bacon maple cupcakes

prep time:  tbd (the ganache can take a while to get smooth, but the cupcakes took about 20 minutes)
cook time:  20 minutes
servings:  18 cupcakes (it actually makes about 30 cupcakes)

ganache ingredients:
2 cups heavy cream
1 pound semisweet chocolate (chopped or chocolate chips)
pinch of salt
bacon

cupcake ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons maple extract
1 1/4 cups milk

ganache steps:
1. in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring cream to a full boil; turn off heat. add chocolate, and swirl pan to completely cover with cream. slowly whisk mixture until smooth. add salt. stir until combined. transfer to a clean bowl and let chill overnight or until spreadable.

cupcake steps:
1.  preheat oven to 350 degrees.  line the cupcake pans with cupcake liners.  into a medium bowl, sift together flours, backing powder and salt.  set aside.

2.  in a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, 3 - 4 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.  beat in eggs, one at a time, then beat in maple extract.  with the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the milk and beginning and ending with the flour.  beat until combined after each addition.

3.  fill liners 2/3 full. bake 20 minutes until golden and the tester comes out clean.

4.  when cupcakes have cooled, spread some ganache on top.  chill for a minute or two.  while the cupcakes are chilling, cook up some of your favorite bacon until it's crunchy and toasted.  chop into pieces and add to the top of each cupcake.

- delish.com