Cup Cakes with Vanilla and Chocolate Icings

• 1 large egg, cracked
• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup sifted cocoa powder (optional for chocolate cupcakes)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 3 tablespoons sifted cocoa powder (optional for chocolate icing)
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate sprinkles
• Multi-colored sprinkles
• Colored sugar
• Silver dragees (balls)
• Mini-chocolate chips
• Candy covered chocolates
• Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
• Fresh blueberries
• Toasted chopped nuts

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and make sure the oven rack is in the center position.
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper cups, and place 4 paper cups inside a second muffin tin.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of water to each of the remaining empty muffin wells.
4. Combine all the cupcake ingredients in a bowl, adding the water last.
5. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the lined muffin cups.
7. Bake until risen and golden in color and a toothpick inserted into the center of 1 cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.
8. To make the icing, combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
9. Blend with a hand-held mixer until smooth and creamy.
10. Remove from the oven and carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Using a small spatula or butter knife, spread either Vanilla or Chocolate icing onto each cupcake (using about 2 tablespoons per cupcake).
12. If desired, place optional toppings on separate plates and dip the cupcakes into desired toppings and serve.

egg, unsalted butter, flour, cocoa, buttermilk, vanilla, baking soda, salt, sugar, water, powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, buttermilk, unsalted butter, vanilla, salt, chocolate sprinkles, multicolored sprinkles, colored sugar, dragees, chocolate chips, covered chocolates, chocolate sandwich cookies, fresh blueberries, nuts

Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/cup-cakes-with-vanilla-and-chocolate-icings-recipe.html (may not work)