Induction Cupcakes :)

Well, our daughter’s due date has come and gone…..Once again I am reminded that God has every detail planned and His timing is perfect even if it is not our timing. BUT the mom-to-be is having last minute cravings—chocolate and peanut butter to be exact. Sooo

I whipped up a quick version of chocolate peanut butter cupcakes using mix for the cupcakes and the Barefoot Contessa’s frosting recipe. I used Betty Crocker’s Chocolate Fudge mix—there’s no such thing as too much chocolate when you are nine plus months pregnant! A few chopped peanuts garnish and add hint of salt to the icing.

This morning I sent her an email and a picture of the cupcakes:

To the Little One

You Are Cordially Invited

to

A Birthday Celebration

You supply the birthday; I’ll supply the cupcakes :)

I’m not sure if she was amused, but she’s coming to pick up the cupcakes :)

Ina’s Peanut Butter Frosting

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 cup creamy peanut butter

5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/3 cup heavy cream

Place confectioners’ sugar, butter, peanut butter and vanilla in an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium- low speed until creamy, scraping down scraping down the bowl with a rubber spatula as you work. Add the cream and beat on high speed until the mixture is light and smooth.

note: I love my Kitchen-Aid, but I am sure this could be done with an electric hand mixer as well! These would be great for the 4th of July--what's more American than peanut butter and chocolate?

I am linking to Cupcake Tuesday at Hoosier Homemade. Drop by for some great recipes and Fourth of July inspiration! Be sure to join our friend Michael Lee West at Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday! Click on her button on the sidebar! Thanks ladies!

Thanks for stopping by! I’ll keep you posted on when the Little One arrives!

You’re Gonna Have a Fit!

It’s been two months almost to the day since I posted last…I’ve missed you! We have been busy as bees around here with wedding festivities for our youngest son and preparations for our daughter’s baby soon to be born BUT you just have to see this!

Here in the South one of the nicest compliments you can give is, “I just had a fit over it!”. Recently dear friends of ours gave a seated dinner for ninety for our son and his fiance. I can tell you these ladies did all the work themselves and put endless hours of thought, preparation, and work into this event and I just about had a fit when we saw it….I think you will too!

I felt as if I had entered a photo shoot for Southern Living and Southern Lady combined. The majority of the tables were set in a woodland theme on long sweeping porches on two sides of the house. Napkins were held by mini flower pots and each guest was provided a fan tied with satin ribbon with the bride and groom’s name on it.

The theme was evident from the very beginning when the invitation arrived in what appeared to be a brown paper sack addressed in calligraphy (of course :). The invitation itself was a replica of a vintage seed packet. Each guest received a tiny seedling planted in the mini pots as a favor. As the sun set candles surrounded by parchment paper provided a romantic glow on the tables.

Long stretches of tables with tulips in galvanized bucket- like containers provided seating for every single guest.

Oh, and don’t overlook the moss-covered fauna on each table. This little bunny is sitting on a bed of polished stones. Each “placemat” was made of astro turf.

The brown tablecloths provided the “earthy” background. Our boys have hunted together since junior high school and the hostesses knew the groom would revel in the theme. His favorites were this duck and a huge wild turkey!

A mossy little fox graces this table. The Mason jars were filled with water and garnished with lemon before dinner.

A giant moss butterfly provided the appropriate whimsy for the bar tucked away in a corner! Soft lighting in the surrounding foliage was beautiful after dark. I half-expected woodland fairies to pop out!

Tables of appetizers filled the patio area before dinner. The white Adirondack chair was a gift to the bride and groom. Each guest signed it and it was later covered with a finish to preserve the memories of the night.

My personal favorite was the gazpacho served in shot glasses! And finally a feast was served buffet-style…..

A tuxedoed buck and veiled doe served as the centerpiece for the buffet table!!!!!

It was a magical night none of us will ever forget….well, you know….. I just had a fit over it :)!

I’m linking this to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and to Laurie at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie for Saturday’s My Favorite Things. I hope you’ll visit these two ladies and tell ‘em I sent you :) I hope to post the nursery on Sunday and I think you’re gonna have a fit!!! It’s good to be back….:)!! Thanks for stopping by…leave me a note!

EDITED--In my absence, Laurie has decided to discontinue her Saturday meme, so I won't be linking BUT still hop over for a visit. You won't be sorry!