TGIF FTW

Are you ready for the weekend? As the week starts to wind down, I’m wiped out. The work week wasn’t particularly strenuous, so I think it was a combination of things (read: first world problems). Feeling under the weather and moody (dare I say from PMS?); leaving for work late after dropping yogurt on the kitchen floor, my pants, and the wall; back-to-school traffic; and staying up late to bake cupcakes.

Sure, some of those literal and figurative headaches could have been avoided. Fortunately, the lack of sleep was darn worth it for these cupcakes! We always bring in an airlift of food for birthdays at work and this week was no exception. It was my boss’s birthday, so I wanted to bring in more than a store-bought treat. Since he likes dark beer and chocolate, I knew these Rogue Mocha Porter cupcakes with salted caramel cream cheese frosting would be perfect. I found the recipe through The Bake & Brew and her review had me hooked.

When I couldn’t find the Rogue Mocha Porter, I snagged a bottle of Stone Brewing Co. Smoked Porter and never looked back. “Smooth, with chocolate and coffee-like flavors balanced by subtle “smoky” character of peat-smoked specialty malt” sounded like the perfect complement to these cupcakes to me.

And the rave reviews at the office put them straight on the “to bake again” list.

For another boozy dessert, try the raspberry champagne cupcakes. Hope you have a fantastic (and restful) weekend!