Since the 1970’s, we have prepared hundreds (if not thousands!) of meals here at the Community of Jesus on Cape Cod, and at our mission house, Villa Via Sacra, in Barga, Italy. We believe that food nourishes body, soul, and spirit, and that even the simplest meal, prepared with love, can change your life. At the heart of our call to kitchen and table lie the words of Saint Benedict: “Welcome all as Christ.” This premise has led us on many culinary adventures, which we now gladly share with you!

DECADENT CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

Recently, I had the privilege and gift of studying for a week in the Essentials of Pastry Arts at the International Culinary Center in New York City. Once known as the French Culinary Center, ICC has some of the most renowned pastry chefs in the United States – such as Jacques Pepin and Jacques Torres. Their alumni are some of the most noteworthy in the food and hospitality industry. It was a week of intense learning as well as exploring an area of personal inadequacy. Give me a savory dish over a fancy rolled fondant cake anytime! But, little did I know what a week of good, concentrated study could do to boost my confidence. Leaning into our insufficiency can sometimes prove “sweet” results.

Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes
Tip - use a digital scale to weigh these ingredients and always be sure to "tare" your scale after putting your mixing bowl on it; that is, reset the scale to "0" before you start measuring ingredients
SERVINGS
16cupcakes (approx.)
CHANGE SERVING SIZE
 cupcakes (approx.)
COOK TIME
15-20mins
PREP TIME
20mins
READY IN
45-60mins

INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

    Cupcakes:
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
    2. Grease 16 cupcake tin or line with muffin papers.
    3. In a bowl, sift together the sugar, flour, salt and baking soda.
    4. Combine butter, oil, cocoa powder, and water in a bowl and whisk until warm over a bain marie.
    5. Whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolk, vanilla, and buttermilk until combined; add to butter mixture.
    6. Stir liquid ingredients into the sifted flour mixture until just combined.
    7. Portion the batter into the prepared cupcake molds until 3/4 full and bake in preheated oven for 15-20 min. (Bake as soon as you fill them; otherwise, they won't rise as much in the oven.)
    8. Test the cupcakes for doneness - your finger should bounce back to the touch.
    9. Immediately unmold the cupcakes onto a cooling rack Let them cool completely before icing.
    Fudge Icing:
    1. Place all ingredients for the icing in a saucepan and warm, stirring to combine.
    2. Remove the pan from the heat and allow it to cool until desired consistency is reached.
    3. Dip the cupcake tops by inverting into the cooled icing and then twist and place right side up on a cooling rack. Iced cupcakes are best served the day they're made. Add sprinkles on top if desired.