SOUTHERN LIVING'S CHOCOLATE MINT BUTTERCREAM FROSTING, ADAPTED

You've got to hand it to Southern Living -- sometimes they come up with really good recipes. This frosting recipe is to die for -- that is, if you like chocolate and mint together. Actually, their recipe calls for peppermint schnapps. Since I didn't feel like buying a bottle of schnapps that would probably sit for 10 years in my cupboard, I decided to improvise with what I had (peppermint extract and cream de cocoa). This frosting will take a so-so cupcake to a sublime level.

Chocolate Mint Buttercream Frosting
Adapted from Southern Living
Rating: 10 out of 10

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 tsp peppermint extract (if using creme de cocoa -- do not use with mint liqueurs)
1-1/2 Tbsp. cream de cocoa or peppermint schnapps or creme de menthe
1/8 tsp. sea salt
1/2 box 10X sugar (1 box is 16 oz.)
1/2 - 1 Tbsp. fat-free half and half or milk
2 oz. finely chopped good quality bittersweet chocolate, 60-70% cacao

In medium bowl, beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed of electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, alternately with milk, until frosting is of desired consistency. Beat in chocolate. Yield: about 1-1/4 cups