S'more Cupcakes

I have recently discovered that I am much like Julie in the movie Julie and Julia. When nothing seems to be going right in my life I find great comfort in baking or cooking. This was true for  my Friday afternoon. In a month I am catering my dad's retirement party . His all time favorite dessert is a boxed chocolate cake with white frosting. We all know that I can't serve my daddy boxed cake at his party....SO I began playing around and creating "kicked up" versions of his favorite sweet treat. First creation: S'more Cupcakes. As I type this I have already thought of something else that could kick this treat up a notch. (See note at bottom of post). If this dessert makes it to his party I will make them mini cupcakes so you can pop them in your mouth and not have to worry about a plate, napkin, etc. The following recipe makes 12 cupcakes. 


Ingredients:


1 cup flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/3 tsp baking powder
1/3 tsp salt
6 Tbs butter(at room temp)
1 cup plus 1 Tbs sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbs water
2 Tbs milk


In separate bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. In large bowl beat butter until smooth. Increase speed and add sugar and beat for 3-4 minutes. Add cocoa powder and vanilla, continue to beat for 1 more minute. Scrape down sides of bowl if needed. With mixer at medium speed add eggs one at a time. Scrape sides of bowl again making sure all ingredients are combined. 
In small saucepan combine milk and water and bring to boil. Remove from heat.
Add flour mixture to butter mixture about 1/4 cup at a time. Add warm milk mixture and combine batter until smooth. 
Line cupcake pan with cupcake liners(or spray with Pam if you don't have them). Evenly divide batter among 12 cups.....you shouldn't have any batter left! 
Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool while you make your yummy s'more topping.


S'more Topping:
3 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
2-3 graham crackers crushed


In double boiler quickly whisk together egg whites and sugar until sugar is dissolved.(put your egg whites and sugar in bowl BEFORE you place over heat....if you don't you will have cooked egg whites. No bueno!!) Once sugar is dissolved remove from heat. Continue to beat with electric mixture for 4-5 minutes until you have the consistency of marshmallow fluff. 
Once cupcakes are cool, top each with a dollop of fluff and sprinkle with graham crumbs. 


Chef's Note: 
As I devoured a cupcake last night I had this thought. Wouldn't it be pretty awesome if you finished off your marshmallow fluff by using a butane torch to "roast" your marshmallow. If I ever try it I will be sure to let you know how it goes!