Tiramisu Cupcakes

I generally try and keep my coffee/espresso drink intake to one beverage a day.

I tend to stick to coffee, but I love a good americano now and again too.

I find that too much caffeine makes me angry. Like the hulk. But without the cool green muscles.

So just the manic anger for no apparent (good) reason.

Which is not very attractive or fun to be around. Surprise.

So I try and have a little moderation with my caffeine love affair.

I do not count cupcakes made with coffee. Nope.

Yes, these cupcakes are a subtle mix of coffee and chocolate flavor with a creamy mascarpone frosting.

I did not find a way to incorporate any marsala wine or brandy, but I don't think these really need it.

Tiramisu Cupcakes, makes 12 standard size

You will need: 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1/3 cup oil (I used vegetable but canola or peanut oil would be good too) 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar, 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled).

Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl whisk together vanilla, oil, vinegar and coffee. Combine the wet and dry ingredients. This batter will be very wet-that's normal. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake at 350 F for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

Trust the toothpick.

Mascarpone frosting, makes enough to frost 2 dozen. (This is how I made it, so if you are only frosting a dozen you can try and half this recipe. I would have done this for you, but I haven't really tested it that way so I thought I'd just tell you what I really did. Yo.)

You will need: 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, 1/2 cup powered sugar.

Cream together the softened mascarpone and cream. Add in half the powdered sugar and cream just until smooth then add in the other half and repeat. After I frosted my cupcakes I sifted on a little cocoa powder-trying for that "tiramisu" look.