By Sarah King, SV Toys

Sarah King is a 40-year-old wife, mom of two, inventor of Wacky Jax(R), surfer and skate shop owner. She lives in Neptune, NJ.

I love to bake (and kids always want to help), but I cringe at the thought of the mess. My solution: an inexpensive tablecloth! I spread it out on the kitchen floor, and I don’t have to worry about the mess; and they can do it all – with my guidance. Here’s a recipe for “Not So Bad for you Chocolate Cupcakes.” I substitute apple sauce for butter and skip the frosting, and they are still a hit!

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 tsp salt
3 tbs applesauce
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 eggs
¾ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup milk
A few squeezes of chocolate syrup!

Preheat oven 350 F, line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Sift first 5 ingredients together and set aside.
Combine applesauce and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla.
Add flour mixture alternating with milk.
Fill cups ¾ full.
Bake around 15 minutes until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into cupcake.

Photo: Ambro
Published: June 5, 2012