[doubleblessings]

This is the recipe for the cupcakes Ellie liked. I will type out the actual recipe and then what I think I did (because I REALLY screwed it up ) I wish I could make it and bring it to you, but I couldn't get that done until Monday and I know you want it for Sunday.

From The Cake Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum
White Velvet Butter Cake
4.5 large egg whites
1 C milk
2 1/4 t vanilla
3 C flour
1 1/2 C sugar
1T+1t baking powder (I used baking soda and cream of tarter)
3/4 t salt
12 T unsalted softened butter

Preheat oven to 350

Combine egg whites, 1/4 C milk and vanilla (I put in all of the milk)

In separate large mixing bowl combine dry ingredients - blend on low 30sec
Add butter and 3/4 c milk and moisten on low then beat for 1 1/2 min on med (I think I realized I messed up at this point and I put some of the egg/milk mixture in )

Add egg mixture in 3 batches beat between

Put in greased and floured pans (half full) - fits in 2 9in pans

Bake 25-35 min

Classic Buttercream
6 large egg yolks
1C sugar
1/2 C water
2C unsalted softened butter

Beat yolks until light in color
In pan combine sugar and water and heat stirring until sugar dissolves and the syrup is boiling. Stop stirring and boil to soft-ball stage 238degrees (I guessed) - then immediately transfer sugar to glass measuring cup to stop the cooking.
Beat small amount of syrup into eggs beat 5 sec then repeat - beat until cool
Gradually beat in the butter.
Can be refrigerated, but bring to room temp before spreading on cake (can rebeat if needed for texture).