MAPLE-PECAN CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Insert cupcake liners into cupcake pans.
• In a bowl, sift flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium speed.
• Add maple syrup to butter and continue beating until mixture is light and airy.
• Decrease speed to low, add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
• Gradually add dry ingredients and milk; mix until well incorporated into smooth batter.
• Mix in chopped pecans by hand.
• Fill the cupcake liners 2/3 full.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cupcakes are springy to the touch and a pick comes out clean.
• Remove from oven and cool on wire rack for 10 minutes.
• Prepare frosting: in a bowl, whip cream with 3 tablespoons maple syrup until firm frosting is achieved.
• Fold chopped pecans into frosting.
• Place dollop of maple frosting on each cupcake, adding a teaspoon of maple syrup on top of the frosting.