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CUPCAKES:.
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Preheat oven to 175C Grease and lightly flour 2 cupcake pans.
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In a small bowl, sift the cake flour and set aside.
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In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the red food colouring, cocoa, and vanilla.
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Add to the batter and beat well.
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In a measuring cup, stir the salt into the buttermilk.
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Add to the batter in three parts alternating with the flour.
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With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated, but do not overbeat.
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In a small bowl, stir together the cider vinegar and baking soda.
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Add to the batter and mix well.
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Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl, making sure the ingredients are well blended and the batter is smooth.
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Divide the batter among the prepared pans.
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Arrange the oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and bake the cupcakes, switching positions of the pans halfway through baking, until a tester comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
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Cool the cupcakes in the pan 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a rack before icing.
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Fill a piping bag with the icing and spread over cakes.
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Big and swirly is the key!
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ICING OPTIONS:.
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Nota bene: Use and store the icing at room temperature because icing will set if chilled.
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Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:.
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Place the butter in a large mixing bowl.
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Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla.
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On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
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Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency.
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You may not need to add all of the sugar.
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If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly.
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CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:.
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With an electric mixer, blend together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Pour in powdered sugar, salt and vanilla extract.
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Turn mixer on high and beat until light and fluffy.
