Filled Cupcakes With Strawberries

Ingredients

1 cake mix (vanilla or 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, chilled

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons orange peel

1/4 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups confectioner's sugar

1/2 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and drained

1/4 cup sugar plus ½ cup

Preparation

Prepare cupcakes according to the directions on the cake mix package.

In a blender, combine the cheese, strawberries,1/4 cup of sugar, and lemon juice with peel. Process the mixture until it thickens. Transfer the strawberry mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a small tip. Push the tip getly into bottom of a cupcake and squeeze in strawberry mixture. Do the same with the rest of the cupcakes.

In a small saucepan, bring the rest of the sugar, water, and vanilla to a simmer over meduim heat, simmering until the sugar has dissolved. In a medium bowl, combine the vanilla syrup with the confectioner's sugar. Stir until smooth. Working quickly, use a rubber spatula to spead icing on top of the cupcakes. If icing firms up, place in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up.

ENJOY! :)