MARBLED VANILLA CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES

These are simple to make.  Basically you make up a vanilla mix, move half of the mix into one bowl and add red food colouring to it.  I use gel colouring as the effect is more vibrant than the little bottles you get.

The vanilla cupcake mix I use is a tweaked one taken from Eat Me!:

110 g unsalted butter (although I actually substitute this for Lurpack Lightly Salted Spreadable as I prefer the result)

120 g caster sugar

110 self raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp vanilla extract (the recipe states 1, I prefer 2!)

2 large eggs

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees - or 160 if you have a very hot fan oven that's prone to burning things, like I do!

2. Cream the butter and sugar together. I usually do this with my hands as it's faster and the result is better (scrub them clean first, obviously!) and then end by whisking until the mix is pale and fluffy.

3.) Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition.  Then add the flour and baking powder a third at a time, mixing in between.  Follow with the vanilla extract.

4.) Move half the mixture into a seperate bowl and add red colouring to it - use a small amount at a time (so as not to waste it) until it's as red as it's going to get.

5.) Layer the two mixes into 12 cupcake cases - it doesn't matter how messily you do this!

6.) Bake for 20 minutes (check after 15 mins but not sooner).  When you think they're done, test them by sticking a knife in the top - if it comes out clean then you're good to go! The cakes should be slightly springy to the touch as well.

7.) Leave to cool, then decorate to personal taste.  I was feeling exceptionally lazy, so used canned icing* and sugar decorations!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

XOXO

*If you decide to use this too, do bear in mind that one can will just about do 12 cupcakes, unless you use less than I have here!