CHERRY CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH FENNEL CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

CHERRY CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH FENNEL CREAM CHEESE FROSTING image

Yield 14

Number Of Ingredients 16

1-1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup flour
3.6 ounces dark chocolate, 1/2 of a 200 gram bar of Valrhona 61% cocao
15 tablespoons butter
4 eggs
3 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
1 teaspoon baking powder
pinch of salt
1/2 cup dried cherries
Fennel Cream Cheese Frosting
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
12 ounces or 1-1/2 packages of Philly cream cheese
1/2 stick butter
3 cups sifted powdered sugar

Steps:

1. Chop cherries and transfer to a small bowl. Cover in brandy and set aside to plump overnight. 2. Melt chocolate and butter over a water bath 3. add sugar and stir, let mixture cool for 10 minutes 4. Beat in an electric mixer for 3 minutes 5. Add one egg at a time, mixing for 30 seconds between each 6. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the mixture and mix until blended 7. Fold in cherries drained of the brandy 8. Scoop into cupcake cups and bake at 350 F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean Frosting 1. Bring cheese and butter to room temperature by letting it sit out for 1 or 2 hours 2. Heat sugar and water in a small pan under medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved 3. Crush fennel seeds slightly with a mortar and pestle or with the back of a heavy pan on a cutting board 4. Add seeds to the sugar and let boil over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mixture is syrupy. Set aside to cool. 5. Sift powdered sugar into a bowl or onto parchment 6. Beat butter and cheese at medium speed until creamy 7. Add half of the sugar and the fennel syrup. Beat until combined 8. Gradually add remaining sugar (more if you have to) until you get to the consistency and sweetness you like