ALMOND CUPCAKES WITH ORANGE ICING

Almond Cupcakes with Orange Icing image

Yield Makes 12 cupcakes

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup natural almonds (with skin), toasted lightly, cooled, and ground fine in a blender
1 1/4 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/3 cup water
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
1 tablespoon orange juice

Steps:

In a bowl whisk together the flour, the almonds, the baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl with an electric mixer cream together the shortening and the granulated sugar, beat in the egg and the almond extract, and beat in the flour mixture alternately with the water, beating well after each addition. Divide the batter among 12 paper-lined 1/2-cup muffin tins and bake the cupcakes in the middle of a preheated 350°:F. oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean. Turn the cupcakes out onto a rack and let them cool completely.
In another bowl beat together the confectioners' sugar, the butter, the zest, and the juice, beating until the icing is fluffy, and spread the icing on the cupcakes.