Red Velvet Cupcakes

2 1/2 c flour

1/2 c cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 c butter

2 c sugar

5 eggs

1 c buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp red gel/paste food coloring (liquid food coloring: 2 tbsp)

frosting (buttercream, cooked cream or cream cheese)

Place 24 liners into muffin tins. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1/4 of dry ingredients to creamed mixture, then 1/4 of buttermilk, alternating until well mixed. Stir in vanilla and food coloring. Fill liners 1/2 full with batter. Bake for 17 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.