How’s the Greenhill / Mizuho Merger Going?

Certainly! Here's a simple cupcake recipe:

Vanilla Cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

   • In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:

   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

6. Fill the Cupcake Liners:

   • Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

7. Bake:

   • Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

8. Cool:

   • Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-4 tbsp milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Beat the Butter:

   • In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.

2. Add the Sugar and Vanilla:

   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

3. Adjust Consistency:

   • Add the milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

4. Frost the Cupcakes:

   • Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the buttercream using a piping bag or a spatula.

Enjoy your homemade cupcakes!