Chocolate Cupcakes

Prep: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour Makes 12
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream
Easy White Icing
Sprinkles (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners.

Into a medium bowl, sift together cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each, then beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with sour cream and beginning and ending with flour.

Pour batter into cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake until a toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

Cool in pan 5 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then spread with Easy White Icing using a table knife or small offset spatula. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Monogrammed Slippers

Children will especially adore their personalized pairs. Covered buttons with delicate lowercase letters (left, top) are embroidered in a satin stitch. Felt patches with satin-stitched initials (left,middle) are tacked to the slippers with French knots. Calligraphic letters embroidered in French knots (left, bottom) have a raised, nubby look. You can also make a monogram without embroidery by tracing the outline of a letter onto felt, cutting it out, and gluing or hand-stitching it to the slipper.

Slipper How-To
Draw a circle on a piece of felt or melton wool, then draw a letter in the circle using transfer paper or working freehand. Clip the fabric into an embroidery hoop. With embroidery floss, embroider the letter in satin stitch, French knots, or another favorite stitch. Remove fabric from hoop, cut out the circle, stretch it over the button (following the instructions from a covered-button kit, available at sewing stores), and catch the edges on the teeth in back. Snap the front of the button to the back half, and sew onto a slipper.

Satin Stitch How-To
At an angle or straight across, these side-by-side stitches fill in the outlines for a shape. Pull the needle through to front at 1. Insert at 2; pull needle back through at 3, right next to 1. Keep stitches tight and flat for a smooth finish.

French Knot How-To
These are useful for creating a raised point of interest. Pull needle from back of fabric to front at 1. Holding thread taut with one hand, wrap it twice around needle; insert needle again close to 1, keeping thread taut as needle is pulled through to back.