Edible Red Treats for Valentine’s Day

I’m not a big fan of Red Hots. The sweet and spicy candy is a popular Valentine’s Day treat used to decorate cupcakes and cookies… in kitchens other than my own. My disdain for the cinnamon candy is incredibly evident this time of year when I am faced with making Valentine’s Day treats for my daughter’s playgroup. This year each mom is required to bring a red-colored dish to pass and someone suggested I make a dessert featuring Red Hots. No dice. Instead, I will be making Red Velvet Cupcakes from the recipe below. (I’m making adjustments to the original … Continue reading

Back-to-School Baked Goods: Cookies and Cupcakes

My mom always made a big deal about the first day back to school… in a good way. She would make an extra special breakfast for all of us in the morning and she always had homemade treats ready for us when we returned in the afternoon. My brothers and I would chow down on cookies, cupcakes, or tarts while she listened to the events that transpired during our first day back to class. It was a simple gesture, but one I still remember to this day… probably because the tradition lasted all the way through high school. If you … Continue reading

A Very Red Christmas Velvet Cake

Nothing says Christmas like a festively decorated dessert that features the traditional colors of the season. If you are like me and are tired of making (and eating) the same red and green Christmas cookies this next recipe might get you back in the holiday spirit. It’s a take off on the traditional southern favorite red velvet cake. The recipe for the cake is untouched save for the festive green frosting that borders the deliciously moist red interior. You could stick with the traditional white frosting, but I enjoy hearing the oohs and ahhs from my family members as I … Continue reading