Recipe Swap - Black Bottoms

Want to see what other Holiday Cookies/Treats recipes were made during the swap? Here is the link to the Holiday Cookie/Treats Recipe Swap Roundup

The holiday season is in full swing and for many people that means doing a lot of baking. Many of my favorite food blogs have been posting recipes for cookies and other treats to make for holiday parties and gifts. I thought, what better theme for the swap then Holiday Cookies/Treats!

Since I'm the organizer for these swaps I tend to hold myself to a higher standard. I like to make my recipe early and allow myself plenty of time for any mishaps. I ask the participants to be conscientious so I need to do the same. Imagine my dismay when I realized the swap was due in a week and I had completely forgotten about it. There it was, late Sunday afternoon and I found myself with about an hour to get these Black Bottoms from Katie together. Thankfully I had 4 ounces of cream cheese left in the fridge from another recipe, but I was out of chocolate chips. With no time to run to the store and no chance to make them during the busy workweek, I forged ahead. Not being a baker, I didn't realize how vital the chocolate chips were going to be. I figured they were just an added bonus, but unfortunately my Black Bottoms weren't very good without them. Here is my photo of the Black Bottoms:


My friend Jaida has always said she'd be willing to fill in if someone had an issue with the swaps, so I asked for her help as a pinch baker. Being the great friend and baker that she is, she rose to the occasion. Here is her photo of the Black Bottoms:


And her comments about the little treats: "When the opportunity arose to try out these blackbottoms, I was excited because I love chocolate and I love cream cheese. Not to mention I love miniature-sized desserts! The cake part itself is not too sweet, but the cream cheese topping with the chocolate chips makes it just right!! And, a few of the chocolate chips sneak their way into the chocolate part and when you bite into one, there is a surprise center of melty chocolate – delish!! I refrigerated them overnight due to the cream cheese element, and brought them to work the following morning. I had barely made it through the door when a co-worker accosted me for the day’s baked goods and after one bite she declared, “Oh my God, these are delicious!” So, the verdict is in – these little treats are a winner!"

Katie, I promise to make these again once I pick up some chocolate chips. And a big thanks to Jaida for stepping in and helping a girl out. You rock.

Black Bottoms
So Tasty, So Yummy
Makes 48 miniature cupcakes/24 regular cupcakes

1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup oil
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla
8 ounces cream cheese
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350.

Mix first eight ingredients (through vanilla) together and set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, egg, salt and sugar together. Stir the chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture.

Line two muffin pans with paper liners. Divide chocolate batter evenly. Top evenly with the cream cheese mixture.

Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until set.