Chocolate Sesame Cupcakes
Enjoy this sweet recipe with your child for a boost in brain development.
Recipe Source: 
Smart Bites for Baby: 300 Easy-to-Make, Easy-to-Love Meals that Boost Your Baby and Toddler's Brain by Mika Shino (DeCapo Press, 2012)
Number of Servings: 
6 to 8
Ingredients: 
- 3/4 c cocoa powder
 - 1 c whole wheat flour
 - 1/2 c ground sesame (or ground walnuts)
 - 2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds
 - 1-1/2 tsp baking soda
 - 1 tsp baking powder
 - 1 tsp salt
 - 2 eggs
 - 3/4 c warm water
 - 3/4 c buttermilk
 - 3 Tbsp canola oil
 - 1-1/2 c brown sugar
 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
 - 1 Tbsp white sesame for decoration
 
Directions: 
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
 - Prepare muffin tray with cupcake liners.
 - Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, flaxseeds, sesame, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
 - In another bowl, mix together the eggs, warm water, buttermilk, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla until well blended and smooth.
 - Slowly add the flour mixture into the egg mixture and mix well.
 - Fill each muffin cup 2⁄3 full with the batter, then sprinkle each with a bit of sesame.
 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, and let cool.
 
Notes: 
These cupcakes have ground sesame, which give them a dense texture and a nutty consistency. If your child is allergic to sesame, you can replace the sesame with ground almonds or ground wheat germ.

