Chocolate Macaroon Cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 egg whites
1 egg
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup buttermilk
Filling:
1 cup fat-free ricotta cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg white
1/3 cup flaked coconut
1/2 teaspoon coconut or almond extract
2 teaspoons confectioners' sugar
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the egg whites, egg, applesauce and vanilla. Combine the flour, sugar, cocoa and baking soda; gradually add to egg white mixture alternately with buttermilk. Spoon half of the batter into 18 muffin cups coated with cooking spray.In another bowl, beat the ricotta cheese, sugar and egg white until smooth. Stir in coconut and extract. Spoon 1 tablespoonful in the center of each muffin cup.
Fill muffin cups two-thirds full with remaining batter. Bake at 350° for 28-33 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in cupcake comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks; cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.
