HOT CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH MARSHMALLOW CREAM FEATURED WITH A NANTUCKET ARTIST

I am a huge fan of Claire Murray and her coastal designs. I have had this set for a number of years and decided that this would create a lovely vignette in the kitchen. Claire Murray has a studio in Freeport, Maine, which we visited often while living in Maine. I also have a hand-hooked wool rug from her collection, which is placed in one of our guest bedrooms. Claire Murray is a designer and entrepreneur who currently resides in Nantucket. She has a true gift for coastal designs.

 

This snowman is one of my all time favorites. Not only is about the cutest thing ever, but it was a Christmas gift from my son, Nick. Notice the little red cardinal on the campfire log. I said there would be cardinals throughout our home this Christmas and they are appearing in all sorts of places. Claire Murray also included the cardinal in this particular pottery artwork. This video features Claire telling her own story and I think you may also become a fan of this lovely artist!

 

HOT CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1/4 cup powdered hot cocoa mix
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup prepared hot cocoa

 

MARSHMALLOW FROSTING

1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup marshmallow cream

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Prepare cupcake pan by lining with cupcake liners.  Combine flour, hot cocoa mix, baking cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder together in a bowl.  Set aside.  Cream together sugar and vegetable oil with a hand mixer.  Add eggs, mixing well.  Add vanilla.  Stir in prepared hot cocoa.  Begin adding flour mixture to sugar mixer.  Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.  When mixture in well-combined, fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake @ 350 degrees F.  for 12-15 minutes. Cool before frosting.

 

Meanwhile with an electric mixer, whip together unsalted butter and marshmallow cream.  Add vanilla, and mix until combine.  Add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy and desired consistency.  Spread frosting on cooled cupcakes