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                                            Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes  | 
                                            Ready In: 45 Minutes Servings: 18  | 
                                         
                                        
                                     
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                    If you're in a big hurry, these cupcakes are delicious even without frosting. The recipe works well with either fresh or frozen rhubarb, and a hint of nutmeg sparks the flavor.  Ingredients: 
                    
                        
                                                1/2 cup shortening  |  
                                                1 cup packed brown sugar  |  
                                                1/4 cup sugar  |  
                                                1 egg  |  
                                                2 cups king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour  |  
                                                1/2 teaspoon baking soda  |  
                                                1/4 teaspoon baking powder  |  
                                                1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg  |  
                                                1 cup buttermilk  |  
                                                1-1/2 cups finely chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb, thawed  |  
                                                cream cheese frosting, optional  |  
                                                
                     
                    Directions: 
                    
                        
                            
                                1. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and nutmeg; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Fold in rhubarb. 2. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Frost if desired. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.                              | 
                         
                         
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