vanilla chai cupcakes

I love finding new recipes and trying new things.  This one has been on my list for quite some time... most of this turned out really well.  I always try new recipes first without adjusting for altitude and then make the necessary changes.  The recipe below is not altered and should work great for those under 3500ft. Mine turned out just a little flat but the taste is spot on and delicious!

Vanilla Chai Cupcakes

1/2 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

1/2 quantity chai spice mix (see recipe below)

1 1/4 cups plain flour, sifted

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

Chai Spice Mix (makes 4 tsp)

1 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Mix spices together in small bowl.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the vanilla and beat in one egg at a time. Stir in half the quantity of chai spice mix. Fold in the flour and buttermilk alternately and stir until combined, don’t over mix. Mix together the baking soda and vinegar and mix into the batter.

Spoon into prepared cupcake cases until 3/4 full and bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Chai Buttercream Recipe

1 c shortening

1/4 c of butter/margarine

appx 1/4 c of heaving whipping cream

1 tsp of vanilla

4 c. of powdered sugar (sifted)

other 1/2 of the chai spice mixture (appx 2 tsp)

Beat shortening until smooth, add butter and beat until smooth, light & fluffy. add half of the whipping cream and the vanilla and mix well. Add 2c of powdered sugar until mixed well - turn on speed higher  until well mixed.  Add remaining powdered sugar and mix well. Add additionally whipping cream and/or sugar until you reach the desired consistency.  Add in chai spices and mix throughly.

Enjoy!