Mini Vanilla Strawberry Cupcakes

Cupcakes are really taking over. At least that what Groupon is telling me when today's coupon (for cupcakes!) sold out at 6:57am...

What's really popular is weird flavors, unique toppings and an ingredient list inclusive of every dietary need or want.

Now I present some not so special but delicious miniature cupcakes that were made for the birthday gathering of a friend who is equally cute and colorful! It was a hectic day for me and I hurried the batter together then let it sit for two hours in the fridge while I went off to work. Here are the ingredients (I mixed the dry, then added the wet):

1 1/2 C flour
1 C sugar
1 t baking soda
1/4-1/2 t salt
1 C water
1/3 C oil
1 T mild vinegar
1 T + 1/4 t vanilla

I used vanilla extract because I had a friend who is allergic to nuts. I bet that extra 1/4 t extract could be easily swapped with almond, rum, lavender, peppermint... anything that sounds nice!

My main squeeze, Bree, gave them a hint of red and baked them to perfection while I was away. According to her, she has no idea how how long each batch was in the oven but it was definitely preheated to 350 degrees. I might check them after 10 minutes and take them out when they are plump and firm, and when you stick a fork in and no batter sticks on the return.

With some store bought icing (no time to make our own!) these cupcake were looking good for their birthday party debut.

Note: Big cupcakes would be fun too, but I only have a mini cupcake baking pan. Big ones might need to cook for a little longer.