down the edge of a bar of chocolate will

produce shavings perfect for decorating these cupcakes. If the chocolate bar
is room temperature and you pull firmly and slowly, that curl will be larger
and more rounded. If the chocolate bar is cold and you pull quickly, the
shavings will be shorter and not curled at all. Should you want a wider curl,
pull the vegetable peeler across the top of the bar. This simple garnish can
be made in advance and set aside on waxed paper until it is placed on the
cupcakes after they are frosted.

1. Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 24
cupcake cups with paper liners. Set the pans aside.

2. Prepare the cupcake batter: Place the cake mix, pudding mix, oil, milk, eggs,