French Vanilla Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 350F.
2. 2
   Heat the buttermilk until it just simmers.
3. 3
   Remove from heat and add the vanilla pod.Set aside.Beat butter and sugar on high until light and fluffy.
4. 4
   Add eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beat thoroughly after each addition.Blend flour, baking powder, salt and baking soda, in a bowl.
5. 5
   Cut open vanilla pod and scrape out seeds into the buttermilk. (You can dry the pod and use it to make vanilla sugar)
6. 6
   Add vanilla to buttermilk
7. 7
   Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat on low until mixed.
8. 8
   Add ½ the buttermilk.Continue to alternate the flour and buttermilk, ending with the flour.Scoop into cupcake papers about 3/4 full.
9. 9
   Bake for 18-20 minutes.Cool and frost with desired buttercream