Margarita Cupcakes and Tornadoes

Last week I went to see my Granddaughter on her Spring Break for a few days. She lives about 20 Minutes from St. Louis in Illinois.  They are always about 3 weeks ahead of the Chicago area in terms of Spring blooming everywhere.  I was desperately seeking, warm Spring weather and visions of gorgeous flowers, but didn't imagine I would find tornadoes.

Friday evening the tornado sirens were going off, and we were in the basement.  We were about 30 miles from the tornado, but the winds were howling.  Her area didn't sustain damage like the St. Louis area and the Lambert-St. Louis Airport did, but it was pretty scary.

When I came home I to get ready for my Bunco group on Monday. We still don't have Spring here, so for dessert I  I wanted a dessert that would bring images of sunny beaches and blues waters, and umbrellas.  I would be the one under the umbrella, with my sunscreen on:) I made Margarita cupcakes, complete with tequila. Now these cupcakes are wonderful with a luscious limey flavor with a hint of tequila, not a strong flavor, but enough to know that it's there.  So if you need a touch of sunny beaches, make a batch of Margarita cupcakes.  Don't forget your sunscreen!

I adapted my friend Stef's recipe for Margarita Cupcakes at Cupcake Project. Her recipe was originally vegan, but I added the eggs.  If you want to make the vegan version, just omit the eggs.

Margarita Cupcakes Adapted from Cupcake Project

Yield: 12 cupcakes

• 1/4 C lime juice
• 1 1/2 tsp lime zest (1 lime)
• 1 C plain or vanilla soy milk (Regular 2% milk would also work.)
• 1/4 C vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, room temp
• 2 Tbsp tequila
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 C sugar
• 1 1/3 C all purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

1. In a large bowl, mix together lime juice, lime zest, soy milk, oil , tequila, vanilla and sugar.
2. Add eggs, one at a time to the above, beating after each addition.  Mix well.
3. In a small bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. 
4. Add the dry ingredients to the lime mixture and stir until just combined. 
5. Divide evenly among 12 cupcake liners.
6. Bake at 350 F  for 20-24 minutes, until a tester comes out clean and the cupcakes spring back when lightly pressed.

   Margarita Frosting Adapted from Cupcake Project

2- 2/12 C  powdered sugar

1/4 c butter, room temp

3 Tbsp lime juice

1 Tbsp tequila

Colored, coarse sugar for rims

Umbrellas, optional

Cream butter, until light and fluffy.  Gradually beat in powdered sugar , tequila and lime juice, until desired consistency. Spread frosting on cupcakes.  Roll the edge of the cupcake in sugar mixture.  Top with umbrella and dream of those crystal blue waters!

PS  I am so excited for the Online Bake Sale, May 2nd.  Tune in Sunday, May 1st, for the Online Preview, and pick your favorite goodie to bid on May 2nd.  I can't wait!!