Tasty Tuesday - Installation #1

Yes, I know this is a stupid title, but I couldn't think of anything better. If you have a better title, let me know. John thinks that these are the best cupcakes he's ever eaten and the friends that have tried them agree. No for the deliciousness..........

Spice cupcake filled with fried apples and topped with a maple butter cream

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup + 1 teaspoon white sugar
3/4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup butter (room temperature NOT melted)
1/4 cup milk
3/4 cups applesauce
1 egg

Mix all dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl mix sugar, milk and applesauce. Using a mixer slowly add dry ingredients, once incorporated add egg. Mix on medium speed for 1-2 minutes scraping sides once or twice.

Fried Apples

1 granny smith apple
1 Tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Core the apple and cut into even SMALL pieces. Put all ingredients into a frying pan on medium heat cook, stirring occasionally, cook until apples are soft, but not mushy. Usually about 5 minutes, but this will depend on how big or small you cut them. Use a fork, they shouldn't break and should be a little crunchy in the middle.

Cooking and assembly instructions

Preheat oven to 350F
Line or grease 12 muffin cups
Using a mini ice cream scoop, place two scoops in each cup
evenly distribute fried apples into each cup
put one more scoop in each cup

Bake for 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean
Allow to cool completely

Maple Frosting

1/4 pound (1 stick) butter (softened)
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon maple extract
2 Tablespoons milk
1 1/3 cups confectioners sugar

Using a mixer with the whisk attachment whisk butter on high for 3 minutes, add 2/3 cups confectioners sugar, slowly mix until incorporated then whip on high for 1 minute, add syrup, milk, extract and mix, scrape sides of the bowl, add last part of sugar and mix to incorporate, then whip on high for 3 minutes.