Tag Archives: Holiday

Mardi Gras Cupcakes

Posted on February 23, 2013 by four sweetie pies

Happy Friday everyone!

Yes, it’s past Mardi Gras I know….but tonight is the Daddy Daughter Dance at my daughters school and the theme is a Masquerade Ball! My daughter is all set with her hair, nails and mask…so I decided to bake a cupcake that carried the theme. They were really quite simple, no real “recipe” here. I simply made a vanilla boxed cake mix and divided it into 3 bowls.

I colored the cake mix gold, purple and green with food coloring gel, found in craft and decorating stores, to make the color more vibrant. I spooned the batter into some gold foil cupcake wrappers. The method is tried to use was to put the 3 colors side by side in the cupcake wrapper.

I baked the cupcakes according to the package directions. I left them “naked” with only a dab or frosting on the top. Allison actually prefers them without frosting, I know…how can this be?! But, it’s true, that’s what she likes :) The frosting-free cupcake also allowed the multi-colored tie-dye look to be more showcased. I surfed the web for some cute printables that were already created, I downloaded them to my computer, punched them out and added the sticks. Ta da!

I purchased some edible glitter and stars and arranged on trays, scattered with Mardi Gras beads. I hope they all have fun dancing the night away and munching on some yummy cupcakes :)

Sharing…Recipes for Thanksgiving

Posted on November 12, 2012 by four sweetie pies

Thanksgiving Turkey (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Good morning! I’ve been scouring cookbooks and cooking magazines and websites over the last couple weeks in anticipation of the “big” meal next week. Of course, we have our tried and true favorite’s at the Barhorst household, but each year I like to throw in something new, something different to put a fresh spin on the meal. This year I’ve been looking how to cut some butter out of the meal, hopefully without compromising taste and so that no one notices! Another idea I have is to use my new favorite bread, The Sprouted Bakehouse’s Seven-Grain Bread, in my stuffing. Everyone seems to love my stuffing, and this bread which is so yummy (I use it everyday for toast) and so low in fat and high in protein I think it will work very nicely. It has lots of texture and will hold up well in stuffing. (I will post that recipe soon as well as my much requested “Crock Pot Oatmeal” which is a necessity for Thanksgiving morning. An easy meal that everyone can serve to themselves and add their toppings of choice and best yet, it’s already made when you wake up that morning :)

So, I’d love to hear what you’re making and what your specialities and tips are for this fast approaching Thanksgiving Holiday. Or, if you need any tips or inspiration, just ask me, I’d love to help! Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite meals to prepare. I love making everyone’s favorites dishes and hearing how they look forward to them each year. This past week I’ve been polling my kids as to what food is absolutely necessary for them. It’s fun to hear what they look forward to :)

Happy Monday and t-minus 9 days until turkey day! Let’s get cooking!