Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Recently, I recieved some bakeware products from CSN stores in order to conduct a review! I chose a Silicone Solutions 5 Piece Black Bakeware Set. I figured, why not review them all? I'm starting first with the muffin pan! Let me just start off my saying I love that it's silicone; the paper liners fit nice and snug and it's the easiest thing to wash. Anyway, I decided to make chocolate chip cupcakes with chocolate buttercream frosting.

Martha Stewart Chocolate Chip Frosting

Makes 30

3 1/4 cups sifted cake flour (not self-rising)

1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

7 ounces (1 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 3/4 cups sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk

1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

5 large egg whites, room temperature

2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. Make cupcakes as directed in Basic Cupcake How-To, omitting eggs and using milk and vanilla for wet ingredients. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks, and fold into batter. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake cupcakes about 22 minutes. Frost with buttercream, and serve immediately.

Wilton Chocolate Buttercream

Makes 3 cups

1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened

3/4 cup cocoa or three 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate squares, melted

1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approximately 1 lb.)

3-4 tablespoons milk

Stiff Consistency: In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer. Add cocoa and vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.

Overall, it was a great success and I would recommend the product to anyone, baker or not!