Halloween Cupcakes

Step 2 Batter Up!

Let's make some cupcakes! 

Now pay attention, because this isn't going to go down like you expect.

• First, place cupcake liners in the pan.  
  Okay, you probably expected that.

• Now, preheat your oven to 500^oF (260^oC)

What?? Scooch have you lost your mind?  See, I know what you're thinking.  But no, I have not lost my mind!  This tip comes to me from a.nony.mouse via Cupcake Cones:

if you want the crowned tops to be as high as possible, pre-heat the oven to 500 degrees F instead, and as soon as you put the cupcakes in there, lower the temperature to 350 and cook, it gets the crown nice and high! (it's the trick they use at bakeries on those giant cupcakes and muffins you always wished you could re-create!)

Now for some mixed-up mixing!

• You don't need to sift the flour if you measured it properly like I taught you!  Stir in sugar and baking powder to combine well. 

• Chop up your butter into small pieces and add to the flour mixture. 

Say what?  That's right. Add your butter to your dry ingredients. 

• Now blend, blend, blend until it resembles the texture of breadcrumbs. 

• In a separate bowl, blend together eggs, milk, yogurt and vanilla extract. You have a whisk, you say?  Even better!  I just used my regular mixer beaters.  Get it nice and frothy.

• Add this to the bowl with the dry ingredients and beat until just combined. 

Try to abstain from licking the beaters.  I can't condone eating uncooked eggs.  But if you slip and get some in your mouth by mistake - YUM!!  You'll notice right away what a unique tang the plain yogurt adds.  This flavor will mellow out in the baking process, but I kind of wish it didn't!