POM Pals

Just as many metabolic processes are often coupled with the hydrolysis of ATP, my workload relates to my inclination to bake in the same way. I want you to meet POM Pals - the kind that just might give you a heart attack. I made them while studying for my psyc midterm. UPDATE: Got an A in psyc, thanks to these babies.

For the cake,

1 box french vanilla cake mix

1 pomegranate

3 eggs, room temperature

1 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

For the frosting,

1/2 stick butter, room temperature

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup powder sugar

1 ts. vanilla extract

2-3 drops red food coloring

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Juice 3/4 of the pomegranate seed, reserving some for garnish.
3. Mix the batter according to the instruction from the cake mix for 2/3 of the mix. For the remaining 1/3, add pomegranate juice instead of water. A couple drops of red food coloring can be added to enhance the color. Pour the french vanilla batter into 2 12-cupcake pan to about 1/2 full. Then, add a spoon of pomegranate batter on top. To distribute, cut the batter with the back of the spoon using a zig zag motion.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350F. After baking, cool cupcakes for 30 minutes or so.
5. While cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring with an electric mixer until fluffy and light (approximately 2-3 minute on med speed). Then, add the powder sugar 1/4 cup at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
6. Top cupcake with the frosting, and garnish with the reserve of pomegranate seed from before.