Cupcake Recipe No. 2 (August)

Now that summer is coming to an end, we should enjoy the season's flavors one last time. This yellow cupcake recipe is sure to please on a late-summer day. (Photo credit Ming Thompson)

#2: "Eton's Mess" Cupcakes - Yellow Cake with Cream, Meringue, and Strawberries

CUPCAKES
1 1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add vanilla and eggs.
Add milk and flour mixture alternately while still mixing.
Scoop mixture into cupcake liners and then bake for about 30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
Allow to cool on rack.

TOPPING
4 egg whites
1 cup sugar
pinch of salt
whipped cream
chopped strawberries

Preheat oven to 225°F.
Beat the egg whites until they hold soft peaks. Gradually add sugar and vanilla and beat until mixture is stiff and glossy.
Using a knife or pastry bag, make meringue shapes on parchment or aluminum foil. Bake until shapes are crisp and firm.
Frost cupcakes with whipped cream, and pile with strawberries and meringue.