Tom Girl Cupcakes

As a mom to two young men, I have found

it challenging to be relatable to them.

I have never been on the same playing field,

and at times we have both been alien to each other.

Main reason: Boys are GROSS!

Pretty much everything about them, be it 

what  they do or don't do makes me queasy.

And when my husband comes home I am

clearly out numbered and out of my depth.

Over the years I have learned to adapt,

I really had no choice.

Eat or be Eaten kind of scenerio,

boys are like wild animals.

I will say I have learned a tremendous

amount about the boy's mind, and at

times have been in awe, at how they

navigate the world.

They have definately enhanced my life

in a way that I never expected.

They have also made me age quicker with

all their daredevil shenanigans.

I have spent many moments holding my breath

when one or the other said " watch this".

I have vacuumed up more lego than I would ever

admit to, because I was sick of picking it up.

I have for sure mastered the "fort " concept.

 I know exactly the blanket to chair ratio.

And I also know some pretty wicked

wrestling moves, yet I find tickling

my best weapon.... every time.

But because I am a girl, and I really can't help

 that I like dresses and shoes and all that sparkles.

And I have always shared with these future men,

ideas about love and beauty, I think I have

softened the beast within.

They have helped me grow into the girl I am.

TOM GIRL.

Not a tom boy. That is a girl who likes to dress

like a boy and do " boy " things.

And not the type of tom girl who is a  boy

that likes to do "girl" things.

Though that is cool too.

I like to see myself by the definition of

Urban Dictionary,

" has strength with style"

or

"most comfortable kicking ass

as is in a pretty dress".

So I thought why not make a cupcake

that represents this.

Dark Chocolate Cake to kick your ass

and sweet girly Raspberry and Rose

frosting to soften the blow.

TOM GIRL CUPCAKES:  ( makes about 20 )

Preheat oven 350 F

Line Cupcake Pans

Dark Chocolate Cupcakes

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup cocoa (  I used Hersheys Special Dark )

1 3/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 pack of Starbucks Instant Coffee **

2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup oil

1 cup strong coffee

2 teaspoon vanilla

In a medium bowl sift together all the dry ingredients,

except instant coffee.

In a large bowl add the coffee, buttermilk, oil, eggs

 instant coffee, and vanilla. Whisk together.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat well

using a whisk until smooth.

Use a ice cream scoop to measure out batter, filling

the liners about 2/3 full.

Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes or until done.

Remove from oven and cool in pan for 1o minutes, then

remove and cool on rack.

Raspberry and Rose Frosting :

2 oz egg whites

4 oz sugar

pinch of salt

6 oz unsalted butter softened and cubed

2 - 3 tablespoons raspberry jelly

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon rose water ( optional if not available)**

pink food coloring

Over a pan of simmering water in a stand mixer bowl

whisk together the egg whites, salt and sugar for about

4 minutes or until sugar is dissolved and temperature

when taken is about 145 F.

Remove from heat and place on stand.

Beat for about 4 minutes at medium high speed until,

peaks are formed.

Remove beater and replace with paddle.

At medium high speed mix egg whites and slowly add

softened butter one cube at a time.

When all butter has been added, turn speed to high

and beat until frosting is fluffy.

Add raspberry jelly, vanilla and rose water.

Stir in desired amount of coloring.

Frost cupcakes and decorate in whatever "tom girl "

way you like. :)

** use any type of instant coffee, I just really like the

     flavor of Starbucks.

** Rose water is optional but can be found easily enough

      in most grocery stores in their ethnic food aisle.