Last night’s cupcake adventure was a new attempt and a new success…
Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting
It took a couple batches, but I think I got it right! Luckily, Jay works with a great group of guys who are always willing to take my baked goods…even if they are the batches that didn’t make the cut.
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Workout
This morning’s workout was a little more laborious than usual, thanks to a BodyPump class yesterday. It had been a loooong time since I last took a class, and my body is already feelin’ it. I can only imagine how I’ll feel tomorrow.
So I kept things a little on the lighter side today with my favorite 45 minute treadmill walk, followed by some 10lb. Slimdown Yoga. It really felt awesome to stretch!
Breakfast
A little mish-mash of goodies, if you will…
A banana + a strawberry CHO…
…which were great, but totally didn’t compare to this muffin!
A few weeks ago, I came across a recipe on the lovely Tina’s blog for Springtime Lemon-Raspberry Muffins and decided to whip up a batch yesterday afternoon.
I followed her recipe to a “T,” except where she peeled the lemon zest with a vegetable peeler, I simply used my lemon zester and mixed it into the sugar that way.
I’ll tell you, for being a healthy muffin, these babies certainly don’t have that “healthy” taste. You guys know what I mean…you can usually tell at least somewhat of a difference with a “healthified” muffin. But not these!
The lemon is definitely the predominant flavor and basically screams SPRING! If you only want a hint of lemon, I would suggest using vanilla flavored yogurt instead. And the raspberries…oh the raspberries! They pair so nicely…just check out those big guys poking out there…YUMMM-O!
I’m sure…no, I’m positive that there will be more of these consumed today.
Have a great day everyone!
Question for the Day:
What foods/meals scream SPRING to you?
Lisa @ Healthy Diaries says
Lemon definitely screams spring to me! I don’t think there’s another one that can come close!
Amy B @ Second City Randomness says
Cream cheese frosting makes me happy.
And yes- work is a great place to “unload” any mistakes/extras/etc. I do it all the time. There is yet to be a complaint about it…
Melissa says
Dear God, those cupcakes look fantastic! And the muffins??? Hello fresh raspberries!!! I have been craving those lately!
Good (sweet) strawberries and cantaloupe scream spring to me! I love it when the produce section starts filling up with summery fruits!
miranda @working mom works out says
Lime screams Spring. Some delicious pico, a mojito – anything with lime. Those muffins look uber awesome. I think I’ll try to make them gluten-free.
Tara @ The Game of Life says
Those look so good!!! This like burgers, baked beans, and blueberries scream spring to me hah I know a random…
Faith @ lovelyascharged says
Eggs + asparagus is totally springy to me!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I must make these muffins ASAP! They sound delicious! I think fruit smoothies scream spring to me…they remind me of warm weather and fun times. :) Have a great day!
Thetreadmilldiaries says
I’m a big fan of red velvet anything. Mmm.
courtney @ cupcakedynamite says
you have massive will-power not to eat the red velvet cupcakes for breakfast! ;)
Kelly says
Melon type fruits scream summer to me! Pineapple, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Oh my!!
Christina says
Those cupcakes and that muffin look delicious! Red velvet is on my list of baked goods I love and must learn to bake. Looks like you’ve mastered it :)
Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun says
You know those muffins are good when I leave this post with a craving for another muffin and not a red velvet cupcake. LOL Although I will happily take one of those too. ;)
Glad you liked them and thanks for sharing it! :)
Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says
Oh my I need to make some morning muffins! They looks so fluffy, and for me strawberries are a definite spring flavor :D
Those red velvet cupcakes look amazinggg! I’ve never had that flavor before, is it just chocolate flavored?
Kate says
All types of fruit make me think of spring but primarily blueberries! I start to crave them and end up buying all types of blueberry granola bars and yogurt etc. And your cupcakes look delish, of course :)
Kristen says
watermelon! I love it!
Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles says
I bookmarked that muffin recipe when I saw it on FFF – it looks fabulous. Have a great day, Courtney!
Jamie aka "Sometimes Healthy" Girl says
Those muffins looks absolutely delicious. I love recipes that incorporate greek yogurt :-)
alyssa - fashion fitness foodie says
Ah those muffins look amazing and perfect fit spring!
Kathryn says
Roasted asparagus with a squirt of fresh lemon juice screams spring to me! I’m roasting some for date night tonight :)
Jenn Laughlin says
I’m all about those healthy muffins right now! MUST make them!!! =) Yum!
spring is pasta salad weather for me! hehe! I make it weekly!!! with zuccchini noodles =)
xoXOxo
Jenn @ Peas & Crayons
Kimberley says
Those cupcakes look ahmmazing! Smoothies remind me of spring/summer because I generally consume alot more of them than in the winter and fall :)
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Smoothies and salads!
I looove red velvet – they’re my favorite!
Meg says
That muffin looks amazing, so spring-y :) I get the warm-weather baking bug all the time.
I hope you’re enjoying your Tuesday!
Chelsea says
If cream cheese frosting is in my house I will eat it like crazy….this happened recently. To me salads with fresh fruit and a citrus dressing scream spring to me! Oh, and mint. Mint in my lemon water is springy too.
Chelsa says
you make the prettiest cupcakes
Courtney says
Thank You! :)
Sarah says
A cupcake is a cupcake in my book. All are equally delicious! …and those muffins look pretty good, too! Yum!
Sarah May C says
These look great! Raspberries in cakes – genius, Tina, Also, Courtney, I have to thank you for some recipe inspiration lately on the dinner front too – I love your idea of making big salads to go with everything, it’s really helped me be able to enjoy what I prepare a bit more and eat lovely things like mac and cheese, in smaller portions, and still feel satisfied – and healthy!
Plus, LOVED the shrimp skewers – fantastic presentation on the plate; I’m going to try it this weekend as a starter for a dinner party, hopefully they’ll be wowed – I think they’ll love it – looks delicious. Keep up the good work, Ms Courtney! :)
Courtney says
That’s awesome, Sarah! I’m so happy to hear that! :)
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
BERRIES!! I get so excited in the spring when they start to come back into season and I can eat a TON!
Carrie says
I agree with everyone who says berries make them feel like spring. Also gazpacho…yum!
Do you every pay attention to the amount of sugar in those flavored yogurts like Chobani? It just seems like an awful lot.
Karen says
Strawberries always remind me of spring!! I think there’s something about the vibrant red color of fresh, ripe berries that just screams spring!!
Sarah says
Beautiful cupcake! I love red velvet, plus its pretty and fun!
Those muffins not only look good but sound PHENOMENAL! Raspberry and lemon!? remind me of lemonade and summer i got to get on these!
CaSaundra says
Lovin’ the looks of those cupcakes! :-)