You put what in my frosting?? {Motivate Me Monday}

SO the big day...time to reveal that mystery cupcake flavor I have been talking about for the past 5 days.  I have to tell you that there have been over 100 guesses between the blog, facebook and twitter on what this cupcake is. A lot of the comments seriously cracked me up and I love how enthusiastic people were to try to guess correctly. There was actually one very close guess on the blog, which amazed me, because never in a million years would I have guessed this myself.
This flavor will most likely make most of you think....eeeew! Definitely not a cupcake for the traditional cupcake lover or someone who likes cupcakes just because they are meant to be (in my opinion), sweet. This cupcake is for....hmmm..lets say someone who enjoys more of an earthy, savory dessert.

Yes, I did it...call it an insane Cupcake Wars moment...I put Pesto in the vanilla buttercream frosting. OH MY, the insanity!! Again, my Dad really enjoyed it, I however am a traditional SWEET cupcake girl, so while this wasn't bad, it just simply wasn't my style. OH and in my personal opinion, I could do without the balsamic vinegar...too much for me.

This is how I mixed it:
1 to 1 1/2 Cups of fresh buttercream frosting and 1 tsp or a bit more of the Pesto. Adjust to your liking.

The Pesto alone however is amazing and is SOOO good on top of pasta and grilled chicken!! Here is the recipe we use to make it.


Basil & Oregano Pesto
source unknown

1 C fresh basil leaves, packed
1/4 C fresh oregano leaves, packed
1 oz parmesan cheese coarsely chopped
1 large clove of garlic
1/4 C of extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

Combine first 4 ingredients in a food processor and pulse till combined. With processor on, add olive oil slowly, scraping sides as needed, till smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This is the Smoked Salt my Dad happened to have on hand and while I was a bit nervous to try it, it truly helped even out the Pesto frosting taste. Without salt you were first smacked in the face by sweetness then a second wave hits you with the pesto garlic taste. You can purchase this salt online at www.artisansalt.com. I am curious as to the other salts they have. I really want to try a salted caramel cupcake or brownie.

Here is the balsamic vinegar we used, I believe my parents picked it up at the local grocery. Maybe seeing the bottle will help some of you who are interested find it at your store.

I hope this bizarre flavored cupcake motivates you to try something new and unusual. If nothing else, you have a new recipe to use for a simple dinner dish, which I think is what I will stick to using this Pesto recipe for.

Have a super day!
Hugs,
Pam