Buttermilk Chocolate Cupcakes

BUTTERMILK CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES
based on a recipe from Melinda Gassman

In a small sauce pan bring to a boil:
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 vegetable oil
1 cup water

Place the following into a mixing bowl:
2 2/3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup extra dark cocoa powder

pour boiling mixture onto dry ingredients and mix well, then add:
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup buttermilk*

Mix well. Batter will be runny. Scoop into paper-lined cupcake pans. Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes. Makes about 30 cupcakes. Recipe may be halved.

* make your own buttermilk by putting 2/3 tsp of lemon juice or vinegar into a 2/3 cup measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way with milk.


Optional:
vanilla cupcakes - omit the cocoa powder, increase vanilla to 2 tsp.