Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope it finds you with Love in your hearts and your arms 🙂  

Baking is truly one of my favorite things to do on a Sunday afternoon – besides Sunday Funday (I’m a little too old for that now), anyway, since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, of course I am baking goodies for my coworkers and friends.  On today’s baking list are Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and the most decedent brownies – ever.  

This is my first time making Red Velvet Cupcakes, but I heard the secret is to use Apple Cider Vinegar instead of regular white, use Cake Flour instead of AP and do not over-mix.  They look moist and delicious!

I’ve tried so many different brownie recipes from Martha to Ina (two of my favorite ladies) and they are all good, but this one is my favorite right now.  Browning the butter gives it a nutty, deep flavor and using a “generous” 1/4 teaspoon of salt allows the sweet/salty aspect to come through.  

The only things I tweaked were the following (with links):

Cocoa Brownies with Browned Butter:  I omitted the nuts.
Red Velvet Cupcakes:  I used Apple Cider Vinegar & doubled the frosting (totally needed it).

Enjoy!

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