Party Planning

Coco-Velvet Cupcakes

Leave a Comment

cocovelvet-cup-cakes Last week I was invited to a virtual bridal shower hosted by my friend Pamela at Still Dating My Spouse. I was asked to make some goodies that would normally be served at a shower. I had never heard of a virtual shower but I said okay anyway. I’m so glad I did! There were games, prizes, entertainment, and food! Just like a real shower! It was really fun! One of the items I made were these delicious red velvet cupcakes with a coconut spin. They were a hit! (Virtually) So I decided to share the recipe with you. If you want traditional red velvet you can just replace the coconut extract with vanilla extract and use a cream cheese frosting.
Coco-Velvet-Cupcakes
INGREDIENTS (Cake)
1/2c. Unsalted Butter
1 1/2c. Sugar
2 Eggs
1t. Vanilla Extract
1t. Coconut Extract or Coconut Rum
2.5c. All purpose flour
2T Cocoa Powder
1t. Salt
1oz. Red Food coloring (one bottle)
1c. Buttermilk
1t. Baking Soda
1T. White Wine Vinegar
red-cake-mix
red-cake-batter
1. Cream butter and sugar together until smooth.
2. Add one egg at a time mixing well,then extracts.
3. In a separate bowl mix flour, cocoa powder,and salt.
4. Add food coloring, buttermilk, baking soda,and vinegar.
5. Alternate adding the flour and Buttermilk mixture until smooth and combined.
6. Pour into prepared cupcake pan for 30 minutes on 350.
Makes 24 Cupcakes red-velvet-with-pecans

INGREDIENTS (Icing)
2 Sticks of Butter, softened
4c. Powdered Sugar
1/2c. Coconut Milk
1/2t Coconut Extract or Coconut Rum
2T Heavy Cream

1. Mix all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Let cupcakes completely cool before icing them.

This simple and delicious recipe would be great for your next girl’s night out or bridal shower. Be sure to pin it so you’ll have it.

Have you ever been to a virtual shower or even heard of one?

M.W.A.H.,

Mandi

Grilled Pizza: Instant Date Night!

2 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. grilled-pizza-instant-date We love to hangout and grill during the summer. We thought it would be fun to invite a couple over for a group date night. The perfect opportunity came when #CollectiveBias let us try out the new #DIGIORNO Design-A-Pizza kits! Continue Reading →

Must Have Cookbooks for Summer Grilling

Leave a Comment

Grilling season is here! May is National Barbecue Month. If you follow us on , you know just how excited we are about our new baby Roger, and how excited we are to get smokin’!
We create most of the recipes we share, but we just can’t deny a great cookbook. There are a few staples we keep in the Crate, but as the seasons change we like to switch the cookbooks out. We thought we would share a few cookbooks that would make for a great grilling season this spring and summer.
must-have-grilling-cookbooks
1. Weber’s New Real Grilling: The Ultimate Cookbook for every Backyard Griller

This book has something anyone from beginners to pit masters to can use to do some great grilling this summer. Whether you want to grill meat, vegetables, or even desserts this book has some great recipes and tips. It truly lives up to the standard of grilling excellence the Weber brand has become known for.

2. Carnivore by Michael Symon

Michael Symon is one of our favorite chefs. He’s not stuck on “frou-frou” he just likes good food. Simple and delicious, just like Chewsy Lovers! Get some great recipes for grilling chops, steaks, and ribs! This book isn’t just a grilling cookbook but its about meat…of all kinds game, pork, lamb, beef, you name it. It will help you tremendously though with the proteins you will be cooking and he even shares his “Cleveland BBQ Sauce.”

3. The New Vegetarian Grill by Andrea Chesman

Everyone who loves to grill doesn’t necessarily eat meat. This book has tons of delicious meatless recipes to satisfy that grilled food craving in a lighter, healthier way.

4. 101 Sangrias and Pitcher Drinks by Kim Haasarud

Because what’s a cookout without a yummy, cold beverage!? The title says it all, yet does it no justice. Punch, lemonades, sangrias, spritzers, drinks for every occasion. Liquor is optional, but included of course, if that’s your thing.

5. Sweet Celebrations by Katherine Berman and Sophie LaMontagne

This book by the DC Cupcakes girls is about more than cupcakes! We are getting ready for our Zoe’s 1st birthday party and the warmer months is when many people make up reasons to party! This book will help you with all of your summer shindigs from the sweets to the decor. There is even a chapter dedicated to outdoor parties.

What are you excited about grilling this summer?

Stay in the loop and to our monthly newsletter. We will be “spilling all the tea” on how to grill and chill simply and deliciously. You don’t want to miss it!