Do the words "Black Tie Required" stir up excitement in your soul or leave you with sweaty palms and anxiety?  With holiday parties around the corner, the chances that you will receive an invitation with those 3 little words are definitely increased. 

Since I am almost painfully "fashion challenged", I can't help you in the dress department but I CAN help you in the food department for a black tie affair.  What is the most appropriate food to serve (or bring to) an elegant Black Tie affair?  Black Tie Cupcakes, of course.  

Black Tie Cupcakes 

3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup strong coffee
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Ganache
3 tablespoons corn syrup
5 ounces heavy cream
12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Meringue

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line standard muffin tins with paper liners; set aside.
2. Sift together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.

3. Add eggs, espresso/water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth, taking care to scrape down the side of the bowl to fully incorporate all ingredients.

4. Using a large scoop, distribute the batter between 24 muffin wells, filling each well 2/3 full.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until tops spring back when touched.

6. Transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely.

7. Once cupcakes have cooled, hollow out a small circle in the center of each cupcake.

In a small saucepan combine the corn syrup and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and add the chocolate.










Stir until smooth.

Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Allow to cool at room temperature for a 1/2 hour before filling cupcakes.

Fill cupcake holes with ganache.

 Top each with a swirl of marshmallow meringue.

Add a chocolate curl and voila - a black tie affair worthy cupcake.

Now that I've given you the perfect cupcake recipe for your elegant party, it's up to you to pick out the perfect outfit.  (Good luck with that.)

Ciao!