Impress Your Friends with Black Forest Torte Cupcakes

OK, so I went to a ladies' dinner group this week in our neighborhood, and we had these fabulous cupcakes. They taste just like Ding-Dongs. There is some assembly involved, but they're really very easy and very good. Here's the recipe. I've added some editorial comments in []. Enjoy!

In a large bowl place 8T. cocoa and enough water to dissolve cocoa (approx. 1/4 C.) Then add:

2/3 C. shortening
1 3/4 C. sugar
1 t. salt
1 1/4 C. water
1 3/4 C. flour
1 1/4 t. soda
1/4 t. baking powder
1 t. vanilla.

Beat at low speed to blend. Add 3 eggs, beat until blended. Pour into paper lined cupcake pans. And bake at 350 for 15-18 min. Allow to cool completely.

Filling:

1/2 C. margarine
2 large Hershey bars
1 tub of cool whip (or whipping cream, if you prefer)

Melt chocolate and margaring very slowly over low heat or in double boiler. Cool but don't allow to harden [don't skip -- the chocolate shouldn't be too runny, you don't want it to run off the cupcakes, so let the chocolate set a bit]. Remove cupcakes from paper liners and cut in half. On bottom half drizzle some chocolate [very little or it will run over the sides] and place a small spoonful of whipped cream. Put the top on, drizzle some more chocolate and another small spoon of whipped cream. Grate chocolate on top for a garnish.

Very yummy!