Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

Its Valentines Day. well tomorrow. I like it but I dont. Since Jonathan and I have been together its been 3 years. We havent spend a Valentines Day together. We both work. He works nights and I work days. So I am kinda excited for next year because it will be on a friday and we will be married. So I am just a little excited.

I didnt do any baking for Valentines Day. But I thought I would pass on one of my favorite recipes. This is from Paula Dean... gotta love Paula!

Red Velvet Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1 - teaspoon vanilla
1 - cup buttermilk
1 - teaspoon salt
2 1/2 - cup flour
1/2 lb - (2 sticks) butter
2 - ounces - red food coloring
2 - tablespoons cocoa
2 - cups sugar
2 - eggs
1/2 - teaspoon baking soda
1 - tablespoon vinegar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs; add sugar. Mix cocoa and food coloring. Add butter and egg mixture; mix well. Sift together flour and salt. (sifting is a must here) Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.

Blend in vanilla. In a small bowl, combine soda and vinegar and add to mixture. Finish mixing and divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled.

Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for done ness. Remove from oven and cool completely.


Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:
2 - 8oz pkg of cream cheese, softened (I used Philly)
2 - sticks butter, softened
1 - teaspoon vanilla extract
4 - cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
Chopped pecans or red sprinkles for garnish

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth.

Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.
before frosting