Will You Accept This Cupcake?

     It's rare these days to find a television show as intellectually stimulating as The Bachelor or Bachelorette. Of course I am being sarcastic, but truthfully, I love the show mainly for the fact that it brings women together. What better way is there to spend a mundane Monday night than getting together with girlfriends to heckle the latest candidate in the reality T.V. dating arena? It may be hard to fathom, but it's not at all about the show ~ seriously. More so, it's about the snacks and the cocktails and time spent talking with friends (during the commercials of course!).

     Seeing as this past Monday was the much anticipated season finale, and what was promised to be "the most dramatic rose ceremony ever" I decided that a special dessert was called for. While perusing Internet recipe sites I was pleasantly surprised by something I found on the Betty Crocker web site. It was a recipe for Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes. As I read on, I soon discovered that this was not my mother's Betty Crocker!  Booze infused cupcakes were just what we needed to see how Emily's quest for true love played out. By the time we were done eating a few of these tipsy treats no one cared that she picked Jef with one f over Arie.    It was a recipe for love!    

 

The Final Rose Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes

You Will Need:

1 box of white cake mix (Betty would like you to use hers, but any brand will do)
1 cup bottled strawberry margarita or daiquiri mix (I used Island Originals Authentic Strawberry Frozen Drink & Smoothie Mix)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup tequila (this is where it gets interesting!)
3 eggs

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Line muffin tins with paper liners.
• In a large bowl beat all cupcake ingredients with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds.
• Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally.
• Divide batter among muffin cups.
• Bake 18-23 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool 10 minutes in pan, then remove cupcakes and place on cooling racks.
• Cool completely before icing.

Frosting:

 

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
4 cups icing sugar
3 tbsp margarita mix

 

• Beat shortening and butter on low speed until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time and mix until combined.
• Add 1 tbsp of margarita mix and beat until blended.
• Add enough of the remaining margarita mix one tbsp at a time and beat until light and fluffy.
• *You may substitute 1 tbsp of tequila for 1 tbsp margarita mix to make a boozy frosting if desired.

Garnish with lime slices and enjoy!