Chocolate Cupcakes and Giveaway!!

So, what's a girl to do when it's her birthday, she's stuck at home because of the weather, everyone feels a little sick with allergies and colds, and there's no birthday cake in the house? Why, make chocolate cupcakes, of course!! Someone asked why I was baking on my birthday. First, I like to bake. And second, I knew no one else in the house was going to bake for me!!

I made Martha Stewarts One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes. It was the first time I've used that recipe, but I can guarantee it won't be the last!! They are easy, very chocolatey, moist and just darn good!! Sean has already requested these for his class birthday party at school this next week. I halved the recipe, and got 10 cupcakes out of it.

To go with the cupcakes, I made some chocolate cream cheese frosting. Yum!! Kade could be found eating the frosting with a spoon!! I halved that recipe as well, but will post the full recipe below.

In honor of my birthday, I've decided to hold a little giveaway on my blog -- my first giveaway!! The winner, chosen randomly, will receive a Wilton Cupcake Decorating Kit*, as well as some other little goodies that I'm not going to reveal, so it will be a surprise!! :) The giveaway will end at 5pm (central time) on Friday, February 5, 2010. To enter, just leave a comment on this post, and please be sure to leave some way for me to get in contact with you!!

*I am in no way affiliated with Wilton, and am not being reimbursed or having this giveaway sponsored by anyone. Just letting you know. :)

Now, for the frosting recipe!!

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

1 stick butter (1/2 cup) softened

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature

1 Tbsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

With an electric mixer, cream together the butter and cream cheese. Add in the vanilla and mix well. Slowly mix in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Continue to beat until smooth.

Enjoy!!