PaTrIOtIc CoCoA CuPcAkEs

Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk*
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• VANILLA FROSTING(recipe follows)
• Cake stars OR blue and red decorating icing (in tube)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) or line with paper bake cups.

2. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add eggs, buttermilk, water, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes (batter will be thin). Fill cups 2/3 full with batter.

3. Bake 15 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove cupcakes from pan. Cool completely. To make chocolate stars for garnish, if desired, cut several cupcakes into 1/2- inch slices; cut out star shapes from cake slices. Frost remaining cupcakes. Garnish with chocolate stars or with red and blue decorating icing. About 30 cupcakes.

* To sour milk: Use 1 tablespoon white vinegar plus milk to equal 1 cup.

VANILLA FROSTING: Beat 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) softened butter, 1/4 cup shortening and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Add 1 cup powdered sugar; beat until creamy. Add 3 cups powdered sugar alternately with 3 to 4 tablespoons milk, beating to spreading consistency. About 2-1/3 cups.