Happy Birthday Mackenzie!

I love to cook and I love my friends, so what better than cooking for my friends?! Everyone is a star on their birthday. I loved making these. They are the cutest cupcakes I've made yet. It could be chocolate overload, but that's why I made them so small. Happy birthday Mackenzie, you are a star in my life.

Spicy Chocolate Cupcakes with Kahlua Frosting
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
a dash of nutmeg
1 tsp of chili powder
a dash of ginger
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup hot water
3/4 cup milk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cupcakes: sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, seasonings and salt into the bowl of a heavy mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; add sugar.Turn the mixer on low and add, in order; water, milk, eggs, oil and vanilla; scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat on medium, briefly, to achieve a smooth batter.Scoop into prepared pans with baking cups. Bake 25 minutes or 17 minutes for mini cupcakes.Frosting: Mix together 1 stick of softened butter, 8oz of softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of Kahlua and 2 cups of powdered sugar.

Brownies: I cheated and got the betty crocker mix since it was only $1. Just bake on a large cookie sheet and cut out with a 1 inch star cookie cutter.

The BBQ Aftermath

Sorry for the terrible photos. I had no time to take any pictures until the end of the night. I didn't have a bite to eat all day until about 6pm. All that was left was an empty pitcher of Sangria and a mess on the counter. Thank you everyone for requesting my recipes. It was an honor to be a part of your event. I laughed when Jon asked, "you like to cook don't you?" What kind of question is that? "I LOVE to cook!" I responded. That is how this all started. I had a blast preparing for this BBQ and met a lot of great new people. If you are interested in my services, please send me an email to discuss what you have in mind for your next party.

Sangria
4 bottles of Cabernet
1 can of lychee fruit (do not strain)
1 tangerine
1 Fuji apple
1 Asian pear
1 cup of simple syrup
1 cup of triple sec, brandy or fruit schnapps

Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher. Best if made the night before.

Pasta Salad (20 servings)
One red pepper, chopped
One green pepper, chopped
half Onion chopped really really small
mushrooms, 2 small cans whole not sliced and not fresh
Corn, canned kernels
half a cantaloupe, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
8 oz little tomatoes (doesn’t matter what kind)
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 bunch of Chives, cut into small slivers
1 cup of mayonaise (add more or less as needed)
1/2 cup Thai sweet and sour sauce (brand: May Ploy from safeway in the asian isle)
3 tablespoons, BBQ seasoning powder, like McCormick in a bottle
1 box of penne pasta, cooked

Mix all ingredients.
salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing better than treats with your treat or sweets with your sweetie!

I've had two little 2oz bottles of mango rum in my cupboard for too long and decide to build a cupcake around them. When I cook or bake I try to use what I already have. Digging around I found a can of crushed pineapple to go with the rum. There are many Pina Coloada Cupcake recipes out there but not everyone is a fan of coconut. This recipe is basically the same concept without the later.

I can't believe how good these turned out. They are perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Too bad it's only Saturday. I guess I will have to eat another tomorrow!

Cupcake recipe from Coconut Lime

Ingredients:

20 oz (canned) crushed pineapple in juice (not heavy syrup!)
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. Line or grease and flour 24 wells in a cupcake pan. In a large bowl, combine baking soda, flour, sugar and salt. In a measuring cup or small bowl, beat together the eggs and oil. Add to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Fold in the crushed pineapple and its juice. Pour about 3/4 cup of batter in each well. Bake 15 minutes or until the cupcake looks "set" and bounces back to touch.

While still warm, brush with rum or any alcohol.


Spiked frosting

8oz cream cheese, softened
1 stick of butter, softened
4 cups of sugar
2 tablespoons rum

Mix all ingredients and frost cupcakes.