Sharp Cheddar Cupcakes with Candied Pecan Topping and Honey Blue Cheese Frosting |
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Prep Time: 25 Minutes Cook Time: 30 Minutes |
Ready In: 55 Minutes Servings: 12 |
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Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour |
1 cup granulated sugar |
3/4 cup whole milk |
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) butter, softened |
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder |
1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract |
1 egg, beaten |
2 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar |
candied pecans, recipe follows |
honey blue cheese frosting, recipe follows |
cheddar cheese crisps, recipe follows |
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar |
1 1/2 tablespoons butter |
1 1/2 cups toasted pecans, finely chopped, plus 12 whole pecans |
8 ounces cream cheese |
1 stick butter |
4 tablespoons blue cheese |
2 tablespoons honey |
1 cup powdered sugar |
1 cup shredded cheddar |
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cupcake pan with 12 liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, granulated sugar, milk, butter, baking powder, vanilla and egg. Add the cheese and stir to combine. Fill the cupcake liners three-quarters full and bake for about 20 minutes. Let cool.
3. Spoon a tablespoon of Candied Pecans on each cooled cupcake. Then frost each cupcake with Honey Blue Cheese Frosting. Finally, garnish with a Cheddar Cheese Crisp and 1 whole candied pecan.
4. This recipe was created by a contestant during a cooking competition. The Food Network Kitchens have not tested it for home use, therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.
5. Candied Pecans:
6. Combine the brown sugar, 1/4 cup water and butter in saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar melts. Stir in all the pecans. Continue cooking over medium heat until the sugar reaches a full boil, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully as the sugar will boil fairly quickly. As soon as the mixture reaches full boil, remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl to cool. Remove the whole pecans and save for garnish. Spoon candied pecans over cupcakes when sugar becomes sticky and not too runny. Yield: 2 cups.
7. Honey Blue Cheese Frosting:
8. Cream the cream cheese and butter together in a mixer. Add the blue cheese and honey. Slowly add the powdered sugar and mix well.
9. Cheddar Cheese Crisps:
10. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
11. Drop quarter-size mounds of cheese on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the cheese is crispy, about 5 minutes. Yield: 12 crisps.
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