Happy Valentine's Day...

Ok, I admit it, I may not hate Valentine's Day that much anymore.

There, I said it. I know this post contradicts yesterday's, but I fell in love with the cupcakes I made today. So I am ready to take on tomorrow.

We (the TasteBUds staff) are having a bake cupcake sale to raise funds for what will hopefully be our first printed issue. It's exciting to imagine that in a months time I might have 500 copies of the magazine in my hands--fingers crossed and knock on wood.

Anyways, here is my contribution to the "great" day of Saint Valentine. These cupcakes really are delicious, I have made them several times and they are a hit. Plus, they are just so cute. Enjoy!

Red Velvet Cupcakes (adapted from Epicurious)
Makes 48 cupcakes
Active time: 30 minutes. Total time: 50 minutes + cooling.

• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 oz. water
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line two 12-cupcake pans. 
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each one. 
3. In a small bowl, make a paste using the cocoa and the food coloring. Add to the butter mixture and beat until well combined. Sift flour and salt into butter mixture, while beating on medium speed; beat until fully mixed. 
4. One at a time, add the buttermilk, vanilla, and water. Beat on low-medium speed until combined.
5. In a small bowl, mix vinegar and baking soda. Fold into the cake batter until incorporated; being careful not to over beat.
6. Divide batter among cupcake tins, filling each about 3/4 of the way. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a cupcake comes out clean. Place tray over rack and cool for about 15 minutes; remove from tin and cool completely before icing.

Here is the delicious mascarpone icing that I topped them off with.