Black and White Cupcakes

These are a rich delicious cupcake.  The batter is thin and produces a very light cake like cupcake.  You won't be disappointed.

2 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup Cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk or sour milk
2 eggs
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla frosting
Chocolate frosting

1. Heat oven to 350F.  Line muffin cups with paper bake cups.
2. Combine dry ingredients in large bowl.  Add buttermilk, eggs, 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 centre comes out clean.  Remove cupcakes from pan.  Cool completely.  Frost with Vanilla Frosting or Chocolate Frosting.

** To sour milk use 1 tbsp white vinegar plus milk to equal 1 cup

Vanilla Frosting:  Beat 1/4 cup softened butter, 1/4 cup shortening and 2 tsp vanilla extract.  Add 1 cup powdered sugar; beat until creamy.  Add 3 cups powdered sugar alternately with 3 to 4 tbsp milk, beating to spreading consistency.  About 2 1/3 cups.

Perfectly Chocolate Chocolate Frosting:  Melt 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter; stir in 2/3 cup cocoa.  Add 3 cups powdered sugar alternately with 1/3 cup milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract beating to spreading consistency.  About 2 cups frosting.