Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes!

Where are all my chocolate raspberry lovers?!? Lately,  I've really been into anything raspberry so I was determined to find a simple yet tasty recipe for chocolate cupcakes with raspberries in the middle! Check out the recipe & photos below!

What you"ll need: 1 1/2 hour cups of flour: 1 cup sugar: 1 teaspoon baking soda: 1/2 cup cocoa powder: 1 cup water: 1/2 cup vegetable oil: 1 pack of raspberries: powder sugar.

                           Mix all your ingrediants into a medium mixing bowl

Pour a small amount of your mix into cupcake liners in a muffin/cupcake pan. Then add one or two raspberries (your preference) on top. Then pour more mix on top of the raspberry, covering it so it doesn't show.
 

                   Pop into the oven pre-heated at 350 degrees for 20 minutes

             Let your cupcakes cool completely and add your powder sugar with a sifferr.

 

 

Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes with Powder Sugar Topping is ready to be devourered.

Try this recipe and let me know what you think!

xoxo



Cinco de Mayo: Margarita Cupcakes Recipe

Happy Cinco de Mayo bloggers! People who know me would probably tell you that I should of been born Mexican because I absolutely love mexican food. Everything about it just draws me in! This  "holiday" just gives me an excuse to endulge in tacos and margaritas!

I love to try new things but I'm not sure margarita tacos would be a great combination so for my freind's cinco de mayo party yesterday I made margarita cupcakes instead! I found this great recipe on Pinterest but I changed it to be much more simple and easier to make! Hope you all enjoy! Let me know in the comments if you make them and how they turned out-love hearing feedback!

What you need:
1 box of Betty Crocker yellow cake mix (I usually do homemade cupcakes, but to make it more simple I used the box)
3 eggs
1/3 cup of butter
1 cup of already made Margarita Mix -IN PLACE OF WATER (with or without alcohol; your choice)
2 limes
Cupcake liners
Vanilla frosting
Green sprinkles
1 pack of drink umbrellas

What to do:
Pre-heat oven 325 degrees
In a bowl add cake mix, eggs, butter, margarita mix and blend until smooth.
Pour into cupcake liners and bake for 20 minutes
Let cool for about 15-20 minutes
Frost the top and add sprinkes
Cut up quarter size limes and add to the side
Place your umbrella on the other side of lime

xoxo Janeen

Brownie Beer Cupcakes

In my family the best way to describe us is "A family that bakes together stays together!" This weekend I baked a batch of brownie beer cupcakes with my sister who found an awesome Trader Joe's recipe. Although these cupcakes are cooked with beer they are perfectly safe for children as the alcohol disaapears when you cook at high temputures.  Check out the recipe below. Hope you enjoy.


Ingridents:
Brownie Mix (16oz)
2 Eggs
1 Stick of Butter
1/3 cup of Dark Beer (We used Milk Stout)
Frosting (We used Vanilla)
Toppings (We used Trader Joe's Chocolate Coffee Bean Grinder)

Here's what you do:
-Preheat oven 350 degrees
-In a small sauce pot bring to a low boil beer and butter.
-Add in your browie mix- stir a few times
-Add in your egg (make sure this is your last ingrident so that the egg does not cook in pot)

-Cook in cupcake/muffin pans in oven for about 25 minutes

When the cupcakes are done let cool about 15 minutes. Then add your frosting and toppings.

Xoxo Janeen

 

Fun Cake Trend!

I have to admit that Carvel cakes with the "crunchies" in the middle are still my favorite cakes of all time, but lately there has been a new trend of these sculptured cakes. Cake designers can make anything!!!

Yesterday was my love's 30th birthday! We already celebrated in Chicago last weekend but as a "surprise" I wanted to get him a really awesome cake so I ordered him a Chicago Bulls hat cake from the amazing Kyle Cherry! I can not explain enough how great it came out; Kyle is truly talented. Thank you so much Kyle we were ecstatic!

Here are some pictures below. For more information on Kyle's cakes, check him out on Facebook at: Kyle Cherry and on Instagram at: ILOVECAKES2012. So what do you all think? Are you into the new cake trend?

                                                            

 

                                                              

 

 

xoxo

 

Oreo Paradise Cupcakes

I'm always thinking of different ways to decorate my cupcakes. I did these for my supervisor's birthday today [Happppy Birthdayyyy Nichole!!!] I started decorating really late last night so the creativity was at a low lol; however, I think I made it work! Simple & chic always works!

I'm a huge fan of making my cupcakes from scratch, but if you are short on time, I recommend the "Betty Crocker" box brand- your cupcakes will come out super moist. If you need a simple recipe for regular yellow cupcakes check out one HERE.  Check out my Oreo Paradise below!

Decorating tip: Let your cupcakes chill completely [15 minutes] before you start to decorate them so that they don't fall apart.

Cut a small hole in the middle of the cupcake [to add Oreo]

 

 

You can then add a full or half size Oreo

 

 

I used Wilton edible sparkle glitter icing for decoration

 

 



I call this my Oreo Paradise...

 

 

 

Where are my cupcake lovers at? :)

xoxo

Red Velvet Cupcakes Topped with Heart Shaped Strawberries!

Happy Valentine's Day bloggers! I'm really excited about today's post because as most of you know, I have a serious obsession with cupcakes. Every year,  I make Valentine's Day cupcakes for my friends/co-workers. I love being creative with them so this year I found this awesome idea on Pinterest...Ahhh I love Pinterest....I am definitely not claiming it as my own, but I wanted to share with you all so you could also make these for your special someone, kids and friends.

Homemade Recipe

What you need:
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 bottle red food coloring
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 pack fresh strawberries
Cream cheese frosting
Toothpicks or Cupcake toppers

What to do:
Preheat oven 350 degrees. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Put to the side.

Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until its well blended. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in sour cream, milk, food coloring, and vanilla.

Bake for 20 minutes. I cut the top of the strawberries to make them into hearts and then I pinned the strawberries on top with the cupcake topper!

 

Hope you all enjoy this little treat! Are any of you doing something this Valentine's Day?
xoxo Janeen

Bacon Wrapped Potatoes for Super Bowl!

Super Bowl is right around the corner and whether you are a host or a guest, figuring out what to make or bring can draw a blank. I found this recipe for bacon wrapped rosemary potatoes years ago and I've been making them ever since. The ingredients are simple, the labor may take a while but boy are they delicious. I always get tons of compliments so definitely give these a try and let me know how much your friends love them!


 Ingredients:
1 pound red potatoes (washed, don't peel)
1 pound of bacon
1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
Rosemary, Salt & Pepper
Toothpicks

Preheat Oven 400 Degrees:

- Wash the red potatoes and cut them into about 1 inch cubes.
- Add 2 teaspoons of salt to cold water and boil potatoes for about 3 to 4 minutes max. You don't want them to be too soft because then they will fall apart when you try to wrap the bacon.
- Drain the potatoes and put in a bowl, add olive oil, light covering of rosemary and a pinch of salt and pepper and mix everything together. I like to use my hands (its easier).
-Cut the bacon strips into thirds and start wrapping each potato cube.
-Secure the potato cube and the bacon with a toothpick.  Repeat until finished.
-Place the potato cube on a baking sheet lined with aluminium foil or a baking sheet which ever you prefer and bake for about 15 minutes.
-After 15 minutes you will then flip the potato cube onto the other side and bake for another 15 minutes.


*After you let them cool you can serve with sour cream or ranch dressing.

Hope you all enjoy this fun recipe and HAPPY SUPER BOWL DAY! :)

xoxo
Janeen

Taco Pasta Salad Recipe

Recently I've been obsessed with Pinterest. I absolutely love getting inspired. I found this amazing taco pasta salad recipe & put it to life in my kitchen! If you are passionate about mexican food then you have to try this! Below is the recipe. I altered it a little to fit with what I like but you can add or subtract whatever you like to make it your own. Hope you enjoy! Happy cooking!!!! :)

You will need: 1lb of ground beef or turkey. 2-3 cups of pasta of your liking. 1 cup of chopped tomatoes. 1 package of taco seasoning. 1 cup of Mexican style 3 cheese shredded cheese. Garlic power. Chilli powder. Taco chips. Water. Salsa

What to do: Start off boiling your pasta. While that's softening, brown your ground beef (turkey) on a skillet until no more pink is showing. When your pasta is soft, drain and put to the side. When your meat is done, drain the fat & return to skillet. Add: 1/2 cup of water and taco seasoning and let that come to a boil. When the water starts to evaporate add & mix in a sprinkle of garlic powder and chili powder & continue to mix until most of the water has evaporated. (The end result to the meat should be moist but not wet). When meat is done, combine in a bowl pasta & meat and top it with tomatoes & cheese. Then pour a good amount of salsa as your sauce & mixes it all together. You can even pop it in the microwave for 15 seconds just to get your cheese to met a little. And don't forget the taco chips on the side!

The picture above has more ingredients like olives and peppers that you can add for your own liking. I'm personally not a fan of the two so I left them out! I hope you enjoy this easy recipe!!! Let me know in your comments below!!!
Xoxo Janeen

Mini Cupcakes in 10 minutes!!

As most of you know I am obsessed with cupcakes! So for Christmas my thoughtful brother bought me a mini cupcake maker! I had to just share with you all! It is absolutely amazing & I have already broken it in with a request from my adorable nephew! Our mini cupcakes were “mini” indeed but they taste so rich and were done in merely 10 minutes!
In addition, it comes with a book of recipes to make a bunch of unique cupcakes & muffins!!!

Keep on the lookout for more unique and fun recipes that I am excited to share with you all!!!

Xoxo
J

Chocolate Vodka Cupcake Recipe!

Happy New Year!!! I hope you are all enjoying the new beginnings of January! I'm not one to make new year resolutions but this year I am definitely looking forward to cooking and baking more. So to start I found this awesome cupcake recipe because I am obsessed with cupcakes :)  I changed it a little bit to make it more of my own and they came out amazing! Cupcakes from scratch are no competition to the boxes so if you have the time it is definitely worth it! Just a side note, please don't share these cupcakes with your children. Although you can not taste the vodka, it still has liquor in it and should be consumed by adults only! Below you can find the recipe...

Ingredients:

1 stick of Butter/Margarine

1 cup of Sugar

1 egg

1 ½ cup of flour

½ cup of cocoa powder

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cup milk

½ cup warm water

1/8 cup vodka (I used Smirnoff)

Vanilla frosting (optional)

Sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In a large mixing bowl combine all your ingredients except warm water and vodka. Beat with an electric mixer for 1 minute.
3. Then add your warm water and vodka and beat slowly for another minute or until smooth.
4. Line 12 cupcakes (ours made a little more about 16) and bake for about 20 minutes.
5. Don’t forget to check with a toothpick.
6. Let cool and add your Vanilla frosting and Sprinkles.

You can also try this Sugar Glaze one of my girlfriends’s placed on top of our cupcakes before the frosting:
Heat in a small pot, ½ cup of sugar, 3 tbsp of vodka and a pinch or two of vanilla.

I hope you all enjoy them!
xoxo J

Thanksgiving Cheesecake!

Hi everyone! Since Thanksgiving is two days away I wanted to share an amazing cheesecake recipe that my mother makes every year. She was kind enough to share it with me over the weekend so I could make one for my co-workers for our Thanksgiving Feast today. I'm not one to boast but it came out AMAZING and I was so happy all my co-workers who had some loved it! YAY! If you have tasted one cheesecake you've tasted them all I'm sure, but my mother's is so delish because its not too sweet and its so easy to eat the whole thing by yourself! LOL- you just want to keep eating it! Below I have a step-by-step recipe. Feel free to make it for your love ones this thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years, what ever your heart desires! ENJOY!

Ingredients:
2 packets of cream cheese (we love to use Philadelphia, but any can do)
1/2 cup of sugar
1/4 tsp of vanilla
2 eggs
Piecrust already made (we buy Keebler's, recipe is for 9oz)

Directions:
In a medium bowl add both packets of cream cheese, sugar and vanilla and blend well.
In a small bowl crack 2 eggs and whip until smooth then add to your other bowl of ingredients.
Blend everything together for about 2-3 minutes.
Pour into your piecrust
*Place in your oven for about 40 minutes at 350 degrees
Make sure to check with a toothpick to see if it's done. If its not done put for another 5 to 10 minutes and just keep an eye on it!

Its such an amazing cheesecake and I know you will all love it and your family and friends will too. I hope you enjoy. Leave me comments when you try it and let me know how it came out!
xoxo J