Happy St. Patrick's Day!

So what do you think of when you hear St. Patricks Day?

Me?

Well, the thoughts have changed over the years. In my younger days, Green Beer, partying, staying out all day and wondering what they wear under those kilts (and now I know).

Today?

Making sure the kiddos have green on so not to get pinched, getting the kiddos to swimming and gymnastics on time, decorating cupcakes (of course),

and reminiscing of aforementioned younger days.

Things have changed a bit over the past 10 years here in the Campbell house.

I remember one of my very favorite St. Patty's Day was spent with my Dear Hubby car shopping (don't worry, no Green Beer was consumed that day). That day I bought my very favorite green Mustang. Her name was fourlfclvr! I miss that car.

But I'm a mom now, and car seats just didn't go too well with Mustang back seats!

So in honor of my college days, I decided to go with what every college kid enjoys.

Booze & Beads!

(I know some of you may be offended by this. But there's no judging in Cupcakes...well unless it's Cupcake Wars. Never mind, I'm digressing)

Anyways. This cupcake is in honor of those days filled with fun, friends, music, too much skin being exposed, and everything green.

It's a Creme De Mente Cupcake layered with Vanilla Bean Buttercream and topped with Creme De Menthe Buttercream and a Mint M & M

As you can see Cupcake Campbell is enjoying this beautiful St. Patty's Day in Ohio by taking her top off and letting it all hang out! But don't worry, she was doing it in the privacy of her own back yard!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

Creme De Menthe Cupcakes (Better Homes & Gardens Cupcakes 2011)

4 egg whites

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup creme de menthe

1/2 cup shortning

1 3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 recipe Vanilla Bean Buttercream

green food coloring

1. Allow eggs to come to room temperature. Line 24 muffin tins with cupcake liners.

2. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

3. In a measuring cup combine the buttermilk and the creme de menthe. Set aside.

4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

5. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening and gradually add sugar. Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy.

6. Beat in egg whites, one at a time until well combined. Add in vanilla.

7. Begin adding in flour mixture and alternate with buttermilk mixture until all ingredients are combined.

8. Fill cups 2/3 full and bake for 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer to cooling racks to cool.

Vanilla Bean Buttercream (for 24 cupcakes I would double this recipe)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softenend

1/2 cup shortening

2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste

4 cups powdered sugar

2-4 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons Creme de Menthe

1. Combine butter and shortening in mixing bowl.

2. Add in vanilla bean paste

3. Slowly add in powdered sugar, mixing well between additions.

4. Add in a little milk.

5. To make Creme de Menth frosting, reduce milk and replace with Creme de Menthe until desired consistency is reached.

Once the cupcakes have cooled, remove from wrappers. Slice cupcakes in half. Spread or pipe a layer of Vanilla Bean Buttercream on bottom half of cupcakes. Replace top half. Decorate the top of the cupcake with the Creme de Menthe Buttercream if desired or use remaining Vanilla Bean Buttercream.

Everyone stay safe and have a great St. Patrick's Day!!

Peace. Love. Cupcakes

Kim

You'll find me linking up here: