Bacon Cupcakes with Maple-Whiskey Frosting

Hello lovely readers! My name is Callie and I’ll be acting as your resident foodie this term.

Part of my love of all things edible is getting creative in the kitchen. This can result in some pretty interesting recipes, which I’m going to be sharing with you through this column! I thought it would be perfect to begin with my absolute favourite dessert: cupcakes.

For some people, there is a fine line between what is and what isn’t acceptable to put on a cupcake. Usually things like icing, candy, chocolates and sprinkles are all acceptable choices, but after a while that gets a little boring, doesn’t it?

Sweet and salty is a classic combination, making bacon an odd yet perfect partner to dark chocolate. You may initially get some strange looks when you whip out the phrase “bacon cupcakes,” but as Ms. Frizzle says, “don’t be afraid to take chances, make mistakes and get messy.”

It won’t be long before you’re a cupcake god(dess) to all the carnivores out there.

Bacon Cupcakes with Maple-Whiskey Frosting

makes 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup flour
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 slices bacon

Frosting Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2-3/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1-2 tbsp whiskey (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350*F.
2. In food processor, mix together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs one by one and mix until well combined.
3. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet in food processor, alternating with the yogurt.
5. Fill cupcake trays and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a rack before decoration.
6. In food processor, mix together butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup and whiskey (if desired) until desired consistency is reached. Use to frost finished cupcakes.
7. Cook bacon in a pan until crispy and garnish cupcakes as desired.