Sinfully Delicious Black Bottom Cupcakes

As I have mentioned before, I like to buy community or organization cookbooks at second hand stores. You'll know them by sight as they are bound by plastic rings and have names of the contributors next to the recipes. They are often worn and are certainly less glamorous then the published variety. The thing I like about them is that each person who contributes usually gives their favorite recipe, you know, the one that was passed down from great-aunt Gertrude. The recipes have generally stood the test of family and time.

This recipe immediately interested me, and I could not wait to try it. The author even stated that it has been used by her for "at least twenty years." It is from the Yakima Tennis Club's Love the Cookbook published in 1998. It did not disappoint! These are so good, you do not even need icing. I fed one to my husband and his first response was "Wow." It is definitely a keeper!

Black Bottom Cupcakes
by Terri Schaake

Ingredients:

8 oz. cream cheese
1 egg
1/3 c. sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 (6 oz) pkg. chocolate chips

1 1/2 c flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp soda
1/4 c. cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. water
1/3 c. oil
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

Place cream cheese, egg, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Beat well and tir in the chocolate chips. Set aside.

Beat all remaining ingredients until blended. Fill cupcake liners 1/3 full. Top each with a heaping teaspoon of cream cheese mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 24 cupcakes.

I have had this recipe for at least 20 years. I have tried several other recipes but always come back to this one.