twice as nice

We had a great time celebrating Lydia's second birthday. First, we enjoyed yummy burgers and fries at Red Robin. Then, everyone came to our house for strawberry cupcakes and orange sherbet floats.
Lydia loved that it was her birthday. She totally knew how to blow out the candle, even though she put it in her mouth afterwards...think she thought it was candy! She was excited to see her cupcakes and party lights. Pretty sure I have the cutest little two year old girl around! Love our Lydia Hope!














All partied out!


Here is the recipe I used to make Lydia's strawberry cupcakes. Michele shared it with me. It really is delicious! I didn't use the frosting recipe. I let Betty Crocker make my frosting for me!

Paula Deen's Simply Delicious Strawberry Cake

Ingredients for cake
1 (18.25-ounce) box white cake mix
1 (3-ounce) box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin
1 (15-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water

Ingredients for Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (10-ounce) package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed and pureed
1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
7 cups confectioners’ sugar
Freshly sliced strawberries, for garnish, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix and gelatin. Add pureed strawberries, eggs, oil, and water; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into prepared pans, and bake for 20 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.

For the frosting:
In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in 1/4 cup of the strawberry puree and the strawberry extract. (The rest of the puree is leftover but can be used in smoothies or on ice cream for a delicious treat.) Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, beating until smooth.

Spread frosting in between layers and on top and sides of cake. Garnish with sliced fresh strawberries, if desired.