Birthday Cupcakes

For years, I always took my birthday off as my "ego day." Then one year I was forced by an evil superior to come in on my birthday. OH OH OH . . . . I quickly discovered I'd been making a HUGE mistake not going to the office on my birthday. People came to my office to bring me breakfast and treats and gifts and lunch. It was better than having a party.

Since then, I make a treat, and everyone who comes by my office on my birthday gets one. But, this year, I won't be at work on my birthday. So, I'm bringing cupcakes in early. I like the recipe on the back of the Hershey's cocoa. Only, this year, instead of the cup of boiling water, I'm going to add in a cup of hot coffee. (Coffee makes chocolate so much better)

Then, I make a whipped ganache frosting. Here's what I do:

15 oz bittersweet chocolate (I have the 60% chips this year)
1 cup heavy cream

Melt together in a double boiler. When melted, whisk in 6 tablespoons of room temp unsalted butter a tablespoon at a time.

Cool the mixture in the frig. Start checking the consistency after 15-20 minutes. You want it to be stiff enough that when you start to stir it, it's not too solid but also holds it's shape. Usually about 30 minutes will do. Whip it with an electric mixer (handheld) until it is light brown, and fluffy.

I use a large star tip to pipe the frosting on the cupcakes and then sprinkle with colored sprinkles.