October 13, 2008

Inside Job

Kick*ss Cupcakes Trick or Treat Cupcakes

In preparation for Halloween, we got Kick*ass Cupcakes owner Sara Ross to share a treat with us. It’s far from tricky.

Trick or Treat Cupcakes
Makes 24

Ingredients
½ c. cocoa (nonalkalized)
¾ c. boiling water
4 large eggs
1 ½ tsp. vanilla
2 2/3 c. cake flour
2 1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
12 oz. butter
24 mini candy bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Insert liners into cupcake pan.

2. Whisk cocoa and boiling water in a bowl; cool to room temperature.

3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and vanilla, then add to cocoa mixture.

4. In mixer bowl, add flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and mix on low speed until combined.

5. Stop mixer. Add butter and beat on low until mixture looks sandy.

6. Add half of the cocoa liquid and turn speed gradually to high, mixing until batter looks like chocolate mousse (about one minute).

7. On low, add the rest of the liquid and mix until combined.

8. Fill cups ¾ full of batter. Push an unwrapped mini candy bar into each.

9. Allow to sit 15 minutes, then bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

10. Let cupcakes cool, then top with frosting and jimmies.

11. Scare up some kids to eat them and watch their delight when they get to the middle.

Kick*ss Cupcakes, 378 Highland Avenue, Somerville (617-628-2877 or kickasscupcakes.com).

CELEBRATE
USS Constitution’s 211th Anniversary
What: Crafts, gallery programs, and hands-on exhibits for the whole family.
Why: All hands on deck.
When: Sat., noon-4 p.m.
Where: USS Constitution Museum, Charlestown Navy Yard, bldg. 22, Charlestown (617-426-1812).

BRAVE
Boo at the Zoo
What: A trick-or-treat trail, crafts, haunted maze, and costume contest.
Why: Have a howling good time.
When: Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham (781-438-5100).

DO
Read and Romp
What: Interactive exhibits, storybook characters, and a buffet lunch, with proceeds going to the promotion of literacy.
Why: It’s a real page-turner.
When: Sun., 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Where: Seaport Hotel, 200 Seaport Blvd., Seaport District (617-385-4000).