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2011. A year filled with a few ups, many downs, and lots of in-betweens. I feel a buzz of excitement for the fresh start that the new year will bring. But first, one final recipe for 2011. I made these cupcakes for dessert on Christmas Day, and they were a much bigger hit than I expected. I wanted to use up the last of the egg nog in my fridge, so I thought I’d make these once more for a New Year’s Eve party that I’m heading to tonight. They really are delicious.

My brain is filled with many words, but I’m going to keep it short and sweet. Thank you my dear readers – friends, family, and strangers who come here for a little peek into my kitchen – without you, this blog would be nothing. From my heart to yours, I wish you all the best in the coming year. Cheers to happiness, love, adventure, and much more in 2012!

Much love,

Amanda

Egg Nog Cupcakes (adapted from the always lovely Annie’s Eats)

For the cupcakes:

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

Pinch of salt

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1/4 cup dark rum or bourbon

1 cup egg nog

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 TBSP. apple cider vinegar (or plain vinegar)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup sugar

For the icing:

1 cup of butter, room temperature

2 1/2 cups icing sugar

Pinch of nutmeg

2 1/2 TBSP. egg nog

1 TBSP. dark rum

For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-count muffin tin with liners of your choice. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg and whisk together. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the remaining ingredients, and beat until well-mixed. Slowly add in the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Fill the muffin tins 2/3 full and bake for about 24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool completely.

For the icing: Place the butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat the butter on medium-high speed until smooth, about 30 seconds. Add in the icing sugar and nutmeg, and mix on medium-high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add in the eggnog and whip on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about two minutes. Finally, add in the rum, and mix on low speed until blended.

Use a pastry bag to decorate the cooled cupcakes, or spread the icing on with a knife. For an extra special garnish, poke half a cinnamon stick into each iced cupcake, and/or sprinkle with nutmeg. Store uneaten cupcakes (not that you’ll have any) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.