French Toast Cupcakes with Maple Bacon Buttercream

French toast is a go-to breakfast item for me, especially topped with bacon, and with a side of maple syrup. Now just imagine a cupcake that has all these three ingredients listed above within it. Dream come true? I think so. I know I have been adding or topping some of my latest recipes with bacon, BUT COME ON...WHO DOESN'T LOVE BACON??!! I just don't get it. Anyway, if you are interested in making these delicious mouthwatering cupcakes, take a look below!

*Makes: 18 cupcakes 

Ingredients

For cupcakes:

• 3 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g)  granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) butter, softened 
• 1 cup (240g) sour cream
• 4 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla

For streusel:

• 1/4 cup (60g) dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup (60g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (70g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 tablespoons cold butter, cut into chunks

For maple bacon buttercream:

• 1 cup (2 sticks or 230g) butter, softened
• 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup (100g) maple syrup
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 6 slices of bacon, cut into small pieces

Homemade Mini Sweet Potato Chicken Pot Pies

Chicken Pot Pies are the perfect meal for when Fall & Winter arrive and it's super chilly outside. I had never made Chicken Pot Pie previously to last night, and considering it took FOREVER to make, it was probably my favorite/best tasting dinner I've made thus far. Yes, it did take quite some time to make, but it was nice being in the kitchen for hours, having some alone time. These Mini Chicken Pot Pies are to die for, and I've added some other ingredients that make the traditional pot pie with peas and carrots, just plain boring. Check it out!

*Makes: 4 pot pies

Ingredients

For crust:

• 2 1/4 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 sticks (230g) of cold butter, cut into pieces
• 6-10 tablespoons ice cold water

For filling:

• 1 pound (450g) or 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup (150g) of chopped carrots
• 2 baby broccoli heads (or 1 normal sized head would work)
• 1 sweet potato, peeled, chopped
• 1/3 (50g) cup of butter
• 1/3 cup (5 tbsp) of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 cup (250ml) of water 
• 2 chicken stocks
• 1/2 (125ml) cup of milk