Tiny plants

Having living plants in my house through winter is so important to me!  

Purchased these little bad boys at Kingwood Center today. I met my sisters Kristen and Senah to walk the grounds and to see the beautiful Christmas decorations. They had cookies and hot chocolate and a fire! So cozy! I definitely suggest taking a minute to check it out and enjoy the many things in Mansfield that I love, Kingwood being one of them! Little Vera was in love with the peacocks. She was so intrigued. Audrey couldn't get enough cookies. I think she had 3! I had a blast with them! So much love for my family. We are lucky to have each others love and support. 

Remember why we celebrate Christmas and be thankful for all that we have.  Enjoy your family and spend some quality time together. I hope you all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! Only 3 DAYS!

Be blessed.

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Raspberry Buttercream Cupcakes with Almond Snowflake Cutouts

I brought these to a Christmas party and they were a huge hit!

Recipe Below!

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Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees

Bake until the cake tests done

Cake Ingredients:

1 box Pillsbury Moist Supreme: Classic White Mix

1 c. sour cream

1 c. flour

1 c. sugar

1 c. water

1/3 c. vegetable oil

2 tsp Vanilla Extract

5 egg whites eggs or 3 whole eggs

2 pints rasberries 

1 tsp salt

1. Combine all of the dry ingredients and stir together with whisk

2. Add all other ingredients and beat until well combined. About 2 minutes

3. Pour into floured cake pans or cupcake liners. I made cupcakes! You can also line your cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal. It makes around 24 cupcakes or 2 8 inch cake pans

4. Bake until cake tests done and allow cake or cupcakes to cool to room temp before adding frosting

Buttercream Recipe:

1 c.  room temperature butter (2 sticks) 

3-4 c. of confectioners sugar 

1/2 tsp. of salt 

1 tbsp. of vanilla extract

3-4 tbsp. of milk

1. Whip butter for 8-10 minutes until light and fluffy

2. Add 2 c. sifted confectioners sugar until incorporated 

3. Add Vanilla, Milk, and Salt and mix on high

4. Continue to add confectioners sugar until desired consistency

I used the Wilton tip 2110 for the cupcakes and Wilton tip 20 for the snowflake cutouts.

Cutout Recipe: One of the best I have tried!

I cut the recipe in half, but here is the full recipe,

1 c. softened butter
1 c. confectioners' sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 to 1 tsp almond extract
2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and extracts. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture and mix well

Divide into 5 equal parts and refrigerate for 1 hour

Roll out on flat floured surface and do desired cutout shapes

Carefully place 1 in. apart on greased baking sheets.  

Bake medium and large snowflakes at 375° for 6-1/2 to 7 minutes and small snowflakes for 5-6 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.

 

These cupcakes are so beautiful and so delicious!