Dulce De Leche Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Lately I've become obsessed with Google Reader, I can browse tons of websites with just a scroll of the mouse.  In one night I found this hilarious post on awkwardfamilyphotos.com, saw some fabulous NY Fashion Week photos, and found this frosting recipe.  You'll be surprised to know that it wasn't the photos of fros or fashion that have COMPLETELY changed my life, well maybe not completely, but it definitely will make me rethink my frosting choices on cakes.  This frosing is light and creamy with just a hint of dulce de leche, and I'm pretty sure will be my new go to frosting for cakes, and for eating off of graham crackers, and for eating right out of a bowl...I'm out of control, hope you enjoy as much as I did!

Dulce de Leche Swiss Meringue Buttercream

4 egg whites

1 1/4 c. sugar

Pinch of salt

24 tbl. unsalted butter, softened

1/3 c. dulce de leche

1 tsp. vanilla

In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the 4 egg whites, sugar, and salt.  Put the bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk constantly until the mixture reaches 160 degrees F (I have week wrists and stood on a chair so my arms wouldn't get tired, you can call me a baby if you'd like).  The mixture will no longer be clear and will be thicker.

Remove the bowl and attach the whisk attachment to the stand mixer.  Whisk on medium-high speed with the stand mixer for about 8 minutes or until the mixture has become thick, glossy, and can hold stiff peaks.  Turn the mixer down to medim and add the butter 2 tablespoons at a time, adding the next after the first one is completely incorporated.  After all the butter has been added turn the mixer back to medium-high speed and whisk until the frosting becomes thick, about 2-3 minutes.  Add the vanilla and dulce de leche and mix just until incorporated.  Eat straight out of the bowl......or I guess frost something.

-D

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

I think I've been living under a rock.  A very big rock where there is no such thing as chocolate cream cheese frosting.  It may be because I am a vanilla cake and frosting kind of girl but the thought had never crossed my mind that chocolate could be added to cream cheese frosting.  This recipe is creamy and very chocolatey with a tang of cream cheese.  I only did half the recipe to cover some funfetti cupcakes (the only boxed cake mix worth buying!), and I wish I had made the full batch so I could eat it with everything in the house.  Enjoy!

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
from Cupcake Project

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. unsalted butter, softened
4 c. powdered sugar (I didn't use the full amount since I wasn't piping it and it was plenty sweet)
1/2 c. cocoa powder

Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a stand mixer until smooth and creamy.  Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until fully incorporated.  Then, add the cocoa powder.  Eat by the handful while no one is watching...maybe that's just a step for me.

-D