Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint Icing and Chocolate Ganache

Today is my orchestra teacher's birthday. Miss B is loved by everyone because she is an extremely devoted instructor and her eccentricity never fails to bring some color to orchestra rehearsal. The senior girls thought that it would be a good idea to honor Miss B on her special day by throwing her a party. Girls came in early this morning and elaborately decorated the orchestra room with streamers and balloons. I meant to come in early, but Wednesdays are my day to sleep in and I had some stuff going on. Instead, this was my contribution to Miss B's birthday extravaganza!

I know they're kind of a mess. But they're tasty. More than tasty. I personally feel that they were awesome, and to be honest I rarely feel that way about my baked goods. Especially when I didn't truly follow a recipe and kinda just winged the entire thing. I can make a recipe for you lovely people though!

Since I had to make enough cupcakes for my rather large orchestra class, I used boxed dark chocolate cake. I added some brown sugar and vanilla to the mix for moisture and flavor, but that was about it. Boxed cake is better than rushed homemade cake though! It worked.

Peppermint Frosting (my own made up recipe!)

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1-2 teaspoons milk, if needed
• food coloring if desired
• candy cane pieces (optional)

- Beat butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Add in peppermint extract.

- Add powdered sugar in one cup at time and mix slowly until incorporated.

- Add milk if necessary and food coloring and candy cane pieces.

Now, if you're a normal person you could just stop there and have some delicious chocolatey and pepperminty cupcakes... If you're me, you're thinking you need more chocolate. So. Chocolate ganache it is!

Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-In a bowl pour chocolate chips and vanilla. Set aside

- In a small saucepan bring cream to a boil.

- Pour cream over chocolate chips, stir until chocolate is completely melted and incorporated. Let stand until thickens then top cupcakes. Add more candy cane pieces if desired!

Happy birthday, Miss B! And enjoy!