Try This! Thursday - Sweet Potato Pecan Cupcakes

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you may be planning your Thanksgiving menu. If you haven't exactly gotten it all down, Southern Living has wonderful menu suggestion ideas for everything from the main course, to sides, to desserts! So, make sure you check that out if you are in a little bit of rut. If it is a dessert you are looking for, I found the perfect recipe that is perfect for children and adults! Try This!

Sweet Potato-Pecan Cupcakes

Prep: 15 min., Bake: 40 min., Cool: 1 hr.
Yield: Makes 2 dozen

Ingredients
-1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
-2 cups sugar
-1 cup butter, softened
-4 large eggs
-1 (16-oz.) can mashed sweet potatoes
-2/3 cup orange juice
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-3 cups all-purpose flour
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-Cream Cheese Frosting
-Garnish: coarsely chopped pecans

Preparation
1. Place pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan.
2. Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted, stirring once after 4 minutes.
3. Beat sugar and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition.
4. Whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients. Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with sweet potato mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Fold in toasted pecans. Place foil baking cups in muffin pans, and coat with vegetable cooking spray; spoon batter into cups, filling two-thirds full.
5. Bake at 350° for 28 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted into center comes out clean. Remove immediately from pans, and cool 50 minutes to 1 hour or until completely cool. Spread cupcakes evenly with Cream Cheese Frosting. Garnish, if desired.

Picture and Recipe found here

Make sure you tune in for every Try This! Thursday beginning on Thanksgiving for the countdown to Christmas! I'll be featuring crafts, DIY decorations, and delicious holiday recipes!