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Recipe: Raisin Cupcakes with Lemon Yogurt Icing (Article: Baking With Yogurt)

Desserts - Cakes
BAKING WITH YOGURT
Source: the American Institute for Cancer Research

Yogurt, particularly low-fat and non-fat varieties, has a lot to offer health-conscious cooks. This tangy dairy product, which dates back more than 4,000 years, is made of milk that has fermented and curdled because of the addition of "friendly" bacteria. It is these bacteria that give yogurt its tart taste and custardy texture.

Yogurt has many health benefits. Packed with protein and calcium, it is an excellent source of potassium and B vitamins. Yogurt reduces the risk of intestinal infection by harmful organisms such as salmonella and E coli. It may also improve digestion for those who are lactose-intolerant. And one of yogurt's friendly bacteria may even lower levels of certain enzymes that are associated with cancer.

Those who follow a healthful, low-fat diet will be happy to know that yogurt has an added benefit - it can also be used to reduce or replace high-fat ingredients, such as butter, in baking. Best of all about this good news is that yogurt maintains the creamy taste that gives such wonderful "mouth feel" to baked desserts.

You can get great results reducing the fat in your favorite chocolate chip cookie or brownie recipes by substituting non-fat yogurt for some of the fat. Replace half of the butter or other solid shortening with half as much non-fat yogurt. (For example, replace 1 cup butter with 1/2 cup butter and 1/4 cup non-fat yogurt.) If the recipe calls for cooking oil, replace half the oil with three-fourths as much non-fat yogurt, i.e., instead of 1 cup oil, use 1/2 cup oil and 3/8 cup (3/4 of 1/2 cup) non-fat yogurt.

Plain, non-fat yogurt can be used in place of sour cream, cup for cup, in a variety of recipes - and it gives a richer body and flavor than fat-free sour cream. Non-fat yogurt can also replace some of the eggs in certain recipes, like those for coffee cake or cake-like cookie bars.

RAISIN CUPCAKES WITH LEMON YOGURT ICING

FOR THE CUPCAKES:
1 1/2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 cup low-fat yogurt
2 Tbsp. soft margarine or butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, beaten
FOR THE LEMON YOGURT ICING:
3/4 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
1 Tbsp. low-fat yogurt
1/2 tsp. grated lemon rind
1/2 tsp. lemon juice

Spray muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray or line with paper liners.

In saucepan, cover raisins with water; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup liquid. Let cool.

In bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves.

In separate large bowl, beat yogurt, margarine (or butter) and sugar until well mixed. Add egg and beat well. Stir in reserved cooking liquid alternatively with dry ingredients. Add cooled raisins and mix well.

Spoon into prepared muffin tins. Bake at 375 F for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool.

MAKE THE ICING:
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Spread on cooled cupcakes.

Each of the 12 cupcakes contains 218 calories and 3 grams of fat.
MsgID: 052447
Shared by: Betsy at Recipelink.com
Board: Healthy Cooking at Recipelink.com
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