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Friday, February 11, 2011

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!


31 comments:

Jennifer said...

Your husband is such a good sport!

Melanie said...

Andy looks like one handsome devil in that! ;) I am in love with cake...and it is showing much to much!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

I am a follower!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

Does the apron come with the guy and does he do dishes????????

Cute cupcake recipe! That looks so doable, maybe even I coud try it!

Brenda said...

What a great guy you have! I think he deserves a cake of his own! :)

I love it! The cupcakes are adorable, my kids would LOVE them!

Thanks for a fun giveaway!

Have a great weekend!
Love, Brenda

Kristina P. said...

This is my kind of giveaway!

Mimi Sue said...

Great cupcake idea! I do love a man in an apron. Especially if he's doing dishes! We live across the freeway from the Deseret Mill and get to spend some time there almost every month. 4 plus years is a loooonnng time for that calling. Way to hang in there! Have a great V day. Mimi

gigi said...

I was thinking this morning that I needed to make some V/T treats for my sisers and this is it!!! See I told you I learn so much from you! You are always teaching me something :)
You know that I am your friend that loves CAKE!! That book should be mine! Go ahead and send it to me :))

Tracy said...

Cute cupcakes, cute apron, cute cookbook and cute model!! ;-)

Like I've said a "million" times before, you're always good for a smile!!

Happy Heart Day!

Yvonne said...

I would definitely just pop the top in my mouth--ESPECIALLY IF IT'S NOT CALORIES.

Fun giveaway.

Your hubby is a GREAT sport.

And, I will make a note on my post today about this.

Unknown said...

love the model. and your cupcakes look darling. i may just have to give them a try! happy valentines day to you and your model!

Natalie said...

You have a very handsome model! What a fun contest.

Barbaloot said...

If you're on facebook, I'm pretty sure that picture of your husband should be your new profile picture:)

Jill K said...

dad is fab.

Kazzy said...

Totally sucking it in, but still, kudos for modeling for you!

Teachinfourth said...

I'm lazy...I'd just go and buy them.

Yeah, I'm pretty domestic.

karen said...

What a great book! And I love your husband in the apron - he's a great model. I'm a follower...

CB said...

Now you know what a REAL man looks like - He is not afraid to wear an apron!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE that picture!!!!!

Valerie said...

I think Andy may have a career in modeling!
I've been on a cupcake kick too, although my results haven't looked quite as good as yours...I'll keep trying! :)

Cheeseboy said...

I love a contest that all I have to do is leave a comment.

Real men wear aprons. And always store bought frosting. Always. (My wife begs to differ.)

Joanie said...

I love the idea. I really could impress my Chinese friends. Andy looks great.

Pops said...

who wouldn't want a book about treats!?

Doran & Jody said...

Oh for slurp sakes!

YUM

Gerb said...

Those cupcakes are my kind of recipe - completely doable!

Ann Marie said...

Sweet! What a fun giveaway!!!
Happy Valentines day!!

Camille said...

I'll take a dozen cupcakes! thanks!

Carol E Wyer said...

Hubby would go nuts for the cupcakes but I'm not sure I'd get him to wear the apron.

Joy For Your Journey said...

Oh sure, I had to come and read this just minutes after I made the commitment to get back on my diet!! Thanks a lot! :-) Everything looks so yummy.

And I love the apron pictures. Very cute!

Valerie said...

I am usually a cookie gal, but I can do cupcakes!! As long as it involves mixing and an oven I'm good.... It's great therapy for these long winter months.

You have quite the model there. And he does dishes? What are his fees? Do he have an agent I can contact?

P.S. I'm a follower!!

wendy said...

Your hubby is very sexy in the apron. You can tell him so.

cupcakes seem to be the rage right now. They are sooooo dang cute.

THE BADGERS said...

I'd like that apron. Maybe Andy will wear one once he sees how handsome Andy's look in aprons.