Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes

Here is recipe number two for National Tequila Day! Here is a great recipe for those fresh strawberries, while they are still in season. This would be a great dessert to enjoy on a summer evening. You could also make this non-alcoholic by leaving out the tequila. Serve the cupcakes with tequila with an umbrella or a straw as pictured.

Click here on Family Table Treasures for the recipe and directions.

If you love baking with Strawberry flavours check out this AMAZING strawberry syrup. Perfect for adding a burst of flavour to your cooking, drinks and cocktails.  Strawberry syrup.  It comes in a few different variations but it is certainly a staple in my baking cupboard.

Sugared Lime Peel for Margarita Cupcake Toppers:

Ingredients:

• 2-3 large limes
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Water
• Extra sugar for coating

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Limes:
   • Wash the limes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue.
   • Using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, carefully remove the outer peel of the limes in long strips. Try to avoid the white pith as much as possible, as it can be bitter.
2. Blanch the Lime Peel:
   • In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil.
   • Add the lime peels to the boiling water and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes. This helps to soften the peel and remove any bitterness.
3. Shock the Lime Peel:
   • After blanching, immediately remove the lime peels from the boiling water and transfer them to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps to retain the vibrant green color of the peel.
4. Make Simple Syrup:
   • In a clean saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water.
   • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup comes to a simmer.
5. Infuse with Lime Flavor:
   • Add the blanched lime peels to the simmering simple syrup.
   • Let the lime peels simmer in the syrup for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to absorb the lime flavor.
6. Remove and Drain:
   • Using a slotted spoon, remove the lime peels from the syrup and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Allow the excess syrup to drip off and the peels to cool slightly.
7. Coat with Sugar:
   • Place some granulated sugar in a shallow dish or plate.
   • Roll each blanched and syrup-infused lime peel in the sugar until it is completely coated.
8. Dry the Sugared Lime Peel:
   • Arrange the sugared lime peels in a single layer on the wire rack.
   • Let them air dry for several hours or overnight until the sugar coating is dry and hardened.
9. Use as Cupcake Toppers:
   • Once the sugared lime peels are completely dry, they are ready to use as cupcake toppers.
   • Simply place a sugared lime peel on top of each margarita-flavored cupcake for a beautiful and flavorful decoration.
10. Enjoy:
    • Serve your margarita cupcakes with sugared lime peel toppers and delight your guests with their vibrant color and zesty flavor!

These sugared lime peel cupcake toppers will add a delightful touch to your margarita-themed treats, perfect for any celebration or gathering. Enjoy!