Another Seasonal Favorite: The Bachelorette Party

May is not only an important month for morels and asparagus and such. It's also a time of year when thousands of women head out to celebrate their favorite toned and tanned bride-to-be by drinking cocktails and singing karaoke. I recently attended one such celebration for my 'Lil Sista, and two other parties were sharing our venue.

I like to imagine describing this custom to an alien, or perhaps a great grandmother: "Well, you see, the woman getting married is supposed to wear a veil -- not her wedding veil, just a cheap one with a plastic crown. This indicates to the public that she's about to get married, and that they may offer her congratulations or buy her a shot.

"It's also popular for the woman to wear pieces of candy on her body -- perhaps attached to her tank top or in the form of a necklace. This indicates to the young men on hand that that they may eat the candy. Doing so elicits giggles from all because it's a bit naughty, but not really naughty enough to make anyone nervous.

"Sometimes the members of the party will compete to do other funny, naughty things, such as dance with a red-headed man, or secure a pair of boxer shorts from a man under 24 years old. This provides an opportunity for the single women of the party to meet nice men themselves."

Anyway, my contribution to the party was to offer snacks when we came home -- grilled cheese sandwiches and Penis Cupcakes. The cupcakes are not really made out of penises but Devil's Food cake and chocolate-mint frosting. In place of jimmies, you can use fruit-flavored penis candies, available at your local erotic store. They do not complement the chocolate and mint very well, but at this point no one cares.

PENIS CUPCAKES

This is a Devil's Food cake recipe from Bon Appetit magazine, which I adapted slightly and halved. It has a great rich flavor and light texture.

Serves 16, but really 32 if everyone is on a diet and splits hers with a friend.

Melted unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 3/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons freshly brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature

1/2 cup + 2 teaspoons buttermilk

1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325F. Lightly brush cupcake papers with melted butter and arrange in 2 muffin tins. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt and baking soda into a medium bowl. Combine sugar, coffee, buttermilk, oil, egg, egg yolk and vanilla in a large bowl or in the bowl of a standing mixer. Beat on medium speed until blended. Add dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until blended, scraping bowl occasionally, about 4 minutes.

Spoon 1/4 cup better into prepared papers. Bake cupcakes until puffed and a tester comes out clean, about 24 minutes. Transfer cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with Chocolate-Mint frosting and top with erect penis candies. Serve to a group of tipsy women and hilarity will ensue.

For Chocolate-Mint Frosting:

1/2 cup whipping cream

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/2 pound chocolate-mint chips (you can also use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips)

3/4 cup sour cream

Bring cream and butter to a simmer in a heavy large saucepan, whisking until butter melts. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Add sour cream and whisk to blend. Refrigerate frosting until thick enough to spread, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.