Saturday, November 5, 2011

Alpha's Happy Birthday Dinner

My big number 56 was today, and it was really a nice celebration, "Red Velvet Cake", with a big 5 candle. Anna, Levelle, TaShant, Delmira, Candyss, Babette, Gioanna, and Libby came by to blow out candles and wish me well for my new year. Jazmin (sent flowers), Tarri, Herbert Sr., Susan, Cathy, Shonna, Diana, Mariah, Charlezette, Dan, and 100's of  Facebook friends wished me well today.



The Menu
Hawaiian Bar-B-Que Pork Ribs
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs
Herb (Rosemary) Chicken Wings
Bar-B-Que Baked Beans
Coleslaw
Red Velvet Cake
Cherry Ice cream
Sweat Tea and 7up

Levelle marinated ribs and chicken for two days, its all in the sauce which is his secret recipe. These are the secret ingredients that are a must for your cabinet, that is all I can share.
  • Brer Rabbit Molasses (in BBQ sauce on ribs)
  • Honey, yellow mustard brown sugar (chicken and ribs)
  • Liquid Smoke (ribs)
  • Teriyaki Sauce (ribs & chicken)
  • A1 Steak Sauce (ribs)
  • Worcestershire sauce (ribs)
  • RiceVingar
  • Kabob's: Pineapple chunks, green bell peppers, red bell pepper, white onion, red onion, chicken (repeat) brown sugar, lemon juice, teriyaki sauce, and pineapple juice, rice wine vinegar
  • Seasonings: Rosemary, Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Olive Oil, Parsley

Coleslaw: (Experimental not a favorite, but good twist)
Small Green Cabbage
1/2 White Onion
tbsp Black Pepper
tbs Sea Salt
2 Tbsp Mayonnaise
2 Tbsp Yellow mustard
Sweet Butter Pickles
Sweet Relish
 Here is a recipe if you want to make homemade red velvet cupcakes to a party. during the holidays. This is my cake of choice this year up through Valentines Day.

 Red Velvet Cupcakes
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 bottle (1 ounce) McCormick® Red Food Color
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract


Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl. Set aside
2. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Mix in sour cream, milk, food color and vanilla. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until just blended. Do not over beat. Spoon batter into 30 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full.

3. Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cupcake comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rack 5 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely. Frost with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting.
Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened, 2 tablespoons sour cream and 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1 box (16 ounces) confectioners' sugar until smooth