Red velvet worthy of blue box, white ribbon

Red Velvet Cupcakes

With Valentines Day just around the corner, it seems Red Velvet cakes are all the rage. I remember Martha making one on her show and I just couldn't get over putting an ENTIRE bottle of red food coloring into the batter, just not appealing. I've only had a few Red Velvet experiences and they were dry and flavorless. That being the case, I never had the desire to try and make them myself, until now.

There is a small diner by my house. I love the fact that when I walk in, the waitress is already pouring my diet coke and looking for lemons. I love that when I order a side of BBQ, the cook knows to serve it in a small bowl, yes it is THAT good. I love that when it is slow we can BS with the staff and they BS back. It's everything a neighborhood diner should be. So to show them a little love I will bake for them. I've brought in pies, cookies and other sweet treats. The last time we went for lunch I was in the middle of making some cupcakes and the staff was bummed I hadn't brought them any (I would have had they been done) So I decided the next time we went I wouldn't show up empty handed.

I was thrilled when I saw a recipe for Red Velvet cupcakes on the Brown Eyed Baker's blog. (Quick side note, her blog is awesome ~ amazingly yummy eye candy AND she shares her recipes ~ how cool is that) I had done some research trying to find "the best Red Velvet ever" and I kept coming back to hers. It had all the "must haves" and it only made 12 cupcakes which meant not too many extra cupcakes at the house screaming "eat me" Long story short, they were easy to make, tasted moist and chocolaty and I can't wait for the folks at the diner to try them.