Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes

My friend Jen's bday was last Friday. And Jen loves her peanut butter banana sandwiches, so I thought I'd make a treat for her birthday. I couldn't wait to try this recipe either. The picture looked so good, I couldn't resist. I made these after the Nestie ornament get together, so I admit I was a little tipsy. ; ) But even with my buzz, they came out wonderfully. I love the caramalized banana on the top, and the suprise peanut center is delicious!

Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes with Caramel Glaze

(this is the original recipe from Chockylit, I made some modifications)

11 tablespoons unsalted butter

9 ounces best-quality semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used chips)

5 ounces best-quality bitter-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped (I used milk choc. chips)

1-1/3 cup sugar

4 large eggs

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1 pinch salt

1/2 cup mashed banana (from 1 medium banana) (I used 1 cup/2 med. bananas)

1. melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate over a bain marie

2. whisk together eggs and sugar

3. add flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt, mix to combine

4. add melted chocolate/butter mixture, mix to combine

5. stir in mashed banana

6. fill cupcake tins about 1/3 full, drop a teaspoon of peanut butter mixture into each tin, top off with cupcake batter to about 2/3's full

7. bake for ~20 minutes or until a crust forms on the cupcakes

Caramel Glaze

2 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons half and half

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. in a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter

2. add milk and brown sugar, stir to combine

3. boil vigorously for 1 minute

4. remove from heat and beat in 1/2 cup powdered sugar

5. cool slightly then and beat in the vanilla and remaining powdered sugar, add more half in half if necessary (I used a couple more Tbs. of milk and 1/4 cup more sugar)

6. quickly spoon over cupcakes before glaze sets