See my 2 favorite methods for topping cupcakes, and then make your own! Candy Cut-Outs and melted chocolate make beautiful toppers for Valentine Cupcakes. This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you click on and purchase through them.
Tag: Valentines day
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Valentine Cupcakes
Originally posted on Your LDS Blog.I love Valentines Day! It’s such an optimistic holiday as we share our love with those close to us. Some may argue with me, but I’ll keep loving this holiday, and sharing my love with those around me.This weekend our ward put together a Valentines Dinner and Talent Show for the adults. I skipped signing up for a talent, because well, there are some talents that just aren’t shareable for a show. However, I did sign up for a dessert and decided it would count just fine as my talent. The method I’m going to share is actually really simple and can be used in so many other applications to make it your own.
There are 2 ways I prefer to decorate cupcakes. Well, 3 if you count just topping them with frosting and sprinkles, but let’s get real, we all love having a little more decor on the top right? Method one involves a little melting on the stove, and method 2 you’ll need some cookie cutters.
Here’s what you’ll need – White Almond Bark and red food coloring (or whatever color you want!), piping bags, and the smallest piping tip you have, a cupcake (I made these heart surprise cupcakes), frosting, and starbursts or tootsie frooties. I usually prefer tootsie frooties, as they just mold better, but since I couldn’t find any at the store, I went with Starbursts.
Method 1
On LOW heat melt the almond bark. Add 2-3 drops of food coloring. and stir until well mixed in. Let the almond bark cool slightly, but not too much or it will start to harden back up. Lay out some parchment paper, and begin piping your designs.
Method 2
If you are using starbursts, you’ll need to microwave them for about 10 seconds. Tootsie Frooties can skip this step. Use a rolling pin to roll out the candy and then cookie cutters to cut out the shapes. If you want to get a little bigger on your designs, just smoosh a couple candies together. For a more 3D design use your hands and mold the candies into your preferred shape.
Now you can skip the fondant that no one likes anyway, and still have smooth designs to add to your treats. For more inspiration see how I used Tootsie Frooties for Princess Peach Cupcakes.
Weekend Bites #20 Valentines
If you’re new to Weekend Bites, here’s the run down
Visit my cohost Debi at Practical Parenting
Visit my cohost Debi at Practical Parenting
1. Link up your any food related post below
2. Browse the linky, visit some new blogs, and share if you feel so inclined.
3. Please only link up 3 posts. This lets us visit as many of you as possible.
4. By linking up you give me permission to feature your photos on Home Maid Simple (always linking back to you of course!)
4. By linking up you give me permission to feature your photos on Home Maid Simple (always linking back to you of course!)
5. Each month I send out a newsletter with the most popular links from that month – you may be featured!! This is a once a month newsletter, every first Friday of the month, no spamming involved. Subscribe!
I sure hope you didn’t worry about me this week! I’m coming to the end of my school term, and have one last class I need to study up and then pass the test! Hopefully this Saturday I’ll be passed, and then I’ve got a good couple weeks just to hang out here with all of you. With how little I’ve posted recently, I’ve had time to think about, and create some exciting things I want to share with you! Eee, but for now enjoy this Valentines Dinner I’ve put together from your links last week.
Features
Start your Valentines morning by serving up this Pecan Caramel French Toast Casserole from Life with the Crust Off.
I know I will score big points with Mark if this makes an appearance.
Try some Homemade Pizza Rolls from Growing Up Gabel for lunch. It’s quick to make leaving more time to spend with your loved ones.
For dinner you can’t go too wrong combining your meat with your salad like in this Cilantro Lime Fajita Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette from My Natural Family.
Don’t forget your Love Potion!! from Simply {Darr}ling. The mix of cranberry and cherry here speaks to both Mark and I.
It’s not Valentines without a dessert right? You could get all fancy with hearts, but I’m in love with the little pop of red on these Mini Cherry Cheesecake Sugar Cookie Cups from Tried and Tasty.
Grab a Featured Button!
Raspberry Marbled Mini Cheesecakes #Moms4JNJConsumer #ad
This post is part of the HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® 2014 program by Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. and The Motherhood, who sent me a box of products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.
Whether it’s for Valentines, a date night at home, or just because you need a little indulgence without the guilt, you’ll love these Raspberry Marbled Mini Cheesecakes.
We are 2 days away from Valentines Day!! Do you have any plans? Are you ready to really impress your special someone?
HEALTHY ESSENTIALS® has everything you need to make your day perfect, including special savings. From getting ready in the morning, to sharing time together after the kids are in bed.
My friend recently wrote a great post about taking the time to look good for our husband. If there is one day of the year we ought to take that time it is Valentines! Neutrogena Cosmetics can help add that extra touch to heighten your features this V-day. Get a printable coupon for $1 off any NEUTROGENA® Cosmetics product at HealthyEssentials.com.
What I’m really excited about though is the Splenda No-Calorie Sweetener. Splenda can be used anywhere sugar is used with equal portions, but without all the calories. That is 678 calories less than sugar on a cup to cup basis. Now you can enjoy these Raspberry Marbled Mini Cheesecakes with your spouse (and kids!) without worrying too much about your waistline.
FYI – I may have scoured my county for a mini cheesecake pan solely so I could create this recipe for you guys. It was the only one I could find and was the absolute last one in Williams & Sonoma! I love you that much. You’re welcome. Now go bake these!
Raspberry Marbled Mini Cheesecake
2015-12-31 14:57:58
Enjoy your favorite cheesecake with less calories thanks to SPLENDA in this Raspberry Marbled Cheesecake
Crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup Splenda
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- 3/4 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk
Cheesecake
- 2 pkgs Philadelpia Original Cream Cheese
- 3/4 cup Splenda
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 egg, whipped
- 6 tsp raspberry preserves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Mix butter, Splenda, sugar, and vanilla until well mixed.
- In a small bowl combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt.
- Slowly add the flour to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Add milk and combine.
- Separate and roll into 6 balls about 2 inches in diameter.
- Press into the bottom of your mini cheesecake mold. If you don’t have a mini cheesecake mold, leave the dough combined as one, and press into a 9inch spring form pan.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- The cookies puff up a bit, so when you take them out of the oven, use the back of a spoon to push them down a bit.
- Let cool.
- Turn oven down to 300 F.
- Meanwhile, mix cream cheese, Splenda, and Lemon Juice.
- Slowly mix in the egg.
- Scoop 1/2 cup cheesecake mix on top of the cookie crusts.
- Whip the raspberry preserves until less jelly like, and more liquid like.
- Add one tsp raspberry preserves to the top of each cheesecake. Swirl around with a toothpick to get a marbled look.
- Bake in your 300 F oven for 40 minutes.
- Let cool, then top with whipped cream and fresh raspberries.
Adapted from Crust adapted from Cooking Channel TV
Adapted from Crust adapted from Cooking Channel TV
Home Maid Simple https://www.homemaidsimple.com/
So Yummy! I may or may not have eaten these Raspberry Marbled Mini Cheesecakes for my breakfast and lunch today….shh.
Get a printable coupon for $1 off any SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener product at HealthyEssentials.com. To sweeten the deal Healthy Essentials is offering a 30 minute consultation with a registered dietitian when you buy $10 worth of SPLENDA Sweetener products between now and February 17th. That’s a $75 value! After you’ve indulged in some Raspberry Marbled Mini Cheesecakes, try out Rembrandt’s Deeply White + Peroxide Fresh Mint Toothpaste to freshen up your smile before some snuggling time with that special one – Get a $3 off printable coupon from Healthy Essentials!!
Foodie Friday Valentines Edition
Welcome back to another Foodie Friday
I would love it if you took a moment to visit my co-host Diane at Simple Living and Eating.
If you’re new to Foodie Friday, here’s the run down
1. Link up your recipe or any food related post below
2. Browse the linky, visit some new blogs, and share if you feel so inclined.
3. Please only link up 3 posts. This lets us visit as many of you as possible.
4. By linking up you give me permission to feature your photos on Home Maid Simple (always linking back to you of course!)
4. By linking up you give me permission to feature your photos on Home Maid Simple (always linking back to you of course!)
If you haven’t signed up for the Foodie Friday Newsletter yet, you can do that on the right hand side —-> Just enter your email, and you’ll be good to go! The next installment should be on it’s way your to inbox today! Find out if you were one of the most clicked on recipes last month.
So instead of featuring just one blogger today, I decided to grab all the Valentines desserts that were shared last week. So many yummy treats to share with all those you love. Check them out!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Hearts from Organizer by Day
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Roses from The Pin Junkie
Oreo Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Cake from Life, Love & Sugar
Dark Chocolate Truffle Hearts from Premeditated Leftovers
Kid Friendly Strawberry Cheesecake from Madame Deals
Do you have any fun date plans for next week? I’m thinking of taking hubs to a night of jazz, dancing, and dinner…but still working on a babysitter. If not, we’ll have a nice night in with the kids.
Happy Valentines Day
Today I would just like to tell you –
Happy Valentines Day
Cherish those close to you. Give of yourself today, so your children will never question that you love them. Disregard the angry words spoken in the past and start anew.
I know there are many nay-sayers to this day of love. They argue we should love and show love every day of our lives. True. But why not have a day where we can really focus on that. A day to truly remember and focus on our love. Every day of the year should be special, but we often get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. Today allows us to slow down and remember.
So online friends, I wanted this to be kept short and sweet. Get offline, and go shower you family with love.
School Valentines Day Treats
If your kids go to public school, you’re probably facing the same predicament as me – no home baked goods. It’s one of the things I always looked forward to when becoming a parent, and now I can’t do it. Not that there’s anything wrong with store bought, there’s just something extra special about putting love into cupcakes and cookies while making them for your kids and their friends.
Tangent over. Princess V is in charge of bringing 21 treats to share for their Valentines party. Originally I was just going to buy some Valentine inspired cookies, but then a friend told me how she wrapped the juice boxes in Christmas paper for the Christmas party. I decided I could do more and put that extra touch of love into the Valentines treats, even though they were store bought.
I started with the cookies. Then some cellophane bags and twistie ties. To make it just a little extra special though, we added in the Owl Bookmarks from Living Locurto (check her out for more free Valentines printables).
Valentines Gift Basket {Giveaway}
Time sure does fly by! I keep seeing pins everywhere for Valentines Day, and some of my favorite bloggers have been posting Valentines Day Craft Ideas, Printable Cards, and Treats. Then I looked at the Calendar.
Yup, only 3 weeks until Valentines Day (which also means 3 weeks until I have a 5 year old). So, what to do for Valentines Day? My first stop was to get some “cards” for Princess V’s class. They really push reading here, so I thought these Owl bookmarks from Living Locurto were perfect
(FYI, go to her website, and these are FREE to print out! Plus many more!)
Of course we needed to find a good treat to celebrate the day too. I like to start the morning with heart shaped pancakes or French Toast, and some Strawberry syrup. With strawberries and raspberries on the side. Later in the day this Valentine Popcorn Munch would make a sweet treat
For more Valentines Day Ideas, visit my Pinterest Board.
Are you ready to share the love? Holiday Gifts and Baskets is giving away one of their Valentines Day Gift Baskets valued up to $60. Pretty Sweet, right? Look what you have to choose from –
Option 1 – Deluxe Fruit and Sweets
Option 2 – Monkey Business Kids
Option 3 – Sweet Treat
Option 4 – Fields of Lavender Spa
Entering is really simple! Just read the rules, and then follow the Rafflecopter form.
Giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ (48contiguous states, sorry Alaska and Hawaii). Entries close February 7th at midnight. Winner is chosen randomly and will be given 3 days to respond via email before a new winner is chosen.
Tuesday Tips – Valentines Day
As I “meet” people online, I am continually surprised by the number of people who dislike Valentines day. I’ve heard it called a pointless holiday. I’d like to try and change that thinking. Use today to bring Love back into your home.
Now granted, I am a romantic. I love showing and receiving love. Do we need a special holiday just to show our special someone we care? As women do we need a special holiday to feel loved? I hope not. BUT by putting aside one day of the year to spread some extra love, we can do great things.
Today I’d like to challenge you to go above and beyond to show your family, co-workers, and friends that you care. It will make their day, and I will be surprised if it doesn’t put a smile on your own face as well.
Over the weekend, I was starting to fall into a little depression. Nothing severe, but I just wasn’t as happy as I usually feel I am. I’m a positive person, I like to see the glass overflowing, but I hit a funk. We all do at some point. So today, I woke up and made a conscious decision to get out of it (those who suffer depression on a deeper level, I know that’s not as easy for you. I do understand and I hope you can get something from my words today as well).
I actually had a pretty awful night, between a massive headache that felt like either a sledgehammer hit the insides of my brain, or a bomb went off in there, and an almost 2-year-old who just needed some mommy love all night long, I didn’t get a lot of sleep. I could have gotten up this morning, and complained to Mark (OK I did a little), or even just stayed in bed, but instead, I got up early put a smile on. I actually got to sit down and eat breakfast with Mark. A very rare occasion indeed.
Today, I plan on letting the kids get messy. We’ll pull out paints, maybe have a bubble bath. Do some more crafts, and enjoy the day. If they want to do something today, I plan on saying YES (within safety reasons).
We’re also going to make a special candy bar card for Mark, and deliver it during his lunch. We’ll even stay and eat lunch with him! It’s not something we ever do because it just doesn’t fit that great into my schedule. Today, though, I’m going above and beyond. I’ll go a little out of my way, to let Mark know I love him.
I also plan on making this yummy Cocoa Creme Brulee. Mark loves creme brulee. I hardly ever make it because it takes a fair portion of time, time that I don’t always feel like I have. Today, though, I will make the time. (hopefully, Mark does not read this blog today!)
We all show our love in different ways. Some may be romantic throughout the year. But I think the majority of us easily get caught up in the day to day tasks to really focus on those around us. To me, that is why Valentines Day is not a pointless holiday. It’s a good reminder to step back from our daily grind and show a little extra love to those around us. Celebrating a day like today, can bring peace, joy, and love back into your home. Make today count!
Love Blocks
These love blocks add a nice touch to the home for Valentines. Simple to make, and a great reminder for the family to do all things with Love!
This was going to be part of my Valentines Decorations, but circumstances didn’t allow me to get to it until after. My mom’s ward was making these the week before Valentines. I was supposed to be visiting their house that week, but the weather was bad, and we were down to one car. So I finally picked up the blocks this week and made them on my own. It was a lot of fun, and they look great! I think they’ll be out for some time still.
What you’ll need for your Love Blocks
Purchasing through the below links helps me keep this blog going!
- 2×4 wood blocks
- decorative scrap papers
- mod podge
- vinyl letters
- embellishments
The blocks were already painted for me, but this would be really easy to do. Cut a 2×4 down to the size you want your letters, then sand and paint.
Mod Podge some colorful paper on the blocks. The letters are vinyl cutouts, with a sticky back. There are a lot of places that make vinyl letters like this. In the future, I’ll just use my cricut to cut the letters out of paper. Then mod podge them on. After sticking the letters I added another layer of mod podge to seal it all.
Once the mod podge has sealed add different embellishments – paper flowers, ribbons, gems – with hot glue. Then display for everyone to enjoy!
Where would you display these Love Blocks?
Valentines Day
I know it’s been awhile since posting, and this one is a bit late. But I wanted to share our Valentines decorations with you. They were so simple and quick to create!
I got this awesome free printable from eighteen25. Eventually mine will be framed nicely like theirs, but for our simple needs this year, I used some craft glue and recycled a cardboard box. The hearts we painted a couple years with the girls, one is missing because it got colored on with pen.
Then with the girls help we cut out some hearts, and strung them on some pink heart ribbon and hung it in the hall.
We had a really fun valentines day with lots of yummy food.
Heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast.
Cream cheese stuffed strawberries for dessert
And the husband and I ended the night with Sparkling Cider, bread and cheese.
Every year the hubby buys his girls flowers. I love that we have 3 sweet little girls for him to show his love to, along with me!
Mine are the yellow roses. The girls got the lilies.
For my knight in shining armor we got him all his favorites. Starting with favorite dinner – meatloaf, mashed potatoes and carrots (cut like hearts!). Here’s the rest of his favorites
Mini pepsi’s to fit in his work fridge, Reeses Peanut Butter cups, a movie, and chalkboard paint. Ok chalkboard paint doesn’t really fit in the favorites theme, but it was something he wanted. I told him it would have to wait, because it wasn’t needed and we’re trying to buy a home. Well, wasn’t he nicely surprised!