LOVE

You know something? I don't like strawberry pastries, cake, sweets, or ice cream. There. I said it. Love strawberries, just not the dessert varieties. Usually. That is, until, I made strawberry frosting from scratch. Now I get it. These yummy yellow cupcakes go great with this strawberry frosting. It's creamy and delicious, and not overpowering at all. Such a perfect little sweetheart treat!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole frozen strawberries, thawed
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, firm and slightly cold
• Pinch of coarse salt
• 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

In a food processor; puree thawed strawberries, set aside. In a mixer, using a paddle attachment, beat together butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed and slowly add confectioners' sugar; beat until well combined.Add vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of strawberry puree. (You can use the remaining puree later.) Mix until just blended. Don't over mix. Consistency should be dense and creamy, almost like ice cream, not airy.


** This recipe makes enough frosting for a dozen cupcakes.