Pistol Packin’ Mama Cupcakes

Ingredients:
4 oz Vosges Red Fire Chips*, melted
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 eggs, at room temperature

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Grease or line 15-18 wells in a cupcake pan. In a large bowl, cream the butter, vanilla and sugar together. Add the eggs, beat until combined. Add the flour, baking soda, and baking powder mix until just combined. Slowly pour in the melted chocolate and mix throughly. Pour in the the boiling water and carefully mix until a wet, smooth batter forms. Pour into prepare pans, filling 3/4 of the way to the top. Bake 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the center cupcake comes out almost clean. Cool briefly in the pan, then remove to a wire rack and cool completely. Ice with your favorite icing or top with dulce de leche for a truly decadent experience.

*These are excellent chips, they have a great flavor and melt beautifully. They have a spicy kick from ancho and chipotle chili peppers and cinnamon. They are, however a little tricky to find. To make a fair facsimile, stir some finely ground dried hot peppers and some cinnamon into 4 oz of melted semi sweet chips.

My thoughts:

These are not cupcakes to be trifled with. At first bite they are exceptionally rich, chocolate-y and moist. Then, just a second later, you realize they are packing some heat. Not overwhelmingly spicy, just enough to keep it interesting. They are really delicious with the dulce de leche, but I bet a chocolate or even cream cheese icing would be equally delightful.

6 Comments

  1. Hi Rachel, hmm your cupcakes looks good & seems easy enough for me to try.. Gonna do it tom infact.. :))

  2. Wow! I need to find some of these…

  3. These sound really exceptional! I have always wanted to try my hand at chocolate/hot pepper flavor. And I have seen more recipes lately for dulce de leche. Constrant reminders that I need to keep stretching!

  4. Wow! I would love to try these!!! Chocolate and hot chili is a wonderful combination!

  5. I love how you used the Vosges Haut-Chocolat Red Fire chips! I am inspired to try your recipe. When I make Chocolate Moeulleux cakes I always add chocolate chips in the center before I bake this makes it even more gooey. Thank you for experimenting, I never thought of dulce de leche and red fire, can’t wait to check it out! My favorite dulce de leches are the fresh ones from Argentina without potassium sorbate. When I was in Buenos Aires the most popoular at the restaurants is La Serenísima dulce de leche which is scrumptious but I am not certian if it contains potassium sorbate. My favorite is Patagonia dulce de leche. You can also make you own!

    Katrina

  6. Vosges is such a wonderful place. I will make these and I will eat them all within 60 minutes, unless I fall asleep first.