Chocolate-Orange Cupcakes

Steps

• 1

  Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
• 2

  In medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder; set aside. In small bowl, mix hot water and cocoa until dissolved; set aside.
• 3

  In large bowl, beat shortening with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add granulated sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla and orange peel. On low speed, alternately add flour mixture, about one-third at a time, and cocoa mixture, about half at a time, beating just until blended.
• 4

  Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each with about 3 tablespoons batter or until about two-thirds full.
• 5

  Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans; place on cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• 6

  In large bowl, mix butter and melted chocolate until blended. Stir in powdered sugar. Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla and 2 tablespoons orange juice until smooth. If necessary, beat in additional orange juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, until frosting is spreadable. Spread frosting on cooled cupcakes.
• 7

  Cut each orange slice candy horizontally in half; cut each half equally into 6 pieces. Garnish each cupcake with 3 pieces of candy.