Cupcake 82 - Strawberry black pepper

Black Pepper, Chocolate and Strawberry Cupcakes

1 c butter, room temperature

1 c sugar

1/2 c salt

1 t baking powder

2 c self rising flour

1 t freshly ground black pepper

4 eggs 1 t strawberry extract

1 t vanilla 1/2 c chocolate chips

Combine flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, set aside. In bowl of standing mixer beat butter until light and fluffy, add sugar, extracts and eggs. Mix well. Add flour mixture in two increaments, mixing well. Stir in chocolate chips. Fill wells of cupcake pan 3/4 full. Bake 350, 15-20 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

Frosting
1 c cream cheese, room temperature

3 T butter, room temperature

1 t vanilla pinch of salt

1 1/2 c confectioners' sugar

1/4 c strawberry preserves

In bowl of standing mixer, combine cream cheese and butter, whip until light. Add salt and vanilla, mix to incorporate. Add confectioners' sugar in three increments, scraping down sides of bowl. Add preserves, mix on high 3 - 4 minutes.