Decadent Chocolate Cupcakes

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.

In a bowl mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

Using an electric mixer on high speed beat egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl beat sugar and butter until light. Add egg yolks one at a time and beat. Beat in vanilla. Add one-third of the flour mixture, then half the buttermilk and repeat ending with the flour mixture.

Fold in the egg whites and mix. When mixed thoroughly stir in the chocolate chips.

Place the batter in the muffin tins. Bake 15 to 18 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

To make frosting:
Melt butter, stir in cocoa and vanilla, and then alternate adding powdered sugar and milk. Beat to spreading consistency. Makes about 2 cups.

Frost cupcakes after they have cooled completely.