Nutty Chocolate Cupcakes

Adapted from a cook book by Chef Alex Goh.

Ingredients A:

- 200g boiling water

- 35g cocoa powder

Ingredients B:

- 250g sugar (I used a little lesser)

- 1/2 tsp salt

Ingredients C:

- 3 eggs

- 120g vegetable oil

Ingredients D:

- 200g plain flour - all purpose flour (I used cake flour)

- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

- 1/2 tsp baking soda

Topping

- Ganache/Nutella

- Toasted chopped nuts

1) Mix Ingredients A with a hand whisk until well blended. Add B and mix till well combined. Set aside to cool.

2) Add C and mix until well incorporated. Add D and mix until well combined.

3) Line muffin cases in muffin tin. Spoon batter into the cases. Fill 2/3 full. *Tips: I poured the batter into a measuring cup and fill the cases from the cup. I find it easier that way.

4) Bake in pre-heated oven at 190c in the middle rack for 20-25 minutes. *Note: I baked at 180c for 25 minutes. **Tips: If you aren't sure if the cakes are fully cooked, always do a test by poking a skewer/toothpick into the cake. It's done when the skewer/toothpick comes out clean.

5) Set aside to cool. Spread ganache on top of the cakes and sprinkle with chopped toasted nuts and pipe some white chocolate lining. **I topped the cake with a dollop of nutella instead and sprinkled it with toasted chopped almonds. The amount of topping used, whether it's just a dollop or a generous spoonful, it's up to individual preference.

Enjoy!