Zucchini Cupcakes

These really are more like muffins with a caramelized frosting. They have a spiced bread feel. So yummy, and much more guilt free than your average cupcake!

Ingredients ::
3 eggs
1-1/3 cups sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice
1tsp almond extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2tsp ground cinnamon
2tsp baking powder
1tsp baking soda
1tsp ground cloves
1-1/2 cups shredded zucchini

Caramel Frosting ::
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk
1tsp vanilla extract
1-1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar

Directions ::
In a mixing bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil, orange juice, and extract. Combine dry ingredients; add to the egg mixture and mix well. Add zucchini and mix well.

Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.

For frosting, combine brown sugar, butter and milk in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; sir in vanilla. Cool to lukewarm. Gradually beat in powdered sugar with whisk until frosting reaches spreading consitency.

Frost the cupcakes!
makes about 1-1/2 to 2 dozen.