A "Berry" Sweet Mother's Day!

Since we have been moving at wharp speed around here, I purposely cleared the calendar this weekend so that we could enjoy some family time.

Friday night we kicked off our weekend by enjoying a great dinner with some wonderful friends. They have two children the same ages as Nick and Sarah, so it was a perfect evening for everyone!! My friend Lina cooked the main course, so I brought an appetizer and a dessert.

As I was searching through my recipes and cookbooks for ideas, I decided I wanted to spend some time in the kitchen this weekend. I do love to cook, but lately I have not been doing a whole lot of it......we have been grilling out quite a bit and I just have not had much time to "play in the kitchen"

Normally, I would let the kids pick a dessert, but since it was Mother's Day.....I overruled their decision....... they both wanted chocolate and peanutbutter and although I LOVE that combination, I wanted to try something different......



Strawberry and Marscapone Filled Cupcakes
Recipe Courtesy of Giada De Laurentis

Ingredients
1 box vanilla cake mix (like Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe French Vanilla cake)
1 (8-ounce) container mascarpone cheese, chilled
1/2 cup thawed and drained frozen strawberries
1/4 cup sugar, plus 1/2 cup
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions
Make the cupcakes according to package instructions. Lightly grease the muffin tin and fill the batter almost to the rim of each muffin cup. Bake according to package directions and let cool.

In a food processor combine the mascarpone cheese, strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice. Process the mixture until smooth. Transfer the strawberry mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a small tip. Push the tip gently into the bottom of a cupcake and squeeze in the strawberry mixture until the cupcake plumps. Continue with the remaining cupcakes.

In a small saucepan bring the 1/2 cup sugar, water, and vanilla extract to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer until the sugar is dissolved. In a medium bowl combine the vanilla syrup with the confectioner's sugar. Stir until smooth. Working quickly, use a rubber spatula spread the icing on the top of the cupcakes. If the icing begins to firm up, place in the microwave for a few seconds to warm up again.


Thought I would give you a closer look!!

These cupcakes were SO DELICIOUS!!! Even the kids loved them...... Nick and Sarah both helped me in the kitchen today, but when Nick saw me bring out the Marscapone Cheese, he started to get a little funny. He said he didn't know if he was going to like a cake that had cheese in it. Then I explained that Marscapone is like an Italian Cream Cheese and I had to remind him how many desserts he enjoys that include cream cheese. After that he agreed to try one....... or two:)

If you are looking for a new spin on your traditional cupcakes......give this a whirl!! The best part of this cupcake is the "Berry" sweet filling.

My favorite TV Chef, Giada, never dissapoints........ and BTW, have you seen that she has released another cookbook? Check it out HERE!!!

Hope that you all enjoyed an extra special Mother's Day! Mine was certainly sweet!! There is nothing better than spending an entire day surrounded by the ones you love:)