Here is my entry for IronCupcake: 002_BASIL

Basil Berry Lemonade Cakes
Recipe
1 box white cake mix
3 eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup Basil Berry Syrup
Fresh Strawberries, chopped & for decoration

Frosting
1 cup heavy whipping cream
5 tbsps lemon & basil infused white sugar (below)
1/2 cup Basil Berry Syrup
Juice of 1 lemon

Basil Berry Syrup
2 cups white sugar
2 cups lemon juice
Fresh strawberries, sliced
2 bunches fresh basil

In saucepan combine sugar, lemon juice & sliced strawberries. Let cook over medium high heat until strawberries begin to turn white. Reduce heat to medium low & add basil leaves. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.

Use a sieve to strain the syrup. Let syrup cool.

Lemon Basil Infused Sugar
Put 5 tbsps white sugar in bowl. Grate peel of one lemon into the sugar, add basil leaves. Stir, cover & allow to sit.

Cakes
Preheat oven to 350. Mix cake mix, eggs, oil and Basil Berry Syrup. Chop strawberries (as many as desired!), stir into batter. Separate into cupcake wrappers & bake for approximately 14 minutes. Allow to cool on cooling racks

Whipped Frosting
Place mixing bowl & whisk in refrigerator for 20 minutes. To cold bowl, add heavy whipping cream, lemon juice & Lemon Basil Infused Sugar. Whisk on medium high speed until peaks form.

Use remainder strawberries, lemon slices & basil leaves for decoration.

Remainder Basil Berry Lemon Syrup can be used in a cocktail. Mix syrup with water, Sprite/7-Up and/or vodka! Yummm.

Special Note: The crystal pitcher was a birthday gift from my grandmother. The pitcher had originally belonged to my great great grandmother, Lydia & is estimated to be over 100 years old. I absolutely love having such a piece of my family's history. And I even think the Basil Berry Vodka Lemonade tastes better in this heirloom. Cheers indeed!

Voting begins Sunday, September 28 & lasts until Thursday, October 1.
VOTE FOR ME HERE!!