Cupcakes for the Aurochs

As many of you Guitar Heros know, The Sword have a song on Guitar Hero 2 called "Freya."
While it is a delightful tune, I'd have to say that my favorite song off the album Age of Winters is "Lament for the Aurochs."
In case you're wondering, an Auroch is a kind of extinct ox. Aurochs were also known to have very aggressive temperaments (metal) and killing one was seen as a great act of courage in ancient cultures. This probably explains why they're extinct.

To honor our fallen fellow Mammals, and their inspiration to The Sword, I give you:

The Sword: 
Cupcakes for the Aurochs

Metal Constituents:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1 1/2 sticks butter, melted
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons plain, low-fat yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)

For the Frosting:

• 1 package of Cream Cheese (8oz), room temperature
• 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• green food coloring

 
Merciless Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a cupcake tin with baking cups and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, egg, yogurt, and vanilla.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, and stir until well combined.
5. Fold in carrots.
6. Fill baking cups about 2/3 full.
7. Bake about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the frosting: Mix the cream cheese, confectioner's sugar, and vanilla together.
10. Beat at low speed, until light and fluffy.
11. Add enough green food coloring to create a shade enticing to cattle.
12. Frost completely cooled cupcakes.
13. Enjoy while awaiting the return of the Aurochs.

Here's the video for another song off Age of Winters, called "Winter's Wolves."

It goes along well with the Harder painting pictured above.