A Baby & Johnny Depp.

One of my best friend's and her husband are due to give birth to what will be, I'm sure the most beautiful baby girl any day now. Even though she and I only first met when we were in high school we have shared in so many great life experiences together, many ups and downs. And I am beyond excited for this upcoming journey her and her husband are about to embark on. And of course, can't wait for when baby Norah is here for all of us to love on and watch her grow. In early January I assisted in throwing her a baby shower along with a fellow friend and some of her family members. Our theme was a winter wonderland where everything was either silver, pink or white and I just knew these cupcakes would be the perfect addition to the party. Red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I've tried several recipes for red velvet and several times the cakes turned out dry... until I watched an episode of Barefoot Contessa where Ina Garten was making the red velvet cupcakes recipe listed below... and since then these cupcakes turn out perfectly moist every time. They have a hint of cocoa and the cream cheese frosting just elevates the richness. So rich and creamy I usually add chopped walnuts to the top to add a contrast in texture. Here, the cupcakes are pictured with sugar crystals to represent snow and go along with our shower theme. I will admit though, I was nervous to bake these cakes, I had made them before with much success, but I was still nervous. My friend and I have had many adventures in the kitchen, some great, some not so great. Let's just say raw cake batter seemed a much better dessert to me than actually putting it in the oven, so even though these should undoubtedly be a success, my track record hasn't always been that great. Also, what would she think of the taste, her and I have high expectations for taste. Once we were watching the movie Chocolate, it was a Johnny Depp film in some European country, and all the decadent desserts just kept appearing scene after scene and it had our mouths watering. So we stopped the film mid way and went to the kitchen and in a fury baked the most perfect chocolate cake and sat there and ate the whole thing while we finished the film. Although, I'm sure I had a few bites of batter along the way to lessen the load. We might have been a little too over indulgent but it's one of the most perfect memories we have together, and I wanted these to be a perfect memory too. The cupcakes were a success. These cupcakes were worthy of eating while watching Chocolate, they are worthy of sharing in the joys of friendship.

RED VELVET CUPCAKES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

CAKES

2 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

1 tbsp red food coloring

1 tsp white vinegar

1 tsp vanilla

1 stick unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line cupcake pan with cupcake liners (will make 12 - 14 depending on fill amount)

In a small bowl mix together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt and set aside.

In a separate bowl combine the wet ingredients buttermilk, red food coloring, vinegar and vanilla.

With an electric mixer cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until well incorporated.

Turn mixer down to low speed and slowly add in the wet ingredients and then the dry ingredients until all are well incorporated into a smooth batter. You may need to increase the speed to medium once all of the ingredients are in the bowl.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack while making frosting. 

FROSTING

1 stick unsalted butter

1 package of 8 oz cream cheese

1 lb confectioner's sugar

Using an electric mixer whip butter and cream cheese until one smooth mixture.

Once smooth, slowly incorporate confectioner's sugar, there should be no lumps.

Ice the cupcakes.

TOPPING

15 - 20 walnuts

In a food processor or with a hand chopper, chop walnuts and sprinkle on top of cupcakes.