A Fun Engagement Party

This past month my best friend got engaged. I attempted to hold a surprise game night engagement party for the happy couple, but it got canceled because of an injured dog. So  I rescheduled and held it at their house. 











Because it was February the month of love, I decided to go with a fun filled red theme. I made a few tissue poms, purchased red pop rocks, red star-bursts (their favorite candy) and red ring pops.







 

For food people brought meats, cheeses, crackers and other delicious snacks. I had my caprese salad skewers.  The simplest and most delicious appetizer, start with simple wooden skewers, add cherry tomato, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil. I then drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top with a little fresh ground pepper. They look great and taste great. Here is a little hint: they are a little difficult to eat on the skewer so encourage your guest to slide them off onto a plate with a fork to enjoy them.

I also made delicious cream cheese- almond cupcakes with red sprinkles of course. We had an amazing time. 


Vanilla Cupcake Recipe:


1 1/2 cups all purpose four
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 fine sea salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup whole milk, room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a cupcake pan with wrappers.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until blended. Beat in vanilla. Add the flour mixture and milk.; mix thoroughly.
Fill each cup 2/3 full and bake for 18-24 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool completely and frost as desired. Makes 12 cupcakes.

Cream Cheese Almond Frosting
 courtesy of Laurie Cross

1 stick butter (room temp)
1 8oz. Brick cream cheese (regular not low fat at room temp)
1 1/2 tsp. almont extract
1 to 1 1/2 lbs. powdered sugar

Cream butter and cream cheese on high add almond. Slowly mix in powdered sugar, then mix on high.