I was recently hired to create caramel apples as a wedding favor. The bride and I choose a traditional look using a popsicle stick, over sized cupcake liner, and twine. For a fall wedding I think this is a wonderful idea!

This is a great quick week night meal. It came together in less than 20 minutes and was full of the flavors of the season, which I love!

I also imagine this being a wonderful starter course for a fall themed dinner. (a small portion of course)

Margarita Cupcake
Adapted from Good Things Catered

2 c. AP flour
1 tbsp instant milk powder
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
12 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2c. sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 c. margarita mix (no tequila)
5 egg whites, room temperature

Frosting
4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
6 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 c. powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350F and prepare 2 cupcake pans with liners.

In a medium bowl sift together flour, instant milk, baking powder, salt and set aside.

In another bowl beat together butter and sugar until light and creamy. Beat in vanilla and then the margarita mix. Reduce speed and mix in flour mixture a little at a time until completely combined.

In a separate bowl, with clean dry beaters, whip egg whites on high until they form stiff peaks. Using a spatula fold egg whites into the batter until just combined.

Pour the batter into the cupcake pans and bake 20-22 minutes or until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Meanwhile in a bowl of a stand mixer combine cream cheese, butter, lime juice and zest, vanilla extract and beat on high until mixture is light and fluffy. Slowly add in salt and sugar until combined thoroughly. Place in fridge to chill.

Once cupcakes are cooled pipe on frosting. Garnish with straws, lime slices, and coarse salt.

My hopes were very low this year that I would be able to find canned pumpkin. I have heard over and over on message boards that there is a pumpkin shortage so when I was at the grocery store the other day and they had ONE CAN left I grabbed it. Funny how when you can't find something you want it.

I used this pumpkin bread recipe (minus the chocolate chips) but cooked it in my muffin tin and topped it with cream cheese frosting. mmmm.... pumpkin....

Good luck on your pumpkin search this year!