Barbie World + Valentine

Red Velvet Valentine's Cupcakes

These are just too sweet<3 Red Velvet Cupcakes are my FAVE! If you don't have time to make them from scratch, you can buy the BOXED RED VELVET! It's okay;o) As a mother of 5 I know how hard it is sometimes to be Mom, Dad, Dr, Teacher, and "Martha" (wink, wink)!
When I have to put my pride aside I use the " Altered Cupcake Mix" I got from Saucy's Sprinkles;o) Love her~ Check her out!

• 3 eggs

• 3/4 cup butter
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2-1/4 cups sugar
• 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1-oz. bottle red food coloring (2 Tbsp.)
• 1-1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1-1/2 tsp. vinegar
• Small chocolate heart-shaped cookies (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

1. Let eggs and butter stand 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 28 2-1/2-inch cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside.

2. In medium bowl combine flour, cocoa powder, and 3/4 tsp. salt; set aside. In large mixing bowl beat butter on medium-high 30 seconds. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until combined. One at a time, add eggs; beat on medium after each. Beat in food coloring on low.

3. Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to egg mixture; beat on low to medium sped after each just until combined. Stir together baking soda and vinegar. Add to batter; beat just until combined.

4. Spoon batter into prepared pans, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake 15 to 17 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from pans. Cool completely. Top with small chocolate cookies, if desired. Dust with powdered sugar. Makes 28 servings.

**BTW~ Today Pantone announced the color of 2010 is TURQUOISE! Even more reason to use it in my Valentine decor!

*Image and recipe via BHG