up until recently i worked in child care. if you’ve ever worked with children and their families you might know the stress and struggle that can come with such an occupation. especially with younger age groups, they need more care and attention, as do their parents at times. my biggest saving grace was my co-teacher L. we ran the 2-year old room together (20 2-year-olds up against two childless teachers) and anyone with a 2 -year old knows the daily drama that can arise. we learned, swiftly, how important sticking to a daily schedule was and how persuasive a single tic-tac can be.
very soon miss L will welcome her own little one into the world! i could not resist making something sweet for her baby shower. since all things baby and all things valentine’s day make me want to explode into a million pieces of heart-shaped confetti…i knew i had to make something that included heart sprinkles. i also knew that i had to do something chocolatey. L’s mom, R, is one of my very favorite people, so genuine and sweet, and she is notorious for her love of chocolate. i went with a mini brownie…a perfect, little bite of decadence. i needed something to adhere the sprinkles with, so i went with cream cheese frosting, yet again. originally i was going to do peanut butter, but the color combo and the nut-allergy issue dissuaded me. i think the brownies were well-received, i’m not sure since i was too busy catching up, gushing over baby leg warmers (yes! pink argyle ones at that!), and glaring with envy at L and her stretch-markless baby bump.
listening: maria taylor : speak easy
i’m lazy and i’m just going to link you on over to smitten kitchen. i made mine in a mini cupcake tin and baked them for less time…like between 15 and 20 minutes. be sure to cool competely before piping on any frosting…though these fudgy babies could definitely do without the frosting.
cream cheese frosting
this recipe was me adding powdered sugar to cream cheese until i got a consistency i liked. if i had softened butter around i would have probably added that too.
8 oz. cream cheese softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
with a mixer or hand blender mix cheese and vanilla until creamy. add powdered sugar and beat well, until fluffy. pipe or spread onto brownies.
These were my favorite! I LOVED them ! Thank you soo much for everything 🙂
What a cute gift! congrats to your friend and lots of patience to you on your work…
This is so very cute!
These cupcakes are perfect for my Valentine’s Day meal!! You are an artist in the kitchen! Here are the cupcakes I plan on making: http://www.recipe4living.com/recipes/be_my_valentine_cupcakes.htm
So cute and equally delicious I’m sure.
cream cheese frosting..the best! and i know exactly what you mean about working with the little ones!
🙂 I admire anyone who works or deals with other peoples children! I often don’t have the patience for my own three! LOL!
Happy Valentine’s day!
~ingrid