Mango Margarita Cupcakes

My "adopted fam" in Vegas always throws a Cinco de Mayo fiesta, and there's never a lack of yummy food or alcohol.  However, this year's party was the last one in the house they've lived in for 18 years.  Such a momentous occasion required a little extra effort beyond showing up to the party, and I wanted to make something special.  A little Internet research, Googling "cinco de mayo recipes", led me to Hoosier Homemade, the blog of Liz, the Cupcake Lady. Liz's blog is fantastic.  It's already become one of my favorites. Liz blogs about baking, cooking, and decorating, and she has several terrific free email newsletters you can sign up for.  I highly recommend them.

On Hoosier Homemade, I found a  wonderful recipe for Margarita Cupcakes.  I adapted mine just slightly by using a mango mix and adding it to the frosting.  

The cupcakes started disappearing as I was walking up the drive to my adopted fam's house.  Several comments were made about the cupcakes matching my outfit.  I swear I didn't plan it that way!  Those enjoying a quiet moment outside quickly snapped the sweet treats up, and they kept being plucked from the tray as I made my way through the house to the outdoor patio area in the back.  A good sign, don't you think?! :)

About the frosting: Including the margarita mix made it a bit runny.  It held up fine when I chilled it in the fridge after frosting the cupcakes.  You may want to use less than I did to keep it fluffier and firmer. I did, however, get great feedback on how good the frosting tasted, so it may be worth it to have it a little softer.

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3/4 cup mango margarita mix (I used Master of Mixes Mango Daiquiri/Margarita Mix.)
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon grated lime peel
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 can vanilla frosting
• 1/4 cup mango margarita mix
• Red and yellow food coloring
• Orange candy slices for garnish

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Spritz cupcake liners with non-stick buttery spray, if you'd like.
• Combine all ingredients up to frosting in a large bowl and beat for about 2 minutes, until well blended.
• Spoon into cupcake liners.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Allow to cool.
• While the cupcakes are baking, stir margarita mix into frosting.
• Place a few drops each of red and yellow food coloring into the frosting and stir, adding more food coloring if necessary to achieve the desired color.
• Chill until the cupcakes are ready.
• Frost and top with an orange candy slice.