Hannah's+Strawberry+Cupcakes+with+Star+Anise+Sauce

**__Strawberry Cupcakes with Star Anise Sauce Recipe__**
Cook time: 45 minutes Makes: 18 cupcakes

**__Ingredients:__**
//**Strawberry Cupcakes**// //**Strawberry Buttercream Frosting**// //**Star Anise Sauce**//
 * 2 1/4 cup cake flour
 * 1 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
 * 2 3/4 tsp baking powder
 * 1/2 tsp salt
 * 3/4 cup unsalted butter
 * 3/4 cup pureed frozen strawberries
 * 4 large egg whites
 * 1/3 cup milk
 * 3/4 cup unsalted butter
 * 1 cup freezed dried strawberries
 * 2 1/2 tsp heavy cream
 * 2 cups powdered sugar
 * 2 pints strawberries
 * 2 whole Star Anise pods
 * 1 tsp finely grated orange zest
 * 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
 * 1/4 cup sugar

__ Directions __
//** Strawberry Cupcakes **// //**Star Anise Sauce**//
 * 1) In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
 * 2) In a large bowl with an electric mixer, blend butter with strawberry puree.
 * 3) In another bowl, whisk together egg whites and milk.
 * 4) Mix them all together with a whisk.
 * 5) Place 18 cupcake liners in the cupcake maker.
 * 6) Fill cupcake liners about 3/4 full with the batter.
 * 7) Put in cupcake maker for about 8 minutes or when a toothpick in the center of the cupcake comes out clean.
 * 8) Poke a hole into the middle of the cupcake and take some of the insides out.
 * 9) Insert the star anise sauce with a piping bag.
 * 10) Place the insides back in.
 * 11) Top the cupcake with strawberry buttercream frosting.
 * 12) Enjoy your cupcakes!!!
 * //Strawberry Buttercream Frosting//**
 * 1) With an electric mixer, whip butter on medium-high speed until very pale and fluffy. This will take about 6-8 minutes.
 * 2) Crush freeze dried strawberries in a plastic bag lightly.
 * 3) Transfer strawberry powder to whipped butter and blend mixture until they are combined.
 * 4) Stir in heavy cream and powdered sugar and whip mixture for 4-5 minutes on medium-high speed.
 * 5) Top on strawberry cupcakes.
 * 1) In a saucepan, combine all ingredients and crush lightly.
 * 2) Simmer over moderate heat until the strawberries lose their bright red color.
 * 3) Strain the sauce through a fine sieve.
 * 4) Refrigerate until chilled.
 * 5) Insert the star anise sauce into the strawberry cupcakes.

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