Gluten Free Lemon Cupcakes with Lemon Buttercream Frosting

I have several people in my life that have a gluten allergy.  I really feel bad for them having to sacrifice some of the amazing desserts that are out there.  So, this recipe is for all of you that need a sweet treat without the tummy ache!! And the frosting is AMAZING!! I could have sat down and ate the whole bowl myself.

(printable recipe) 

12 Cupcakes:  
1 box (15 oz) gluten free yellow cake mix  
1/2 c. butter, softened
2/3 c. water  
3 eggs, beaten 
2 Tbsp. grated lemon peel  
Frosting: (double this if you like lots of frosting...I did)
2 c. powdered sugar 
1/4 c. butter, softened 
1 tsp. grated lemon peel 
2-3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (don't double this, makes it too strong)

In large bowl, stir together all cake ingredients until moistened.  Divide batter evenly into 12 muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Beat all frosting ingredients until creamy and smooth.  Frost cupcakes.  I like my cupcakes chilled, especially with the lemon.  So, they can be store in a covered container in the refrigerator before serving.   

**Keep in mind that this cupcake is a bit denser than a regular cupcake...but the taste is still great!!

Source:  "mooched" from Betty Crocker 

Beef and Broccoli

Looking for a super easy and savory recipe for dinner?  This is it!!  We love Chinese food in my house.  This was a great way to enjoy the taste of take out in the convenience of home.    (225 calories per serving, 375 with rice)

(printable recipe)

1 lb. beef stew meat
1 medium onion, largely sliced
1 (10 oz) pkg. frozen broccoli
1/2 c. low sodium teriyaki sauce
2 Tbsp. sugar

Minute Rice, prepared (I used brown rice)

Slice stew meat thin, brown in skillet on high heat.  Mix teriyaki sauce and sugar together, set aside.  Add onion, broccoli, and sauce after meat is brown.  Cover and cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes.  Serve with rice.

Number of Servings: 4

Source:  www.sparkpeople.com 

This recipe was featured on the REAL Housewives of Riverton blog at http://housewivesofriverton.blogspot.com/2012/03/recipe-round-up-9.html

This recipe is posted on Good Recipes Online 

Apple Chunk Cupcakes

This is a recipe that I came up with while craving my mom's ooey, gooey apple cake from my childhood.  However, I wanted to create a low-calorie low-fat version.  Approx. 125 calories each.  Here it is...

1 yellow cake mix
3 egg whites
3/4 c. cinnamon applesauce
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 apple, peeled and diced
1 can caramel cake frosting

Mix together first four ingredients, fold in apple.  Fill lightly greased cupcake liners 3/4 full.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15-17 minutes.  Cool completely.  Top with small amount of caramel frosting.

Shared on Apples Galore Recipe Series sponsored by HammockTracks!!

Source: my own creation

100-Calorie Chocolate Cupcakes

Yes, it is true these tasty cupcakes are only 100-calories each.  So, if you have an incredible sweet teeth like myself, you can indulge without feeling guilty.

1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix

1 1/3 cups water

1/2 cup fat free sour cream

5 large egg whites (or 3/4 cup egg substitute)

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cupcake pan with cupcake wrappers. Beat cake mix, water, fat free sour cream, and egg whites or egg substitute in large bowl on low speed for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium speed and continue beating for 2 minutes. Fill cupcake wrappers 2/3 full. Bake for about 16 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely. Dust the tops of the cupcakes with powdered sugar using a sifter, sugar shaker, or wire mesh strainer.  Makes 24 cupcakes.

Source:  www.MedicineNet.com