I am not Irish in any way, shape, or form. Hence why I’ve always been hesitant to fully partake in the festivities surrounding St. Patrick’s Day. I just feel like a fake. It also doesn’t help that I didn’t acquire my father’s love of beer–green or otherwise. It appears only my brother inherited the beer gene (to my father’s dismay when he comes home to an empty mini-fridge).
However, the festivities this year were, well let’s just say, more aligned with my values (ACTIVE and DURING THE DAY). The day began with a little (or long) run along Shepard Rd in St. Paul. Just me, my aunt Lis, and like 3000 other eccentrically dressed individuals. Having not trained even a little bit for this triple 7K (otherwise known as a half marathon) I ran but 7 or 8 miles before calling it quits.
As you can imagine I worked up quite the appetite in my (half of a) half marathon so a St. Patrick’s themed brunch was just what I needed to refuel. Never in my life have I seen so much green food coloring. Somehow I managed to escape that brunch without consuming anything that wasn’t naturally green. Though T informed me that all the food would be provided, I scoffed in her face and said, “Of course I’ll be bringing cupcakes. They’re my thing.” So green cupcakes were what I brought. Give the people what they want.
Green (?) Velvet Cupcakes
Cupcakes:
-1 cup whole wheat flour
-1.5 cups all purpose flour
-1.5 cups sugar
-1 tsp baking soda
-1 tbsp cocoa powder
-1 cup buttermilk
-2 eggs
-1 tsp distilled white vinegar
-1.5 cups canola oil
-0.25 oz green food coloring
-1 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 325 F. In a medium bowl, sift together dry ingredients. With a standing mixer or hand mixer, beat together wet ingredients. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Scoop into 24 muffin tins. Bake for 20-30 minutes.
Frosting:
-2 packages 1/3 less fat cream cheese
-2 sticks of butter
-3 cups powdered sugar
-2 tsp vanilla extract
Beat room temperature cream cheese and butter with vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until frosting is desired consistency.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I am a total grandma. And I’m perfectly content with this status.
Most almost 23 year olds would choose to spend their birthdays at their favorite bar with a group of equally “happy” friends (<feel free to insert your own definition of “happy” here). I, on the other hand, have never been a fan of the bar. Especially the ones without spacious dance floors. I mean honestly, what is the point? Rather, for the third consecutive year I chose to celebrate the day of my birth with a few good friends and a few too many calories. Thank you to Loring Pasta Bar for serving one of the most glorious brunch buffets in buffet history. The itinerary for the day was as follows…
11 am – Festivities commence with brunch at Loring Pasta Bar
additional (optional) activities:
#1. Contemplate a nap (group or individual, participant’s choice). Don’t actually take one. Move on.
#2. Paint Your Plate – let your inner grandma out and get yo’ craft on!
#3. Eat cake.
a group of well fed individuals
my plate [top]
my plate [bottom]
my leading ladies (aka grandmas in training)
And what a lovely day was had by all.
Cupcake Warrior 