If you try this recipe out, let us know what you think of it! How do you (or your sweetheart) like these cupcakes? Send your reviews and pictures to sage@amrmail.org!

This is one of my favorite recipes that I used to throw together anytime my dorm-mates and I had a hankering for chocolate cake – and I can confirm these are enjoyable even if you eat eggs/aren’t vegan. Also – it’s a fairly simple recipe, so if you bake, you probably already have these ingredients in your pantry !

We use the acidic power of balsamic vinegar and the basic power of baking powder and soda to create a chemical reaction (think elementary school science project) so that our cupcakes rise! Balsamic also pairs excellently with chocolate and berries.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups flour

1 cup sugar

¼ cup cocoa or cacao powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅓ cup oil ( I really love virgin coconut oil, but you can use any baking oil you prefer or butter)

1 cup of water or milk of your choice

1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (I like to add up to 2 tablespoons because I enjoy the flavor, but 1 tablespoon is all you need)

Optional: frosting (see below) and 6 Strawberries, halved lengthwise

(Of course, if you are trying to make this vegan, avoid animal milks and butter)

1. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees and prep your cupcake pan, whether you use greasing or papers
2. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients until thouroughly mixed.
3. In another bowl combine all of the wet ingredients EXCEPT for the balsamic vinegar.
4. Slowly incorporate the wet mixture into the dry bowl, mixing until smooth.
5. Just before you are ready to pour into the pan, mix in the vinegar. You want it as fully combined as possible without over-mixing it. We don’t want to pop any of the bubbles that are being form in the batter from the chemical reaction.
6. Pour into cupcake pan and bake for 15-20 minutes – to test when they are done simply insert and remove a fork or toothpick, if they are done they will come out clean.
7. Enjoy plain or with one of the following toppings:
   • Your favorite icing recipe or brand
   • Some whipped cream or Greek yogurt (plain or sweetened)
   • Last week’s recipe – Chocolate Berry Sauce (with a tad more cocoa/cacao powder, it makes a decadent icing)

Finally, to make it special for Valentine’s Day : Top your cupcakes with strawberries that have been cut in half lengthwise. If you place them cut-side up, they look like little hearts. Very yummy and festive!

If you try this recipe out, let us know what you think of it! How do you (or your sweetheart) like these cupcakes? Send your reviews and pictures to sage@amrmail.org!