Chocolate Cupcakes w/ Whipped Chocolate Ganache

i woke up at 6:30 this morning, like my usual sunday morning. so i get up and promise myself that i will just eat breakfast start a loaf of bread and then lounge on the couch and read. that never ever happens. ever. what happens instead is that i convince myself there is some obscure reason i should bake some delicious treat. it was my birthday last weekend and i didn't have a chance to make something for myself, i have been craving chocolate cake and to top it all off i bought new piping tips friday afternoon in anticipation of making cupcakes for a friend's house warming party next weekend. like any child i just couldn't wait to play with my new toys. so add all those up and i just absolutely had to make cupcakes - i needed to.

these are delicious - this is my usual chocolate cake recipe i got from one of my ina garten books. i have been tweaking it over the past year or so and i think i have finally perfected it, you be the judge. chocolate ganache is equal to gold in this tiny apartment and what isn't better when its whipped? really everything is better with a little air mixed in; that's my theory. i can't explain to you how much i love this combo. its classic, simple, light yet decadent (i hate that phrase, but had to use it) and just enough to satisfy.

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

1c flour

1c sugar

1/4c + 2tbs good quality cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2c buttermilk

1/4c vegetable oil

1 extra large egg

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2c fresh brewed coffee

*preheat oven to 350 F and line a muffin pan

* sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, baking powder and salt. mix to combine

* in a separate bowl beat the buttermilk, oil, egg and vanilla with an electric mixer to combine

* with the mixer on slowly add in the flour mixture

* once all of the flour is incorporated add in your coffee. stir to combine

* spoon into your lined muffin tins

* bake for 20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean

WHIPPED CHOCOLATE GANACHE

5 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

2 oz unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped

1/2c + 2tbs whipping cream

1 oz butter, softened

1c powdered sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4c milk

1/2 tsp vanilla

*put chocolate in a large mixing bowl

*heat cream over medium heat until you see bubbles form around the edges

*pour hot cream over the chocolate,let sit untouched for 1 minute

*stir the chocolate and cream mixture until it is smooth

*add in the butter in cubes, stir until the mixture is smooth

*in a separate bowl combine the sugar, milk, salt & vanilla. mix to smooth

*add the milk mixture to the chocolate. stir to combine.

*let the mixture cool to room temp and thicken

* beat the ganache to desired constancy w/ electric mixer