Chunky Cherry Cupcakes Recipe

These Chunky Cherry Cupcakes make me think of warm weather and fun times outdoors with family and friends. With summer right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to share this recipe with you.

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My husband immediately gave these chunky cherry cupcakes an A+ on his first bite.  Honestly, we were both shocked at how good they were because the mix of ingredients sounded a little crazy at first glance, but I needed something that would go with my Cheery Cherry Birthday Party theme. Since the frosting is so busy, I decided just to use a box of Betty Crocker white cake mix for the cupcake base to keep it simple.

When I made the frosting, I chopped the cherries by hand, which was little messy, slippery, and hard because the cherries' skins were a little tough or rubbery to slice through.  Next time, I will use my food processor and let it do the work for me.

Chunky Cherry Frosting

    8     oz cream cheese
    ½    cup butter, softened
    6     cups powdered sugar
    1     cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
    1     cup chopped pecans, toasted
    1     cup sweeteened flaked coconut
           maraschino cherries with stems for garnish (optional)

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, beating until blended.

Stir in chopped maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, and coconut. Frosts 18-24 cupcakes.
   
(Source Southern Living magazine)

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Cheery Cherry Birthday Party

I love being able to develop a party from the tiniest of finds. This cheery Cherry Birthday Party was inspired by these adorable cherry plates and napkins I found at Michael's, along with some matching cupcake liners.

 (Yummy recipe coming later this week!)

Sticking with my guide of having at least three coordinating elements to pull off a party's theme, I used four: the party plates and napkins, cherry-topped cupcakes, cherry cupcake liners, and a cherry tag on my cake pedestal to finish it all off beautifully.

No matter what inspires your party's theme, Belly Feathers can bring it to life with handmade items and custom party planning guides complete with ideas for decor, activities, menu items, and more.  Contact me today at Betsy@BellyFeathers.com.

Great Party Buys: Marvel Heroes Party Favors

If you're throwing a Marvel Super Heroes party anytime soon, these taffy bars would make perfect standalone party favors or additions to treat bags.

Dollar Tree - $1.00 for pack of 10 ($0.10 each)

Package includes two of each of the following Marvel comic book heroes: Spiderman, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, and the X-Men's Wolverine.

With a new Iron Man movie out this summer and a Captain America movie scheduled for summer 2011, this is the perfect time to stock up for your little hero's next party.

Happy Easter!

Homemade Easter Table Ideas: "Hippity Hop" Chocolate Bunny Tablescape

I love how my "Hippity Hop" Chocolate Bunny Easter tablescape turned out.  It's simple and festive, and I hope it gives you some last minute inspiration for your own Easter table decorations.

My rule of thumb is to have three elements at your party that tie in with the theme, in this case chocolate bunnies.  My personalized party banner has a chocolate bunny in between the words, and the handmade Easter place cards have the exact same bunny with a little embellishment.

Finally, I made super simple a chocolate bunny Easter centerpiece.  Using a knife, I trimmed off the bottom of my bunny a little, so he would fit inside my decorative bowl.  Then I filled the bowl with Reese's Pieces Easter Eggs, which hid the trimmed areas of the bunny.  (I like Reese's Pieces because they don't have logos on them like a lot of candies.) To finish him off, I tied a ribbon around his neck to match the place cards. So cute!

Featured Handmade Items by Belly Feathers
Personalized Easter Party Banner
Chocolate Bunny Place Cards
Embellished Party Straws
Chocolate Bunny Centerpiece

For quotes on any of the items above or creative party ideas for your next event, contact Belly Feathers at Betsy@BellyFeathers.com . You can find more details about my products at BellyFeathers.com.

Fabulous Fruit Tea Recipe

This fabulous Fruit Tea is one of my most cherished recipes. It's perfect for your Easter celebrations, brunches, sunny days, and any special get togethers with your girlfriends.

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It's so cool and refreshing. If you've never had fruit tea, you definitely have to try it, but beware: it's very addictive.

Betsy's Fabulous Fruit Tea

    4         family-size tea bags (or 12 small tea bags)
    4         cups boiling water
    2         cups sugar
    2         cups pineapple juice
    12       oz can of orange juice concentrate, thawed
    12       oz can of lemonade concentrate, thawed
    5         quarts cool water
               lemon & orange slices, optional

Steep tea for 5 minutes.  Mix all ingredients.

Garnish glasses with orange or lemon slices, or place slices in pitcher or drink dispenser for decoration. Makes 2 gallons.
   
(Source Betsy Pruitt of Belly Feathers)

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