For Papa

As you all know I'm a little obsessed with baking cupcakes, I've had some great opportunities with Savannah's school lately to develop some new recipes by tinkering in the kitchen. My dad loves pecans and I wanted to try to bring in all of those awesome fall flavors and use pecans for my Dad. Hope you like them Dad , Love you!

Papa's Pecan Cupcakes
with Pecan White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice*optional*
  

n 2-quart saucepan over medium low heat, brown pecans in butter until butter is lightly browned; stir constantly. Remove pecans and set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, brown sugar, and baking powder, salt, milk, vanilla, eggs, and browned butter . Beat for about 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of the browned pecans( this step is optional, since some people who shall remain nameless-ROB- don't like nuts in their cake, you can use most of the remaining nuts in the frosting or sprinkle on top). Pour batter into lined cupcake pan. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes.

For Frosting:
9 oz white chocolate (melted and cooled)
12 oz cream cheese
6 oz unsalted butter
1 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup toasted chopped pecans(you can use more or less depending on your preference) *we used the pecans that were browned in the butter