Was that the WORST Super Bowl EVER last night?
Poor Peyton Manning. Now he knows how his brother, Eli, felt this past season (I can say that -- I'm a Giants fan).
After the first quarter, let's admit, it was all about the food and the commercials. Did you have a favorite? The Audi "Dober-huahua" ad cracked me up.
We went over to our friends' house. I brought S'mores Brownies. The boys were saying they wished the Super Bowl wasn't on a school night. Well, they got their wish, because this morning (at 5:30am - aarghh!), we got a call that school was closed because of snow. We're supposed to get 5-8 inches today, followed by an ice storm tomorrow night. I just better be able to get into New York City tomorrow, because I have a haircut appointment! I'm so sick of winter and snow, but this one sure is pretty...so far.
OK, back to the point of this post...
Do you celebrate Valentine's Day in a BIG way?
It's not a major "to-do" in our house.
No dinners in fancy restaurants...No truckloads of roses delivered...
...just a few cards, some chocolates, and a Valentine's treat, baked by Yours Truly.
This year, we will be doing something a little bit different on Valentine's Day, but more about that in an upcoming post. It's not because it's Valentine's Day; it's just something fun we happen to have planned for that night...and I can't wait!
Now, you may be saying to yourselves, "Hmmmm....these cupcakes look familiar."
That's because they are a variation on my Best Ever Chocolate Cupcakes.
The only difference with these is that I added 1 teaspoon of Peppermint Extract to the batter. I wanted them to have a subtle mint taste. And, of course, I dressed them in Valentine's Day attire.
I opted to leave the icing as is, but there's no reason you can't add the extract to the icing. If you do, I'd add 1/2 teaspoon after combining the chocolate and the cream.
I'm going to send you over to that post for the recipe.
I could hardly hear myself think while I was writing this post on Saturday. There were eight boys in my basement. I don't know which is worse...when they're yelling, or when they are quiet! I always wonder what's going on when it get's too quiet.
They were doing something that involved teams. And throwing something. I think they were using the lamps as goal posts. It would be one thing if my basement was the size of a football field. And had astro turf. Which, it does not, by the way.
I considered bringing down a platter of these pretty heart cupcakes to quiet them down, at least for a few minutes. Wouldn't that have gone over well with a bunch of 14-year old boys?!!
But then, I envisioned crushed candy canes, and red and white balls shmooshed into the carpeting.
On second thought, I kept them upstairs, with me.
Here is the recipe. Remember to add 1 teaspoon of Peppermint extract to the batter.
Happy Valentine's Day, whether you celebrate BIG...or small!
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These cupcakes are adorable! I'm sure they're delish too. You decorated them so beautifully! I enjoy doing things for others, like baking etc. (Stop by my blog for a month of Love gesture.)
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine having all those boys in the basement with their energy. Giving them sugar would be scary maybe? :)
I feel for you with all the snow & ice! I just know that I couldn't live in areas that get so much winter. It's been rough here but nothing compared to what you are experiencing. Take care and stay warm!
xo
Pat
Hi Pat, yes, giving those boys sugar would have been a BAD idea! I did see your Month of Love gesture, and I think it is wonderful. I'm thinking about whether to do something specific, or just adopt a more "kind" attitude in general. We got 6 inches of snow yesterday; another six and ice is coming tonight, and possibly a whopper of a storm on Sunday. I have had enough of winter!
DeleteAmy, these chocolate mint valentine cupcakes are SO pretty, too pretty to eat...um..no!! Love the red and white striped liners, candy cane heart and coloured sprinkles; so very glitzy, perfect for a fun gathering! Very quick thinking re: the decision not to bring the cupcakes down to the boys...I cringe at the thought of sticky upholstery and chocolate glaze on your pillows!
ReplyDeletePoppy
Thanks, Poppy - I had a good time "dressing" these cupcakes! Definitely a good decision to keep these away from the boys!
DeleteI love how you made the heart on top of your cupcakes. There isn't a single snowflake in Brittany, so I have to go to work ;)
ReplyDeleteFor Valentine's, I'm suspecting the cats are planning on bringing me dead mice... But it's a secret they are plotting!
Those cats of yours are so romantic! I envy that you don't have any snow. We got six inches yesterday, will get about 6 more tonight, and someone said 24 - 30 inches Sunday! I hope that is a BAD rumor!
DeleteThose cupcakes are so cute! Just love them. Hope you make it into the city! xo Diana
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diana! Yes, I did make it into the city. Lucky for me, I made my appointment in between two snowstorms!
DeleteSo festive Amy. For Valentine's Day, hubby usually makes me a nice dinner, we watch a (hopefully good) movie, and I make a yummy dessert. Hubby would love those cupcakes because he is a huge mint chocolate fan and they look super moist. Pinning away!
ReplyDeleteThey really are moist, Eileen. That's why I love this recipe. Your Valentine's celebration sounds just perfect to me!
DeleteYou're a girl after my own heart. You are always posting these decadent chocolate dessert recipes! Those are the cutest with the candy canes shaped into a heart. I wonder if you can find candy canes for sale this time of year though. Hmmmm..... I watched the Super Bowl last night and wasn't pulling for a particular team so I paid more attention to the half time show and commercials too.
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong with chocolate :) but I'm thinking it's time for something cinnamon next. Tomorrow will probably be another baking day since we are getting another snowstorm. My local CVS had these mini candy canes in the clearance section.
DeleteHaha. I love your post about boys. I have three girls, so it's good to hear the "other" side. I love the cupcakes!
ReplyDeleteI still can't get over the crazy things boys do! Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne!
DeleteThese cupcakes have to be yummy because they're chocolate!! And they look so pretty and cute too.
ReplyDeleteMary Alice
They really are so good. My husband and son went crazy for them!
DeleteWow!! These look delicious!! Chocolate mint and cupcakes, I'm in heaven!! I just wanted to thank you for always stopping by with your inspiring comments. You're the best!!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jody
They are really moist, and not overly sweet. Thanks for thanking me about visiting your blog, but I do it because I enjoy it!
DeleteThis is defintely the best peppermint candy cane recycling, ever!
ReplyDeleteYup, I just saw them sitting there and said, hmmmmm, hearts!
DeleteOh yummy Amy and oh so cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie!
DeleteOH I remember those days! Teenage boys! I feel so old now....they are all having little babies now!
ReplyDeleteOne of those babies is just turning one and I never did finish her baby quilt . LOL! :)
Those boys will always remember your cooking and baking and hostessing, though...I know that from experience. You are most likely on the 'cool mom' list :) Well...pls ask your son what the term for "cool mom' is nowadays :)
Love the snow shot...just beautiful!
Ice storm predicted here too ( However the 5 inches of snow that I took off of my car yesterday was not predicted...surprise surprise they were wrong again..so who knows :) Actually they are saying 'wintry mix' now. That is safe. We'll get something and they'll say they were right.
Stay safe and warm ! :)
I guess it will be in the blink of an eye that my son will be grown, so I will try to tolerate their noise and antics! My son says the word for "cool" is "Boss" or "Beast," but he said I am not aloud to use them, LOL! We're getting another storm tonight - UGH!
DeleteDelicious cupcakes. I think I would have kept the cupcakes upstairs too. lol
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Catherine xo
Good thinking on my part, right? ;)
DeleteYeah, my son ripped out the candy cane but wanted to "save it for later." He and the hubs loved the cupcakes. You sure were smart not to waste your time with that game!
ReplyDeleteCan you read my mind? I was just looking at my bag of mini candy canes left over from Christmas and was wondering what to do with them. Those cupcakes look wonderful, and I even have some peppermint extract in the cupboard already. The Super Bowl took place Monday morning over here in Malaysia. Some kids even skipped school to stay home and watch it. I'm wondering at what point the parents decided to send them to class. My son's teacher had a strict no-talking-about-the-Super Bowl rule that day since he was recording it to watch after the school day was over.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting about the Super Bowl. I would have sent the kids to class after the first quarter, LOL! Hope you make good use of those candy canes and peppermint extract and try these out, Michele!
DeleteYour cupcakes are so pretty! I'm so over all the snow we are having. I do love the snow just not the cold :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dee, I have never been so ready for winter to end! We were rumored to get a huge storm this weekend, but thankfully, looks like we'll get just a few more inches. I like the snow the day it falls, but then I want it to melt away!
DeleteI still love cupcakes! Look forward to doing things like this when my grandchildren are old enough to mess and gob with me in the kitchen. Very delicious I'm sure! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks! When they are ready, these are really easy to make! Thanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteWhat a great recipe, and your photos are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine the noise 8 boys make-
Enjoyed visiting, and I am a new follower,
Laura
White Spray Paint blog
Thanks, Laura! Yes, boys are SO noisy - I wish I could wear ear plugs, but I've got to keep an ear on them! Thanks for following!
DeleteThese are adorable Amy :) I don't do a super big event for Valentine's Day since it is just me and my kiddos. We will make a baked treat together and some homemade cards. That's about it :) Thank you so much for linking this recipe up at Recipe Sharing Monday. I hope to see you back next Monday. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect Valentine's Day, Ali! Enjoy your weekend, too!
DeleteI should say your valentine cup cakes really looks beautiful.. I love the way your pictures were taken. Have a nice day and thanks for sharing with 4 seasons blog hop. Cheers and in the Group's pinterest board.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I appreciate it!
DeleteThis looks beautiful and delicious! I love the combination of mint and chocolate! I do appreciate you sharing with A Return to Loveliness,
ReplyDeleteKathy
Thanks, Kathy!
DeleteWow. this looks good! definitely will try to make these. thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming and linking up at #TheWeekendSocial. Please be sure to come back this week starting Thursday at 9PM EST on KitchenDreaming.com ! I hope to see you there! Pinned
ReplyDeleteDina @Kitchen Dreaming
Those are really awesome Amy!! What a yummy treat and so cute too! I bet they wouldn't last for more than a few minutes in my house. :) So, enjoying all the snow? We had yet another delay today. They've missed so many days these last couple weeks. I guess I should be happy when it's just a delay.
ReplyDelete