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A Super Easy Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe For Valentine’s Day!

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A super easy red velvet cupcake recipe for Valentine’s Day!

Here’s a special Valentine’s Day dessert that will be a sweet surprise for all of your sweeties!

Or maybe just one special sweetie?

We have found a super easy red velvet cupcake recipe for Valentine’s Day!

Real Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

This easy-to-bake red velvet cupcake recipe takes away all the stress that’s normally attached to creating a red velvet recipe.

This is the perfect way to make teeny little individual red velvet cakes…

Making red velvet cupcakes!

So, no need for them to know that you didn’t fuss so much…

Use a store-bought brand like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines Cake Mix and a real simple buttercream frosting to make real easy red velvet cupcakes.

Easy, Simple Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

Go to the store. Buy the cake mix and frosting. Read the directions, pop your sweet little red velvet cupcakes in the oven, top with a little buttercream frosting, add some sparkly red, pink and white sprinkles and away we go…

This easy, simple red velvet cupcake recipe leaves plenty of time for Romance!

Ooh La La!

Well, just for the time saved alone, we think it’s the one of the best recipes for red velvet cupcakes! And we hope you will love it too!

Best Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

Some people seems to think that Southern Red Velvet Cupcakes are the best.

Well, we thought we would share with you the best red velvet cupcake recipe from the one and only Paula Deen!

This red velvet cupcake recipe ranks as #1 in Google, so you know it’s popular!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Total Time: 40 min
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 20 min
Yield: 24 frosted cupcakes

Level: Easy

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen

Real Good Cooking Tip

Pipe on the frosting with a big star tip or use a butter knife!

More Delicious Valentine’s Day Desserts

And just because we love you so much…

We’ve also included some additional easy Valentine’s Day dessert recipes for red velvet cupcakes from scratch (or almost scratch) for those of you who like to get a little more involved with baking your own special Valentine’s Day desserts for your Valentine ! (Including a moist red velvet cupcake recipe!)

Best Red Velvet Cupcake Recipes From Scratch

Check out these talented food bloggers for their special touches on their best Red Velvet Cupcake recipes!

Oreo Red Velvet Cupcakes

1. This easy cupcake recipe is for dreamy, easy red velvet cupcakes with Oreo Frosting!

Red Velvet Cupcakes With White Chocolate Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

2. German chocolate cake mix, vanilla pudding and chocolate chips take a traditional red velvet cupcake recipe to new dimensional taste levels and moistness!

Red Velvet Cupcakes In A Jar

3. Yes, you can make delicious red velvet cupcakes in a jar!

Red Velvet Cupcakes With Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting

4. And for all you marshmallow lovers, red velvet cupcakes with a fabulous marshmallow buttercream frosting!

Beet Red Velvet Cupcakes With Goat Cheese Cream Cheese Frosting

5. Here’s a special recipe the uses real beets to enhance this homemade red velvet cupcake recipe.

Resources for Making Red Velvet Cupcakes:

Turn Valentine’s Day into an even bigger celebration with these special Valentine’s Day Dessert supplies!

Wilton 6-Cavity Silicone Heart Mold Pan for Cupcakes Shindigz Heart Decor Food and Cupcake Party Picks How to Bake the Best Delicious Valentine’s Day Cupcakes

We hope you also enjoy these articles:

What Is The Amazing Mediterranean Diet That Everyone Is Talking About?

A Super Easy Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe For Valentine’s Day!

What Is The Amazing Mediterranean Diet That Everyone Is Talking About?

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What Is The Amazing Mediterranean Diet That Everyone Is Talking About?

Just what is the amazing Mediterranean Diet that everyone seems to be talking about?

I saw a news story about The Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan this morning!

SO, WHAT IS THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET?

The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy eating plan based on typical foods and recipes developed from Mediterranean-style cooking. Here you will find ways you can adopt the Mediterranean diet into your lifestyle. Your entire family can follow The Mediterranean Diet for a healthier lifestyle!

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET REDUCES HEART DISEASE

Research shows that the traditional Mediterranean Diet reduces the risk of heart disease! You will learn not to eliminate fats altogether, but how to choose healthy fats. In the process you might also reduce the risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other types of Dementia.

Saturated fats and hydrogenated oils are discouraged in The Mediterranean Diet. This diet encourages olive oil as the primary source of fat. Olive oil is a type of fat that can help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated or trans fats.

“Extra-virgin” and “virgin” olive oils (the least processed forms) also contain the highest levels of protective plant compounds that provide antioxidant effects.

A LITTLE RED WINE WILL NEVER HURT YOUR MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE!

The Mediterranean Diet even includes a nice glass of red wine daily (no more than 5 ounces), since wine has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease in many studies. However, if you have a family history of alcohol abuse, or you have liver or heart disease, you should refrain from drinking any alcohol.

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET HEALTH BENEFITS

By reducing the risk of heart disease and other disease, you can potentially live a longer and healthier life, while feeling great, too! Enjoy activities with friends and family! Enjoy great tasting foods, a glass of red wine, and feel great in the process, when you incorporate the Mediterranean Diet into your lifestyle.

Remember, this is a lifestyle change, and not really a “diet”. Along with a healthier heart, and a reduced risk of Dementia, other benefits of a Mediterranean Diet include:

● Protecting against type 2 diabetes

● Keeping you agile

● Halving the risk of Parkinson’s disease

● Increased longevity

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Even though many people choose The Mediterranean Diet as their lifestyle, some follow the guidelines of the diet in order to lose weight. It is simple really, when you eat normal portions of healthy foods, and you are active, you typically will lose weight. Just eating healthier will cause some weight loss. Cut back on carbs and sugars, eat healthy fats, and lose weight.

MEDITERRANEAN DIET WEIGHT LOSS TIPS:

Eat lost of fruits and vegetables, and switch to whole grains (breads, cereals, pastas, etc). Plant foods should make up the majority of your meals. Fresh and whole foods are best, and processed foods should be very minimal, or better yet, eliminated all together.

Consider fresh fruit or a fruit salad for a snack. This will give you a boost of energy and satisfy any sugar cravings you may have.

Nuts are a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Keep them on hand for snacking at work, school, or for after school treats for the kids. Natural peanut butter is best.

Use olive oil or canola oil instead of butter and margarine. You can drizzle it over vegetables and other foods such as meats and pastas, too.

Spice things up with herbs and spices in place of salt and fat.

Eat fish at least twice a week. Fresh or water-packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and herring are healthy choices. Grill, bake or broil fish for great taste and easy cleanup. Avoid breaded and fried fish.

Limit your red meat consumption to no more than a few times a month. Substitute fish and poultry for red meat. Make sure the red meats you choose are lean, and keep portions small. Avoid bacon, sausage, and other high-fat, processed meats.

Keep dairy choices low fat, and when possible try almond or cashew milk in place of dairy milk. Choose low fat cheeses and ice cream, too.

Set realistic and obtainable goals for yourself, and remember, a slow and steady weight loss is better for you, and will help you to keep the weight off.

BEST MEDITERRANEAN DIET COOKBOOKS FOR BEGINNERS

For great recipes using The Mediterranean Diet, consider the cookbooks below. These make great gifts for family and friends, as well! Follow delicious recipes for healthy living!

Mediterranean Diet Cookbook For Dummies The Mediterranean Diet Mediterranean Diet for Beginners: The Complete Guide The Complete Mediterranean Diet: Everything You Need to Know

Enjoy This Mediterranean Diet Recipe!

THE MEDITERRANEAN VEGETABLE OMELET

An Easy Mediterranean Diet Breakfast Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cups thinly sliced fresh fennel bulb

1 Roma tomato, diced

1/4 cup pitted green brine-cured olives, chopped

1/4 cup artichoke hearts, marinated in water, rinsed, drained, and chopped

6 eggs

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, basil, or parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the fennel and saute for 5 minutes, until soft.

Add in the tomato, olives, and artichoke hearts and saute for 3 minutes, until softened.

Whisk the eggs in a large bowl and season with the salt and pepper.

Pour the whisked eggs into the skillet over the vegetables and stir with a heat-proof spoon for 2 minutes.

Sprinkle the omelet with the cheese and bake for 5 minutes or until the eggs are cooked through and set.

Top with the dill, basil, or parsley.

Remove the omelet from the skillet onto a cutting board. Carefully cut the omelet into four wedges, like a pizza, and serve.

~ Recipe from The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook For Dummies

BEST OVENPROOF SKILLETS FOR DELICIOUS MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE

These ovenproof skillets allow you to bake or cook on the stove top. No need to worry about melted or burnt handles. Make delicious Mediterranean Diet recipes quickly and easily in one of these ovenproof skillets.

Cuisinart 722-36H Chef’s Classic Stainless 14-Inch Open Skillet with Helper Lodge Color EC11S43 Enameled Cast Iron Skillet, Island Spice Red,T-fal E93897 Professional Total Nonstick Thermo-Spot Heat Indicator Fry Pan

Once you start enjoying a Mediterranean diet, you won’t want to go back to your “normal” way of eating. You’ll feel great and have energy to do all the things you’ve been wanting to do. Keep up with the kids, and your tasks at work and home. And possibly even live longer, too, so you can be around for those who love you!

Quick, Easy Grilled Shrimp Recipe with Thyme, Rosemary and Garlic

The Top 10 Best Must Have Cookbooks for 2015!

Cute and Unique Star Wars Kitchen Gifts For Every Home

The Top 10 Best Must Have Cookbooks for 2015

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The Top 10 Best Must Have Cookbooks for 2015

Top 10 Bestselling Cookbooks 2015

Best Cookbooks of the Year

Featured below are the top 10 best must have cookbooks for 2015. These are the best of the best, and are on the must have list of cooking enthusiasts around the globe. These must-have cookbooks will help you create masterpieces for family and friends. Throw a dinner party to be remembered, or cook your favorite dishes with expertise. These top bestselling cookbooks contain a variety of easy-to-follow recipes that are near and dear to the hearts of many. They make great gifts for any occasion, too!

Cookie Love: More Than 60 Recipes and Techniques Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto Lucky Peach Presents 101 Easy Asian Recipes Essential Emeril: Favorite Recipes and Hard-Won Wisdom The Violet Bakery Cookbook Mi Comida Latina: Vibrant, Fresh, Simple, Authentic Lidia’s Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine: Everything! Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking Clodagh’s Irish Kitchen: A Fresh Take on Traditional The Southerner’s Cookbook: Recipes, Wisdom, and Stories

Most Wished for Cookbooks

The cookbooks below are ones that people want to have. They are on their wish list, and it’s no wonder. These cookbooks will show you how to create beautiful, healthy dishes for yourself and others. These make great gifts along with cookware, food, wine, etc. Find the best healthy cookbooks to lose weight, or learn to cook less when cooking for two people.

Dash Diet: Dash Diet For Weight Loss Ketogenic Diet: Lose Weight, Avoid Mistakes, & Feel Amazing The Complete Cooking For Two Cookbook

Food and Wine Books Are Great Gift Ideas

If you are looking for unique gifts for wine and food lovers, consider a cookbook! It makes a great gift basket addition, or you can pair the cookbook with a bottle of wine, a wine backpack, and so on. Cookbooks make terrific gifts for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and more.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime: Comfort Classics, Freezer Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook

Best Cookbooks for Men

Many men enjoy cooking as much, or even more, than many women do, so give them a cookbook created with men in mind. These make great gifts for birthdays, Father’s Day, and for any bachelor. Cookbooks for men are something every man should have in his kitchen.

What the F*@# Should I Make for Dinner? Eat Like a Man: The Only Cookbook A Man Will Ever Need Man Meets Stove: A Cookbook for Men

Best Kids Cookbooks

Teach your kids to cook when they are young, and they will be knowledgeable when they get out on their own, or when they have to cook for their own family. These best kids’ cookbooks are ideal for kids of all ages, and they teach love for cooking, and basics that we all should learn in our lifetime.

The Star Wars Cook Book: Wookiee Cookies The Disney Princess Cookbook The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook: From Cauldron Cakes

No matter your age or your gender, it’s fun to learn how to cook new things, and to do it properly. You will enjoy appetizers, meals, desserts, and more, with these fabulous cookbooks featured here. Many are best seller cookbooks, too, and highly rated by those who have used them. So get cooking up a storm, and share your creations with loved ones to make them even more special.

The Top 10 Best Must Have Cookbooks for 2015

Awesome Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Creme Filling

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Awesome Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Creme Filling

OK, Christmas Cookie Baking Day is almost here!!

That’s the official family day when the three of us all get together with family and friends and bake some delicious Christmas cookies! (Like these awesome gingersnap sandwich cookies with lemon creme filling featured below!)

We all have our special favorites…

My sister likes the Spritz Butter Cookies (that’s because she likes to play with the Cookie Press)

My cousin loves to make Sugar Cookies with cookie cutters and we all decorate them!

My favorite is Shortbread Cookies! I’m hoping Santa might bring me a gorgeous ceramic Shortbread Cookie Pan!

Brown Bag Thistle Shortbread Cookie Pan

However, we all agree on a certain Chewy Chocolate Gingerbread recipe by Martha Stewart!!

(Those chewy chocolate gingerbread cookies are unbelievable when they are coming right out of the oven, with the molten chocolate in the middle…Oh, I want some now!)

Our Favorite Old-Fashioned Polish Christmas Cookies

And, when we have the time and enough family members around, we make our favorite old-fashioned Polish Christmas Cookies called Chrusciki, just the way my grandmother used to make them.

Well, not exactly the same way. No one knows how much whiskey really went into the recipe, and how much went into Babunia when she was making them!

But we keep trying! Now, instead of whiskey, we drink Krupnik, a honey-based Polish liquour that will knock your socks off!

Translated loosely, Chrusciki means “cookie” in Polish. Americans usually refer to them as ‘Bow Ties‘.

Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies with Citrus Fillings

So, back to Cookie Day preparations. Nothing says Christmas like Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies with Citrus Fillings! I still can’t decide which one I like best, the lemon creme filling or the orange buttercream filling? Oh decisions, decisions! I’ll just make some of each kind of filling.

And maybe a few chocolate gingersnap sandwich cookies, too?

Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Creme Filling

Ingredients:

3 cups flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
granulated sugar for rolling, about 1/4 cup

Lemon Filling
1 stick butter (1/2 cup) softened to room temperature
4 ounces cream cheese
2-3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon lemon extract, or more to taste
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Crushed Lemon Drop Candies or Turbanado Suger

Instructions:

First, mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon, allspice , nutmeg, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Set this aside. Then, beat brown sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, vanilla, lemon zest and beat well. Gradually beat in the flour mixture on low speed until everything is thoroughly mixed. Chill dough for one hour (best) or bake immediately.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Shape cookie dough into 1-inch (1 Tbs) balls. Roll in granulated sugar to coat. (Rolling in sugar is optional, but is not necessary.) Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. (I use a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.) Press down lightly with your finger to flatten the cookie a smidge.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookie centers are puffed up and slightly cracked and the edges are set. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

Lemon Cookie Filling

To prepare filling, combine all Lemon Filling ingredients and beat until mixture is smooth.

Assemble The Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies

After the cookies are completely cooled, spread a large portion of frosting on one gingerbread cookie and top it with another cookie.

Optional Cookie Decorations

Dip cookies in Torbanado sugar or crushed lemon candy, then place between layers of wax paper in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

Makes approximately 30 sandwiches
Recipe adapted slightly from McCormick

Other Delicious Gingersnap Cookie Sandwich Variations

Orange Buttercream Filling

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
2 1/2 – 3 cups powdered sugar
zest of 1 orange
2-3 Tbsp orange juice

Make orange buttercream filling by creaming butter and orange zest, then adding in powdered sugar, slowly, in 1/2 cup measurements. Thin out the filling to your desired consistency using the orange juice. Mix buttercream filling until well combined and fluffy.

Real Good Cooking Tips:

*Aim for underbaking the gingersnap cookies.
**Make Chocolate Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies by adding 1/4 cup of cocoa powder.
***Make this recipe Vegan by substituting the butter for non-dairy butter and a flax egg for the egg.

Hope you enjoyed this Gingersnap Sandwich Cookie recipe and cooking tips!

Please share your comments below!

Cute and Unique Star Wars Kitchen Gifts For Every Home

Vanishing Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Awesome Gingersnap Sandwich Cookies with Lemon Creme Filling

Enjoying Cyber Monday Sales and Our Thanksgiving Review

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Enjoying Cyber Monday Sales and Our Thanksgiving Review

Just sitting around enjoying Cyber Monday sales writing our Thanksgiving Review.

Our Thanksgiving Review

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner. The turkey was perfect!

Lots of vegetables – green bean casserole, carrots, mashed potatoes, corn.

For dessert we had something for everyone – pumpkin pie, apple pie, apple crumb pie, pecan pie bars, chocolate and blonde brownies. The pies were served a la mode with vanilla ice cream.

The pecan pie bars were well received – just enough sweetness in each bite.
(See video below on how to make pecan pie bars)

Next year we might consider pumpkin pie bars!

How was your Thanksgiving meal? Did anyone try anything new and exciting?

Enjoying The Sales On Cyber Monday

Some great sales going on today, Cyber Monday, on all cooking tools, utensils and essentials!

If you don’t have one, now is the time to check out roasting pans for your next turkey.

Every Cook Needs A Classic Roasting Pan

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Roasting Pan Calphalon Roaster with Rack, 16-inch Cook Pro Lasagna and Roasting Pan

Cool Lasagna Trio Pan for Different Tastes

Here’s a great idea that one of our friends told us about.

He serves Lasagna for his Christmas dinner, but his guests have different needs/wants – some want traditional lasagna, some want vegan, others want gluten-free lasagna.

This lasagna trio pan lets you make 3 types of lasagna in one pan!

Chicago Metallic Lasagna Trio Pan

Our Favorite Best Christmas Cookie Cookbooks for 2015!

Now we have to start thinking about baking Christmas cookies!

We’ll be digging into our favorite cookie cookbooks for our favorite Christmas Cookies recipes!

Check back for some of the new recipes we’re trying this year.

We’re going to be checking out these favorite Christmas Cookie Cookbooks for sure!

Yum!

Favorite Christmas Cookie Cookbooks

The Christmas Cookie Cookbook: All the Rules and Delicious Recipes to Start Your Own Holiday Cookie Club Christmas Cookies: 50 Recipes to Treasure for the Holiday Season Good Housekeeping The Great Christmas Cookie Swap Cookbook: 60 Large-Batch Recipes to Bake and Share

How To Make The BEST Pecan Pie Bars

Hope you’re enjoying (cooking) this holiday season!

What’s your favorite holiday recipe? Share in the comments below.

Enjoying Cyber Monday Sales and Our Thanksgiving Review

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A super easy red velvet cupcake recipe for Valentine’s Day!

Here’s a special Valentine’s Day dessert that will be a sweet surprise for all of your sweeties!

Or maybe just one special sweetie?

We have found a super easy red velvet cupcake recipe for Valentine’s Day!

Real Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

This easy-to-bake red velvet cupcake recipe takes away all the stress that’s normally attached to creating a red velvet recipe.

This is the perfect way to make teeny little individual red velvet cakes…

Making red velvet cupcakes!

So, no need for them to know that you didn’t fuss so much…

Use a store-bought brand like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines Cake Mix and a real simple buttercream frosting to make real easy red velvet cupcakes.

Easy, Simple Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

Go to the store. Buy the cake mix and frosting. Read the directions, pop your sweet little red velvet cupcakes in the oven, top with a little buttercream frosting, add some sparkly red, pink and white sprinkles and away we go…

This easy, simple red velvet cupcake recipe leaves plenty of time for Romance!

Ooh La La!

Well, just for the time saved alone, we think it’s the one of the best recipes for red velvet cupcakes! And we hope you will love it too!

Best Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

Some people seems to think that Southern Red Velvet Cupcakes are the best.

Well, we thought we would share with you the best red velvet cupcake recipe from the one and only Paula Deen!

This red velvet cupcake recipe ranks as #1 in Google, so you know it’s popular!

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Total Time: 40 min Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Yield: 24 frosted cupcakes

Level: Easy

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature 2 large eggs, room temperature 2 tablespoons red food coloring 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 pound cream cheese, softened 2 sticks butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

Real Good Cooking Tip

Pipe on the frosting with a big star tip or use a butter knife!

More Delicious Valentine’s Day Desserts

And just because we love you so much…

Best Red Velvet Cupcake Recipes From Scratch

Check out these talented food bloggers for their special touches on their best Red Velvet Cupcake recipes!

Oreo Red Velvet Cupcakes

1. This easy cupcake recipe is for dreamy, easy red velvet cupcakes with Oreo Frosting!

Red Velvet Cupcakes With White Chocolate Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting

2. German chocolate cake mix, vanilla pudding and chocolate chips take a traditional red velvet cupcake recipe to new dimensional taste levels and moistness!

Red Velvet Cupcakes In A Jar

3. Yes, you can make delicious red velvet cupcakes in a jar!

Red Velvet Cupcakes With Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting

4. And for all you marshmallow lovers, red velvet cupcakes with a fabulous marshmallow buttercream frosting!

Beet Red Velvet Cupcakes With Goat Cheese Cream Cheese Frosting

5. Here’s a special recipe the uses real beets to enhance this homemade red velvet cupcake recipe.

Resources for Making Red Velvet Cupcakes:

Turn Valentine’s Day into an even bigger celebration with these special Valentine’s Day Dessert supplies!

We hope you also enjoy these articles:

A Super Easy Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe For Valentine’s Day!

What Is The Amazing Mediterranean Diet That Everyone Is Talking About?

Just what is the amazing Mediterranean Diet that everyone seems to be talking about?

I saw a news story about The Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan this morning!

SO, WHAT IS THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET?

The Mediterranean Diet is a heart-healthy eating plan based on typical foods and recipes developed from Mediterranean-style cooking. Here you will find ways you can adopt the Mediterranean diet into your lifestyle. Your entire family can follow The Mediterranean Diet for a healthier lifestyle!

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET REDUCES HEART DISEASE

Research shows that the traditional Mediterranean Diet reduces the risk of heart disease! You will learn not to eliminate fats altogether, but how to choose healthy fats. In the process you might also reduce the risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, and other types of Dementia.

Saturated fats and hydrogenated oils are discouraged in The Mediterranean Diet. This diet encourages olive oil as the primary source of fat. Olive oil is a type of fat that can help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated or trans fats.

“Extra-virgin” and “virgin” olive oils (the least processed forms) also contain the highest levels of protective plant compounds that provide antioxidant effects.

A LITTLE RED WINE WILL NEVER HURT YOUR MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE!

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET HEALTH BENEFITS

Remember, this is a lifestyle change, and not really a “diet”. Along with a healthier heart, and a reduced risk of Dementia, other benefits of a Mediterranean Diet include:

● Protecting against type 2 diabetes

● Keeping you agile

● Halving the risk of Parkinson’s disease

● Increased longevity

THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET FOR WEIGHT LOSS

MEDITERRANEAN DIET WEIGHT LOSS TIPS:

Eat lost of fruits and vegetables, and switch to whole grains (breads, cereals, pastas, etc). Plant foods should make up the majority of your meals. Fresh and whole foods are best, and processed foods should be very minimal, or better yet, eliminated all together.

Consider fresh fruit or a fruit salad for a snack. This will give you a boost of energy and satisfy any sugar cravings you may have.

Nuts are a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Keep them on hand for snacking at work, school, or for after school treats for the kids. Natural peanut butter is best.

Use olive oil or canola oil instead of butter and margarine. You can drizzle it over vegetables and other foods such as meats and pastas, too.

Spice things up with herbs and spices in place of salt and fat.

Eat fish at least twice a week. Fresh or water-packed tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel and herring are healthy choices. Grill, bake or broil fish for great taste and easy cleanup. Avoid breaded and fried fish.

Limit your red meat consumption to no more than a few times a month. Substitute fish and poultry for red meat. Make sure the red meats you choose are lean, and keep portions small. Avoid bacon, sausage, and other high-fat, processed meats.

Keep dairy choices low fat, and when possible try almond or cashew milk in place of dairy milk. Choose low fat cheeses and ice cream, too.

Set realistic and obtainable goals for yourself, and remember, a slow and steady weight loss is better for you, and will help you to keep the weight off.

BEST MEDITERRANEAN DIET COOKBOOKS FOR BEGINNERS

Total Time: 40 min
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 20 min
Yield: 24 frosted cupcakes

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish