These cupcakes are amazing!! I always make them for bake sales at school, or whenever I have a party at home, and everyone loves it! It goes great with cream cheese frosting. You can simply make this by mixing any cream cheese with icing sugar. Up until now, this recipe was a secret but I think you deserve to know!

3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups canola oil
2 1/4 cups sugar (plus 1 tablespoon)
3 large eggs
1/3 cup red food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar

1. preheat oven to 350F.
2. in a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, ans salt. set aside.
3. in a separate bowl, use an electric mixer and combine the oil and sugar.
4. add the eggs one at a time
5. add the food coloring and vanilla in a slow stream
6. alternately add he flour mixture and buttermilk in two batches.
7. in a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar and baking soda. immediately add to the previous mixture and beat for 10 seconds.
8. pour into cupcake cases and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Allow 20 minutes to cool before decorating or spooning frosting.
yield: 24 cupcakes (maybe more!)