PB & J Time!

I have been very busy lately, working on a handful of events coming up in the next little while, but last night I took a break to sit down and watch The Cupcake Girls on WE. It is such a cute and funny show! There's no fluff or filler here.You get to see all the frustrations, arguments, and everyday stresses that go into a real-life, down-to-earth, business. It's very refreshing to know that we all have to deal with that stuff! My favorite episode involves the owners discussing whether or not to fire one of their, lazy, late, delivery driver fathers. What a hoot! Super cute and a must see! So today, in honor of Cupcake Girls, I decided to feature a recipe for Peanut Butter & Jelly Cupcakes! Just in time for back-to-school as well! Enjoy!

PEANUT BUTTER & JELLY CUPCAKES:

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temp
• 1 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter
• 1 1/3 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup grape jelly

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 F. Insert 24 liners into a medium cupcake pan.
• In a large bowl cream together the butter, peanut butter, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time. Beat well. Mix in the vanilla.
• In a separat bowl combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the dry ingredients to creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix well.
• Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes in the pan.
• To inject the jelly: I used a Wilton round #7 tip and a piping bag. Just stick the tip most of the way into the cupcake and squeeze until you feel jelly coming out of the tip. Stop squeezing before you remove the tip from the cupcake. You might have to practice to know how much jelly to add without making the cupcake explode!
  

These are great with Peanut Butter Frosting!

Makes: 24 Cupcakes