Valentine Treat and a Giveaway!

I must have a cupcake fetish.   This is my third cupcake post in the past few weeks.  I must admit that these cupcakes are better than the beet infested treats in a previous post.  They're perfect for Valentine's Day and because you don't have to worry about the frosting getting on plastic wrap, they're perfect for giving as gifts to neighbors, co-workers, etc.

These are super simple.  Just make a batch of cupcakes using your favorite mix (I used Pillsbury because it was on sale).  Follow the directions on the box.  Line muffin tins with cupcake liners and fill 2/3 full with batter.  Bake 350 degrees for 18 minutes or until cupcakes are done.   Remove from oven and let sit in the pans for 10 minutes before taking them out.  When the cupcakes are completely cool, cut the top off with a serrated knife.  With a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut a heart out of the top of the cupcake. 

You can use a container of store-bought frosting that you've dyed pink, or make your own frosting.  I prefer the home-made kind.  Put a generous spoonful of frosting on the cupcake that's still in the liner.  Carefully spread without pulling bits of the exposed cake into the frosting, mounding it up a bit in the middle.   Place the top of the cupcake on the frosting, gently press, and voila, a Valentine treat! 

You might be asking what to do with the small, heart shaped cakes that are left over.  Put frosting on them.  They're perfect to share with your family...or pop in your mouth when no one is looking! 

(No calories)

I got this recipe from a wonderful cake mix book.

I fell in love with it when I saw it in the store.  Each recipe has a full paged, color picture of what it's supposed to look like. 

There are recipes for cookies, bars,

fancy cakes

and ideas for kids' cakes.

After I bought the book and brought it home, I thought that this would be a good book to give away.  I called three stores before I found another book.  That store had only one left and I got it!  Here's the giveaway:

The Ultimate Cake Mix Book

and

This country-style, full apron!

It has some cute details.  Large pockets, contrasting bands at the hem, and "Home Sweet Home" embroidered on the bodice.

(Where are my daughters when I need a model?)

As you can tell, it's even big enough for the Hubs to wear while washing the dishes. (I think he's sucking it in, what do you think?)

I know you're anxious to win these awesome kitchen accessories and you're asking; "Connie, how do I enter this fabulous giveaway?"

Just leave a comment!  Hooray!  Simple!

If you're a follower, your name gets put in twice.  

If you're really wanting to win, knowing that your husband could wear that apron and be useful in the kitchen, you can blog, FB or tweet about it.  Just come back and let me know and you'll have another chance.

This will end Wednesday evening, February 16th.

Enjoy your weekend!