Happy Birthday, Mom

Mom turns 86 this year.

We gathered at Gail & Yatzi's for a small celebration the next evening.

I made a fresh strawberry cupcakes for the occasion.

Simply Delicious Strawberry Cake

Ingredients

• 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 

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Line muffin tins with liners.

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 cupcake pans and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Let cool in pans.

This recipe is from Paula Deen.  I made cupcakes instead of 2- 9 in. layer cakes.

Paula's complete recipe with her Cream Cheese Frosting

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/simply-delicious-strawberry-cake-recipe.html

Gather the ingredients:

1 box white cake mix

1- 3oz. box strawberry-flavored instant gelatin

1- 15 oz. package frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed

4 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

Combine cake mix and gelatin in mixing bowl.

Add strawberries, eggs, oil, and water.

Beat at medium speed with electric mixer until smooth.

Scoop into cupcake liners.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, until done.

I used prepared canned frosting and added some fresh strawberries 

and powdered sugar until slightly thickened.

When the cupcakes are cool, spoon the frosting over the tops.

I used dark Ghirardelli chocolate for the garnish.

Any good chocolate will work.

Melt the chocolate in the microwave according to the package directions.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the frosted cupcakes.

Drizzle the remaining melted  chocolate over some washed, dried, and halved

fresh strawberries.

Place the chocolate strawberries onto the cupcakes.

 The Birthday girl!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

 Sarah, Becky, Lisa, Keith, Yatzi,  (Gail behind her), Alex, Doug

Rick, Sheila, Ethyl, Mom

Same, except Gail is visible behind Yatzi & I am beside him.

Traditional Happy Birthday Song Lyrics

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday Dear Mom

Happy Birthday to You.

From good friends and true,

From old friends and new,

May good luck go with you,

And happiness too.

And many, many, more Mom!