March Madness

Whether or not you follow college basketball, you can't help but be aware of March Madness! It's everywhere! My daughter plays in the band for the University of Memphis; therefore I am a Tiger fan! Throughout the season, I've watched the games waiting for the opportunity to see my child on television! I've paid attention to the games too! The Tigers were ranked number one for a while this season...the last time they were number one was when I attended quite a few years ago! To commemorate the University of Memphis Tigers making it to the Sweet Sixteen tonight, I made Tiger Paw Cupcakes and Tiger Stripe Cupcakes! Now, what can I do for the Elite Eight?????

Tiger Paw Cupcakes from joyofbaking.com

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2/3 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup milk

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Beat in vanilla.
• Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; beat until just combined.
• Scoop batter into prepared cupcake pan.
• Bake 18 - 20 minutes or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Tiger Paw Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Royal blue Wilton food coloring

• In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth.
• Add powdered sugar, milk and vanilla.
• Beat on low speed until combined. Increase speed and beat until light and fluffy.
• Add more milk, if necessary, to reach desired consistency.
• Add food coloring.

Tiger Paw Cookies

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/4 cups sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• In a medium bowl, sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in egg and vanilla.
• Beat in flour mixture just until well combined.
• Divide dough in half. Cover and chill 2 hours.
• Working with one half of dough at a time, roll to 1/8 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutters.
• Place 2 inches apart on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.
• Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven 8 - 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
• Cool completely and decorate with royal icing.

Royal Icing

3 tablespoons meringue powder

4 cups powdered sugar

6 tablespoons warm water

Royal blue Wilton food coloring

• Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks.
• Adjust water, as needed, to reach desired consistency.

Tiger Stripe Cupcakes

2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa (I used 1/4 cup regular cocoa and 1/4 cup dark cocoa)
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk ( I used 4 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar + enough whole milk to equal 1 1/2 cups)

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until fluffy.
• Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat just until combined.
• Scoop batter into prepared cupcake pan.
• Bake 18 - 20 minutes or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean.
• Decorate with swirled Chocolate Tiger Stripe Frosting and Tiger Paw Frosting (tinted orange).

Chocolate Tiger Stripe Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2/3 cup dark cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Cool slightly.
• In a measuring cup, measure out milk and vanilla.
• In a large bowl, combine butter and cocoa.
• Alternately add powdered sugar and milk mixture to butter mixture, beginning and ending with powdered sugar.
• Add additional milk or powdered sugar, if needed, to reach desired consistency.

Final score Michigan 74, Memphis 92! Go Tigers Go!