Ginger Beer Cupcakes

Adapted from: http://draftmag.com/recipes/detail/225

Serves: 12

Cupcakes

2 c. flour
1⁄4 tsp. baking soda
1⁄2 tsp. black pepper
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. Course Himalayan salt
1 Tbsp. ground ginger
1⁄2 c. unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
1 c. Tightly packed dark brown sugar
zest of 2 Orange
2 large eggs, room temperature
3⁄4 cup Ginger beer

Ginger Beer frosting

1 stick butter (softened)
6 c. confectioners sugar
½ c. heavy cream
2 Tbsp. Ginger beer

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lining the muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Sifting the dry ingredients through the ground ginger into a mixing bowl.

3. In a separate, large mixing bowl, use a electric mixer cream together the butter, sugar, and zest until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

4. Stir in half the flour mixture, then the ginger beer, then the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just blended.

5. Filling each liner 2/3 full, then bake for about 18 to 20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Once cooled topping the cupcakes with frosting.

Frosting

1. Combine the butter and confectioners sugar and mix on low speed. Increase speed to medium-high and slowly adding inthe heavy cream and ginger beer. Beat 5 to 7 minutes until light and creamy.

2. If the frosting is too loose, add in extra sugar just up to1 c. until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.