Thursday, April 16, 2009

For Candice...

This post is for my cousin Candy who loves cupcakes more then anyone I know! These cupcakes are the bomb and so here is to you Candice! I hope you make them even if they are fattening and evil:)
Black and White Cupcakes!


"These cupcakes, a divine combination of chocolate cake and cheesecake, are ooey-gooey delicious."

8 oz cream cheese, at room temp.
1 tbsp sour cream
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup cake flour
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
4 tbsp butter, at room temp.
1 large egg, at room temp.
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup whole milk (I used 1% that I had and seemed fine!)

Preheat oven to 350 and grease 12 cup muffin pan.
To make the cream cheese filling, in a bowl, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the sour cream and 1/2 cup sugar and beat until combined.
To make cupcake batter, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the butter and remaining 3/4 cup sugar together until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat until combined. Add the flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the milk in 2 additions, beating on low speed until just combined; scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling about half way full. Spoon cream cheese mixture onto center of each cupcake batter, dividing evenly among all. (the filling will sink as they bake!) Bake until cupcakes are set in the center, about 15 minutes and then let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan. Transfer to wire rack and let cool for 1 hour before adding glaze!

Gooey Chocolate Glaze

2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
8 oz semisweet chocolate
2 tbsp butter

In a small saucepan combine ingredients and warm, stirring occasionally until chocolate is melted and the mixture is bubbly, 3-4 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and let glaze cool slightly before using.
Spoon over cupcakes after they are cooled and enjoy!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

And the winner is... Everyone!

So I decided that I love winning stuff and so everyone should get that chance too. So I picked a grand prize winner and everyone else will receive a little something for being so supportive of my blog. I will need address's so I can send you your prizes so please email me. I forgot to announce that the grand prize winner is...PAULA! Thanks again for all your love and support with my blog! Look for your prizes in the next couple weeks :)

Saturday, April 11, 2009

It's your birthday lets celebrate!







On my visit to Utah we celebrated my nephew and niece's birthdays. They are all in the month of April so their parents were going to have individual special days for them. We actually had the party on Elijah's special day so he got to blow out the candle on his cake! We played games like pin the tail on the donkey and my mom bought little activity books. Maya is showing her cute picture she drew. We also did and easter egg hunt and had stickers and money instead of candy. We all had a great time and I was so glad to get to see them when I went!

New House





My parents have been building a new house and they are finally ready to move in! Its been quite a process trying to get everything done on time especially because of the weather being too snowy to do anything. Its not a big house at all but its just the right size for them. I think of it as a modern day little house on the prairie. I wanted to show some of my favorite things about the house. I love the fireplace, the kitchen and the sun room. Then there is the breath taking view from the sun room. I am happy for my parents and hope to have many more memories there!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

100th Post and Giveaway!

This marks my 100th post since entering the world of blogging. I have really enjoyed doing this blog and its kind of been like my journal. I have found some great people and been reunited with long lost friends. I wanted to do some kind of giveaway and since I love to cook I thought a recipe book would be the best thing. If you would like to be in the drawing just leave a comment. I will draw a winner on Sunday afternoon. Good Luck and thanks for supporting my blog!

Anya's 1 today!




I cant believe that my cute neice Anya is already 1 years old! She is such a cute girl and very happy during the day. She doesn't like to go to bed at night and maybe she has a bit of Aunt Denise in her :) I am hoping and I am sure her parents are too that she will catch on that sleeping is great! When I went to Utah she was starting to walk. She is so funny she will take a few steps then sit down. It wont be long till she is up and on the run! I am so glad she is in our family she is such a sweetie! Happy Birthday!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Finally home and ready to post the fun...

Well I just got back from a very long drive to Utah for a visit with family. I am hoping to get a couple of posts this week of the trip. Sorry its been so long since my last post but its been so crazy busy for me. I am so glad to be back in the springy weather it snowed 3 out of 6 days I was there! Stay tuned...