Brownie Cupcakes & Potato Soup

A few days ago I had made the cupcakes and told everyone I would post the recipe, I apologize it has taken me longer than I expected to post I have been very busy lately with school and the kiddos. I have also started training for a 5k! My first ever and I am so very excited, I will be running the Color Me Rad in VA, Beach May 5th! I have a little team who is running with me. My friend Ashlea, she is going to kick my butt running lol. It is hard (well for me it is) to train for running since I have never been a runner more-less a sports person lol. But I am determined to run this 5K and get into the shape I want to be in! It's very exciting. And the run benefits the local Hampton Roads YMCA. I am all for supporting that cause, growing up I spent a lot of time at our local YWCA in Oak Ridge Tennessee. I will not be posting over the weekend as I will be visiting a friend! But please find something delicious to make off of one of my tabs and enjoy for me! :)
Have a wonderful and safe weekend! Happy cooking :)

Brownie Cupcakes with Chocolate Creme Filling & Cream Cheese Frosting
(Garnished with chopped chocolate and coco dusting)

I am ALL about simplifying any task for busy moms, please feel free to buy boxed brownie mix to cut time for you! Or you can use the brownie ingredients on previous post "Football Brownie Sandwiches".

Gather ingredients:
GATHER INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR EITHER BROWNIE BOX MIX OR MY CHOCOLATE CHIP BROWNIE MIX (LISTED ON PREVIOUS BROWNIE RECIPE DOWN A FEW POSTS).

For frosting:
*8oz cream cheese, softened
*1c powdered sugar
*1 teasp vanilla

Garnish:
*Chop 1c chocolate chips
*Pinch coco powder and sprinkle on top of frosting and chocolate chips

Filling:
1 can chocolate frosting

Bake brownie mix in cupcake holders for about 20-25 minutes. Check them at 20 to see how much longer they need. Let the brownies cool completely. Take cupcake filler and create a little hole for the chocolate crème to go. Next you will mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, & vanilla. Frost the cupcakes one at a time. If the frosting consistency is soft you can put them in the fridge to set before serving them. For the garnish take the chocolate chips and chop them finely with a sharp knife, sprinkle each cupcake. Then add a dusting of coco powder. These are so yummy and were a HUGE hit at the Super bowl party they were served at! Remember you can use my recipe for brownie mix (also in my blog under “Foot Ball Brownies”. I originally was going to make the football brownies but these just kind of came together in their place!




Loaded Potato Soup

Gather needed ingredients:
*4 red potatoes
*2 teasp olive oil
*1/2 c prechopped onion
*1 1/4 c chicken broth
*3 tblsp all-purpose flour
*2 c 1% low-fat milk, divided
*1/4 c reduced-fat sour cream
*1/2 teasp salt
*1/4 teasp ground black pepper
*3 bacon slices, crumbled
*1.5 oz cheddar cheese, shredded (about 1/3 cup)
*4 teasp thinly sliced green onions
* I also added about half a can of sliced carrots, drained & cut


Pierce potatoes with a fork. Microwave on HIGH 13 minutes or until tender. Cut in half; cool slightly.
While potatoes cook, heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add broth. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk; add to pan with 1 1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; stir often. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream,carrots, salt, and pepper. Arrange bacon on a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate.Cover with a paper towel; microwave on HIGH for 4 minutes. Crumble bacon. Discard potato skins. Coarsely mash potatoes into soup. Top with cheese, green onions, and bacon.