A Perfect Day for a White Wedding

Well - my baby brother did it!  He and Christine are officially Mr. and Mrs. Huber.  I cannot believe the wedding has come and gone and they have begun their life as a married couple.  

I spent two days before the wedding making 150 sugar cookies and 350 cupcakes: vanilla with vanilla buttercream, chocolate with Oreo buttercream and red velvet with cream cheese frosting.  Two days of baking up a storm!  It was so much fun, and I nearly got it all done under the wire.  I had to enlist some last minute help from the cousins to finish the hearts on the cookies.  Everything turned out really well, thank goodness!

I knew the day would be emotional, but I wasn't expecting all of the tears that

flowed.  It started with my sister going in search of water - she returned with tears in her eyes.  I asked what was wrong, she responded with "I've never seen a more beautiful bride."  Of course, my dad got choked up, then I got teary eyed.  The ceremony was beautiful.  More emotional than I expected.  Once one Huber started with the water works it was a chain reaction down the line!  I couldn't help but be overcome with tears - after all, the baby of the family has grown up so quickly - married, with a baby of his own.  Andrew - I am so proud of you!  May your wedding day be beautiful memories that will last a lifetime and always remind you of the love you and Christine have for one another.  Congratulations, baby brother.

Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcakes
Chocolate Cupcakes with Oreo Frosting


Red Velvet Cupcakes
Ingredients:
2 Cups flour
2 Cups sugar
3/4 Cup Ghirardelli Cocoa Powder
2 Teaspoons baking soda
2 Large eggs
1 Teaspoon salt
1 Cup buttermilk
1 Cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 Cup boiling water
Red gel food coloring


Directions:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.  Mix all ingredients with the paddle attachment on medium speed until blended.  Add as much red food coloring until you reach the desired color.  Pour into cupcake tins (pour batter 3/4 high).  Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Test with a cake tester. 

For a 9x13 in cake - bake for one hour.

Let cool on wire racks.  Frost and decorate.


Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened (Use Philadelphia or another top brand here, don't use a generic)
1/2 cup European style butter, softened
Confectioners' sugar (you'll use anywhere from 3 cups to 7 cups based on the consistency you want)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
In a medium bowl, cream together cream cheese and butter.  Mix in the vanilla, then gradually add in the confectioners' sugar until smooth.  Frost cupcakes and refrigerate.