This week is about a little more than just delicious treats. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, something that is very near and dear to my heart. Breast cancer strikes far too many, old and young, rich and poor, mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmas, daughters. Awareness is empowerment, so I'm taking attention any way I can get it. With a pink theme in mind, this week's flavor is Strawberry. I hope you enjoy, but more important, I hope you are moved to act. There are countless organizations that help women facing a diagnosis, so if you ever feel like making a difference, do it! (One of my favorites: http://walk.avonfoundation.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_homepage)

And a special occasion calls for a special apron

First, we start with strawberries

And make them like this:

Let's take a look at all the ingredients for the day (the salt was ready for the occasion)

 

Next up, mixing the dry ingredients

 

Then it's time to mix the butter, sugar, and vanilla

Next up, one egg at a time

Then it's time to add the dry stuff

Add a little milk and you got a good thing going

Mix mix mix

Now it's time for the good stuff!

Stir it up

I saw these cupcake liners and thought they would go nicely with the pink theme

And now we're ready for the oven!

25 minutes later...

Looking delicious!

All dressed up for a good cause!

Strawberry Cucpakes- Cupcakes for a Cause

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup cake flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter at room temp (2 sticks)

2 1/4 cups sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 large eggs, plus one egg white

1 cup whole milk

2 cups finely chopped strawberries ( I would maybe blend to make the strawberries more infused in the batter)

Vanilla Frosting

3/4 cups unsalted butter room temp

2 cups confectioners sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350. Mix both flours, salt and baking powder. On a medium speed, cream butter, sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Add whole eggs and egg white, one at a time. Beat until each is incorporated. Reduce speed to low and add flour mixture in two parts, adding milk after each addition. Beat until well combined. Stir in strawberries. Bake 25-30 minutes.

For the frosting, beat butter on medium-high speed until pale and creamy. Reduce speed to medium and add the confectioner's sugar a 1/2 cup at a time. Beat on high for 10 seconds, then go back to medium. Add vanilla and beat until the frosting is smooth.