QUICK Peanut Butter Surprise Cupcakes

   Next time you are asked to make a treat for a bake sale or potluck, turn to this recipe.  Melt-in-your-mouth chocolate candy is the hidden surprise in these cupcakes.

  3/4  cup butter, softened
     2  cup sugar
     3  eggs, large
     1  cup creamy peanut butter
     2  cups all-purpose flour
     1  tsp baking soda
  1/2  tsp salt
     1  cup buttermilk
     1  tsp vanilla extract
   24  milk chocolate kisses
Confectioners sugar

Alternative Idea:
Peanut Butter-Jam Surprise Cupcakes:

   Prepare batter as directed.  Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each of 24 paper baking cups in muffin pans.  Omit milk chocolate kisses.  Dollop 1 rounded teaspoon of your favorite flavor jam in center of batter in each cup.  Top evenly with remaining batter.  Bake and cool as directed.

   Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.  Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition.  Add peanut butter, beating until smooth.  Combine flour, baking soda, and salt;  add to peanut butter mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.  Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition.  Stir in vanilla extract.

   Spoon 2 tablespoons batter into each of 24 paper baking cups in muffin pans.

   Place 1 chocolate kiss on its side in center of batter in each cup.  Top evenly with remaining batter, covering chocolate kisses.

   Bake at 375 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

   Let cool in pans on wire racks 5 minutes.

   Remove from pans, and cool on wire racks.

   Dust with confectioners sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.