cooking zone: Catalina

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No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars (With Video)

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are the best way to enjoy the delicious holiday flavors in a stunning and easy dessert recipe!

No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are festive, delicious and so easy to make. Once you try them, you will make them over and over again. Everything is perfect about these No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars starting from the creamy texture and ending with the beautiful, baby pink color. The bars are made with real peppermint candies, not just peppermint extract. Topped with soft like a cloud whipped cream and crunchy, crushed peppermint candies. The bars are no bake, so you don't have to worry about cracks and imperfections, they have the perfect texture and taste!

Hey guys, it’s Catalina from Sweet and Savory Meals here. I am happy to be a contributor on TSRI and add recipes to Donna and Chad’s already great collection. I am very excited about these Peppermint Cheesecake Bars, they taste amazing and I am sure they will be a hit on your holiday dessert table.

Speaking of simple recipes, of course our new cookbook {The Simple Kitchen - available to order now}is packed with delicious, easy recipes.

The Simple Kitchen is loaded with more than 75 BRAND NEW recipes and a hand full of family favorites too.

8 chapters with a total of 82 quick and easy recipes that are bursting with flavor!!!

Every recipe has a photo that will make your mouth water. It has slow cooker meals, one-pot recipes, quick dinners, simple appetizers, desserts and more!!!

And we have included kitchen tips to make dinnertime less stressful.

We are so excited to share our recipes with you!!! So, don't wait. Go and grab yours today! The Simple Kitchen <-- click here to order.

WHERE TO ORDER:

🔥 Amazon 🔥 Barnes & Noble 🔥 Books-a-Million 🔥 IndieBound

Helpful Tips to make No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars:

Make sure you use room temperature cream cheese and on the opposite, very cold heavy whipping cream.
The hot water should be very hot, boiling water, this will help melt the peppermint candies quicker.
The bars must be served chilled and must be stored in the refrigerator.
You can make the recipe in a springform pan, for a round cheesecake or make it as a trifle, served in individual glasses.
Top with whipped cream right before serving, as the whipped cream hardens in the refrigerator.

What you will need to make No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars:

9x13 baking pan – the perfect pan for blondies, brownies and many other delicious desserts. I love this one with the cover.
Gelatin – I like using it in No Bake Cheesecake recipes, it gives the dessert that authentic cheesecake texture.
Peppermint Hard Candies - stock up for the holiday season.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

Do you ❤ love ❤ TSRI? Don't miss another recipe. Click here to Subscribe to by Email and receive new recipes in your inbox every day!

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Check out more of our favorite bars and brownies recipes:

Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars
Best Brownies Ever
Easy Lemon Bars

See how easy this No Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars is to make. Watch the video!!!

Yield: 12Author: Catalina Castravet

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars

No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake Bars are the best way to enjoy the delicious holiday flavors in a stunning and easy dessert recipe!

Ingredients

Crust

3 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake

15 Peppermint hard candies, crushed
1/2 cup hot, boiling water
2 (7 gram) packets unflavored gelatin
3 (8 ounce) package full fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold

Garnish

10 Peppermint hard candies, crushed
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons white granulated sugar

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Add all the ingredients to a large bowl, mix with a fork until well combined and press into a lightly greased 9x13 inch pan.
Prepare the Cheesecake: Add peppermints to a large Ziploc bag. Seal the bag well, but do not make the bag air tight, or the bag will perforate on the first smash. To avoid a mess, place the bag inside another Ziplock bag.Place the bag on a wooden cutting board and using a kitchen mallet, crush the candies.
Add the crushed candies to a medium bowl and pour hot, boiling water over them. Using a spoon, stir the mixture for 3-5 minutes, until the candies completely melt.
Sprinkle the two packets of gelatin over the peppermint mixture, let it bloom for 1 minute and whisk it until fully combined. Set aside.
Add room temperature cream cheese and sugar to a large bowl and using a hand mixer (you can also you a stand mixer for this), whisk it on medium-high speed until creamy and fully combined. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl a few times.
Add the gelatin mixture to the cream cheese, mix it in with the electric mixer starting on low speed and increasing it to high. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl a few times.
Add cold heavy whipping cream to a preferably chilled, cold bowl and beat it on medium-high speed until soft peaks form and the whipped cream holds its shape, about 1-2 minutes. Fold whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture and stir well to combine.
Add the cheesecake mixture to the pan, level the top with a spatula. Chill for at least 3 hours, better 5-8 hours.
Garnish: When ready to serve, add cold heavy whipping cream and sugar to a preferably chilled, cold bowl and whisk it on medium-high speed until soft peaks form and the whipped cream holds its shape, about 1-2 minutes.
Garnish each peppermint cheesecake bar with whipped cream and top with crushed peppermints.
Enjoy!

https://zeromediasystem.blogspot.com//search?q=no-bake-peppermint-cheesecake-bars

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Sumber https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Author musicforlive

White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy (With Video)

White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy is creamy, crunchy and very festive. Loaded with cashews, peanuts, almonds and refreshing peppermint candy.

White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy is the must make holiday dessert. Seriously guys, if you have never tried Crockpot Candy, you are missing out! It is so easy to make, you add all the good stuff to your crockpot, and you are done. It does not get any easier than this. This White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy is festive and tastes very refreshing thanks to the crushed peppermint candies. Three types of nuts: peanuts, slivered almonds and cashews, are also coated in velvety white chocolate. Topped with more crushed peppermints and green sanding sugar!

Hey guys, it's Catalina from Sweet and Savory Meals here. I am happy to be a contributor on TSRI and add recipes to Donna and Chad's already great collection. Since I noticed that you are enjoying crockpot recipes, I am bringing you today a sweet one, because I am a sucker for dessert! And if you are looking for more holiday desserts to add to your list, also try these No-Bake Cake Batter Truffles, they are tasty, easy to make and very good looking!

Speaking of simple recipes, of course our new cookbook {The Simple Kitchen - available to order now}is packed with delicious, easy recipes.

The Simple Kitchen is loaded with more than 75 BRAND NEW recipes and a hand full of family favorites too.

8 chapters with a total of 82 quick and easy recipes that are bursting with flavor!!!

Every recipe has a photo that will make your mouth water. It has slow cooker meals, one-pot recipes, quick dinners, simple appetizers, desserts and more!!!

And we have included kitchen tips to make dinnertime less stressful.

We are so excited to share our recipes with you!!! So, don't wait. Go and grab yours today! The Simple Kitchen <-- click here to order.

WHERE TO ORDER:

🔥 Amazon 🔥 Barnes & Noble 🔥 Books-a-Million 🔥 IndieBound

Helpful Tips to make White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy:

I like to use a mix of white chocolate chips and melting chocolate wafers. The latest are creamier, therefore they give the candy that velvety texture. If you can't get your hands on melting chocolate wafers (aka candy melts), do NOT substitute with chocolate chips, but rather use same amount of a good quality white chocolate bar. Keep in mind, you need good white chocolate for this recipe to taste amazing!
Do NOT try to take a shortcut and cook the candy on High, the recipe doesn't take long to make on the Low setting. If you cook it on high, chances that some of the chocolate will burn are very high.
You can substitute some of the nuts if you are allergic or just don't like some.
Yes, you can make this recipe without the peppermint candies, if you are not a fan.
Very important: don't forget to stir, this will ensure uniform cooking.

What you will need to make White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy:

Slow Cooker - the slow cooker is almost my most used kitchen gadget, especially during fall/winter! It's just so convenient, and lets face it, it makes comfort food taste even better!
White Chocolate Chips - I buy them in bulk, I always have some on hand.
White Chocolate Melting Wafers - These are of high quality, creamy and specifically designed for melting and candy making.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

Do you ❤ love ❤ TSRI? Don't miss another recipe. Click here to Subscribe to by Email and receive new recipes in your inbox every day!

Don't miss a thing! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram ❤ ❤ ❤

Check out more of our favorite Crockpot Candy recipes:

Crockpot Candy
Crockpot Turtles Candy
White Chocolate Crockpot Candy Clusters

See how easy this White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy is to make. Watch the video!!!

White Chocolate Peppermint Crockpot Candy
SERVES 16 | PREP TIME 10 Min | COOK TIME 1 Hour

1 cup cocktail peanuts
1 cup cashews
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1 cup peppermint candy, crushed
1 cup white chocolate chips
20 ounces white chocolate melting wafers

Garnish:
1/4 cup peppermint candy, crushed
1 tablespoon green sanding sugar

Add nuts, crushed peppermint candy, white chocolate chips and white chocolate melting wafers to the slow cooker. Distribute evenly. Close.

Cook on low for 1 hour. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes.

If after one hour the chocolate is not fully melted, cook for another 15-20 minutes.

Once the chocolate is fully melted, stir well to combine.

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and using a 2 tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the candy onto the baking sheet.

Immediately garnish with crushed peppermint candies and green sanding sugar.

You can refrigerate the candy for 15 minutes to settle quicker, or just leave it at room temperature and it will settle in about 30-40 minutes.

Enjoy!

Looking for more candy recipes? This Almond Joy Roll is always a hit! No bake, creamy, chocolaty and loaded with coconut!

Author musicforlive

One-Pot Hawaiian Pasta (With VIDEO)

One-Pot Hawaiian Pasta is a quick and easy 30 minute dinner that packs all the punch that comes with Hawaiian flavors, in an easy to make, hearty dinner.

One-Pot Hawaiian Pasta is a great dish that combines sweet and savory meals, into a hearty, very cheesy and incredibly delicious pasta dinners.

We love Hawaiian flavors like these and these.

This one pan meal is made with crispy bacon, browned ham, sweet and juicy pineapple and to take it over the top, lots of cheese.

A tasty dinner that will be a hit with kids and grown-ups, this One Pan Hawaiian Pasta is a winner meal, that will become a favorite once you try it.

Hey guys, it's Catalina from Sweet and Savory Meals here. I am happy to be a contributor on TSRI and add recipes to Donna and Chad's already great collection.

I am a huge fan of meals that combine sweet and savory flavors, you can tell that from the name of my blog.

This Hawaiian Pasta was a hit with my family and if you are looking for other one pan pasta recipes, I highly recommend this Cheesy Pizza Pasta and this Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Pasta.

Speaking of simple recipes, of course our new cookbook {The Simple Kitchen - available to order now}is packed with delicious, easy recipes.

The Simple Kitchen is loaded with more than 75 BRAND NEW recipes and a hand full of family favorites too.

8 chapters with a total of 82 quick and easy recipes that are bursting with flavor!!!

Every recipe has a photo that will make your mouth water. It has slow cooker meals, one-pot recipes, quick dinners, simple appetizers, desserts and more!!!

And we have included kitchen tips to make dinnertime less stressful.

We are so excited to share our recipes with you!!! So, don't wait. Go and grab yours today! The Simple Kitchen <-- click here to order.

WHERE TO ORDER:

🔥 Amazon 🔥 Barnes & Noble 🔥 Books-a-Million 🔥 IndieBound

Helpful Tips to make One Pan Hawaiian Pasta :

If you would like to save some time, you can buy cooked bacon or bacon crumbs, you can also roast it in the oven or skip it all together if you don’t like bacon.
For the best tomato flavor, I like to use canned San Marzano tomatoes when possible, they are sweeter, not that acidic and the flavor is amazing.
I like adding red bell pepper to this recipe, you can add green, yellow or orange bell pepper as well.
For a spicier kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
I used mozzarella cheese and sharp cheddar. You can use your favorite cheese in this recipe.
The dried basil is optional, but it will add a nice, subtle flavor.
If you want a creamier version of this recipe, you can add 1 cup of cream to the pasta when cooking.
If the pasta absorbs all the broth, you can add 1 cup of water to continue cooking and avoid from drying it out.
Make sure to stir the pasta while cooking, so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

What you will need to make One Pan Hawaiian Pasta :

Dry Basil - Delicious in this recipe, and its nice to have it in your pantry.
Dutch Oven or Deep Cast Iron Pan - great for so many recipes and perfect when you need to continue cooking them in the oven.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

Do you ❤ love ❤ TSRI? Don't miss another recipe. Click here to Subscribe to by Email and receive new recipes in your inbox every day!

Don't miss a thing! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram ❤ ❤ ❤

Check out more of our favorite one-pot recipes:

One-Pot Cheesy Italian Pasta and Chicken
One-Pot Cheesy Pasta and Sausage
One-Pot Mexican Pasta and Sausage
One-Pot Mexican Rice Casserole
30-Minute Chicken and Dumplings
Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skillet with Summer Veggies

See how easy this One Pan Hawaiian Pasta is to make. Watch the video!!!

One Pan Hawaiian Pasta

food, recipe, one pan, pasta

American

Yield: 6Author: Catalina Castravet

One-Pan Hawaiian Pasta

One-Pan Hawaiian Pasta is a quick and easy 30 minute dinner that packs all the punch that comes with Hawaiian flavors, in an easy to make, hearty dinner.

prep time: 10 minscook time: 20 minstotal time: 30 mins

Ingredients

8 slices smoked bacon, chopped
16 ounces cubed ham
1 red bell pepper, chopped
20 oz pineapple tidbits, drained
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
8 oz dry cellentani pasta
2 cups chicken broth , low sodium
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Slice bacon into small pieces.
Place a large cast iron pan or deep skillet over medium heat, add bacon to it while the pan is still cold. Cook bacon until crisp stirring occasionally.
Remove bacon from the pan once crispy and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Discard the bacon grease from the pan, leaving only about 1-2 tablespoons.
Add cubed ham to skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until ham is browned, for about 2-3 minutes.
Add chopped red bell pepper and half of the pineapple tidbits. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Add minced garlic, basil, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add tomato sauce, pasta and chicken broth, stir to combine.
Bring mixture to a boil, then cover with a lid and cook over low-medium heat until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir often, to make sure pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pan, if needed add more broth or water, 1 cup at a time.
When pasta is cooked, cover with cheese and stir to combine. Remove from heat.
Stir in remaining pineapple if desired and reserved crispy bacon.
Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Author musicforlive

Chicken Lazone (Skillet Chicken with Pasta) + Video

Chicken Lazone combines pan-fried chicken with a luscious, creamy sauce. Make this recipe in just 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight meal!

First made famous by Brennan’s restaurant in New Orleans, this dish is one of my favorite quick dinner recipes.

Chicken breasts with seasoning are added to a pan of creamy, garlicky pasta for an elegant dinner without a ton of work.

Not only is this one pan chicken dinner quick and easy to make, but also, the ingredients to make it are most likely in your kitchen already.

For a similar flavor with an extra kick of spice, try my Jalapeno Popper Chicken Pasta. The meat is cut into bite-size pieces so you can dig right in, and it’s topped with lots of crispy bacon.

This Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake combines pesto and red sauce for a heartier pasta dish that’s just as creamy.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Chicken - When you're cooking chicken, be sure it doesn’t go straight from the fridge to the pan.

If the chicken is too cold , the protein siezes during cooking. As a result, the chicken will become tough and chewy.

For the best results, keep raw chicken at room temperature for about 20 minutes before you cook it.

Spices - Customize the seasoning mix with any of your favorite dried herbs, or add some red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. The smoked paprika is optional, but I highly recommend it as it adds great flavor.
Pasta - I like to use fettuccine noodles, but you can also use spaghetti, angel hair, or even egg noodles.
Heavy cream - Replace with half and half if needed.
Add cheese - Make the sauce even more indulgent by mixing in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan or Fontina cheese.

Spices you’ll need for making chicken with pasta

Dried thyme - Always good to have in your pantry, and especially delicious is this recipe.
Smoked paprika - While regular paprika will just add color to the dish, the smoked variety will also add great flavor.
Dried rosemary - Another great pantry staple that pairs well with chicken.

FAQ: Commonly Asked Questions

Can this be made a day ahead of serving?

Absolutely! If you'll be serving it to guests, make it no earlier than the day before. This way, it will be as fresh as possible.

Any leftovers of the chicken and pasta dinner can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days and warmed on a stove top or in a microwave.

Can I add vegetables to make it more filling?

Mushrooms and onions would be great additions to this one-pan chicken dinner. Saute them with a little extra butter before cooking the garlic and sage.

What side dishes go with chicken Lazone?

Because the dish is so filling, keep the sides simple and to a minimum.

Texas Roadhouse rolls and a spinach salad should be plenty, or make some roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

Do you ❤ love ❤ TSRI? Don't miss another recipe. Click here to Subscribe to by Email and receive new recipes in your inbox every day!

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Video: Chicken Lazone Recipe

Watch our video for step by step instructions for making this quick dinner recipe!

Chicken Lazone

One-Pot, 30 minutes

American

Yield: 2 Author: Catalina Castravet

Chicken Lazone

Cream Chicken Lazone is a restaurant quality meal made easily at home. Flavorful and tender chicken is served over creamy pasta.

prep time: 10 mins cook time: 20 mins total time: 30 mins

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoon dried rosemary
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 pound fettuccine
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6-8 sage leaves
2 cups heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley , chopped

Instructions

In a wide, deep bowl combine: salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary and paprika. Stir to combine.
Rub chicken breast with olive oil well on each side.
Add chicken to the seasoning mixture and coat thoroughly.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a large skillet over medium high heat. Once the butter has melted, add chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, trying to flip the chicken once only so it sears beautifully on each side. Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a plate, cover with foil to keep warm.
Add pasta to a large pot of boiling water season with salt, some olive oil and cook according to package instructions. Drain well.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sage. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in heavy cream and cook until slightly thickened, for about 4-5 minutes. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
Remove and discard sage leaves.
Stir in pasta and gently toss to combine.
Add the chicken back to the pan and top with some of the cream sauce from the pan.
If desired, sprinkle some grated parmesan on top.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

https://zeromediasystem.blogspot.com//search?q=one-pot-jalapeno-popper-chicken-pasta

Sumber https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com

Author musicforlive

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes (With VIDEO)

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes with a glorious brownie cupcake, topped with the most luscious strawberry buttercream and finished with chocolate-dipped strawberries. That is the ultimate Valentine's Day treat!!!

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes are perfect for a special occasion. A delicious chocolaty brownie cupcake is topped with the most amazing strawberry buttercream and fresh strawberries that have been dipped in chocolate. These cupcakes are a show stopper! I love the different textures and flavors, and the fresh fruit adds such a nice tanginess to this dessert.

Hi guys, it's Catalina from Sweet and Savory Meals here. I am happy to be a contributor on TSRI and add recipes to Donna and Chad's already great collection. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I want to introduce you to these Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes that are super cute and very tasty. These cupcakes are perfect for any occasion, you can make they year around, especially when strawberry season hits. If you are looking for more fun cupcakes, check my German Chocolate Cupcakes - total chocolate overload in a good way!

HELPFUL TIPS TO MAKE CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES :

Use high-quality cocoa powder and high-quality chocolate. You can use regular unsweetened cocoa or Special Dark Unsweetened Cocoa. You can also use milk or dark chocolate, whichever you like more. I used semi-sweet chocolate in this recipe and it came out great.
Don’t skip the salt, it will enhance the chocolate flavor.
Ingredients should be at room temperature.
The cupcakes are not very airy, they have more of a dense texture, closer to a brownie, as I wanted them to be more indulgent. For a more moist texture add ⅓ cup of oil to the wet ingredients.
Make sure you don’t overbake the cupcakes, each oven is different but checking at the 15-minute mark is key to see how much more they need to be kept in the oven, keep in mind that every minute counts so check back in 2 minutes if they are still slightly raw.
To make the frosting I am a HUGE fan of using freeze-dried strawberries. Since they are dried, you can process them into a powder and they won’t add extra moisture to the buttercream. Also, they will add the most beautiful, natural pink color. The frosting will taste like it’s made with fresh strawberries.
If you don’t have any freeze-dried strawberries on hand, you can use strawberry puree or strawberry jam. I prefer to use the jam, as its easier to work with, I usually use 1/2 cup and a bit of pink gel food color. You will have to add a little more powdered sugar to get the right consistency for the buttercream.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRY CUPCAKES :

Muffin Tin- this one is regular size and its perfect for muffins and cupcakes.
Cocoa Powder - always use high-quality cocoa powder in chocolate desserts.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries - I prefer to make them into powder and use in frostings.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours.

Do you ❤ love ❤ TSRI? Don't miss another recipe. Click here to Subscribe to by Email and receive new recipes in your inbox every day!

Don't miss a thing! Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram ❤ ❤ ❤

Check out more of our favorite strawberry dessert recipes:

Strawberry Banana Cheesecake Salad
Fresh Strawberry Pie
Strawberry Shortcake No-Bake Icebox Cake
Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

See how easy this Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes is to make. Watch the video!!!

Yield: 12-14Author: Catalina Castravet

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Cupcakes with a glorious brownie cupcake, topped with the most luscious strawberry buttercream and finished with chocolate dipped strawberries. That is the ultimate Valentine's Day treat!!!

prep time: 1 hourcook time: 20 MINStotal time: 1 hours and 20 mins

Ingredients

1 (4 ounce) stick unsalted butter
3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate melts or chopped chocolate
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Strawberry Frosting

1 1/2 cups freeze-dried strawberries
1 (4 ounce) stick salted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup shortening, room temperature
4 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

7 ounces chocolate melts or chopped chocolate
1 tablespoon light corn syrup

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Set the oven rack in the middle of the oven.
Line a regular muffin pan with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Add butter and chocolate to a microwave safe bowl and melt in 30-second increments. Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In another bowl, either using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk together eggs and sugar. Add vanilla extract and sour cream, whisk on medium speed until smooth, for about 1 minute.
Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth, for about 30 seconds.
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the flour mixture, about ¼ cup at a time, as soon as the flour has been mixed in, turn off the mixer, to avoid over-mixing the batter.
The batter will be thick and shiny.
Fill the cupcake liners ⅔ of the way full with batter.
Bake for 15-18 minutes some ovens may take 20 minutes. At the 15 minute mark check the cupcake for doneness. The center of the cupcake should spring back up if gently pressed.
Add strawberries to a food processor and pulse until made into powder.
Add butter and shortening to the bowl of a stand mixer, starting on low speed, then increasing the speed gradually to medium-high, cream together until fluffy and a pale yellow color.
Turn the mixer off and add in strawberry powder, beat on medium speed until combined, for about 30 seconds.
Turn mixer on to the lowest setting and add in confectioners sugar, 1 cup at a time. Once incorporated, turn mixer on high for 1-2 minutes.
If the mixture is too thick add 1 tablespoon of whole milk at a time. If the mixture is too runny, add more confectioners sugar, ½ cup at a time. The frosting should be soft and creamy and hold its shape.
Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes.
For the Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Place chocolate in a bowl and microwave in 30 seconds increments, stirring after each round until fully melted.
Stir in light corn syrup.
Dip each strawberry into the cooled chocolate and place on each cupcake.

Author musicforlive