The Cupcake Sweetheart Box

Sweeties for the sweetheart - an entire box of them. This week at Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes get the Sweetheart Box of cupcakes for your special Valentine. Or maybe just treat yourself, in case you just want to make sure that you get your cupcake fix for the week.

Four luscious cupcakes, four different flavors. All enclosed in that nice white pastry box that makes you perk up and say "treats"!

Fortune Cake (green tea cake with green tea buttercream), Have a Heart (raspberry frosting, brownie heart and chocolate cake), Red Queen (cinnamon cake with cinnamon buttercream) and Strawberry Fondue (strawberry cake with white chocolate frosting)

The "Have a Heart" Cupcake.

The "Fortune Cake" Cupcake.

Valentine's Day and Chinese New Years fall on the same day this year - Sunday, February 14th. For me, that is rather a let down, as I like to celebrate both holidays independently. Based upon the lunar calendar, Chinese New Years falls on the second New Moon after the Winter Solstice. I guess I will console myself with a cupcake. Oops, looks like I already did!

PS - It's the year of the Tiger. " Those born in tiger years are natural leaders and excel as actors, pilots, writers, and managers. They are authoritative, courageous, emotional, and intense."

I say that 2010 sure could use some "tiger" in it's tank.

Common Ground Cupcakes and Coffee
900 South Third St.(425) 235 - 1717
www.commongroundcupcakes.com

Open on Valentine's Day, folks!

Rhubarb Season!

Well, the bountifulness of the summer is already upon us - the rhubarb is ready to be picked. One of our family favorites - in really any recipe, is Rhubarb. However, I will let you in on the best and simplest recipe ever for rhubarb -one that you and your family can enjoy again and again. Rhubarb Compote.

Soak and clean the stalks of rhubarb and cut into chunks. Place in a nice heavy pan (or whatever you've got) and put on a very low heat to simmer. Yep, that's right - don't add water, the rhubarb has plenty enough to make the sauce. It may take awhile, but this will cook down into a thick sauce. Add sugar to taste while it is still warm and then = EAT!

Eat it all by itself, eat it slopped onto of some vanilla ice cream, eat it for breakfast served over a sliced banana, add some strawberries to it and serve over shortcakes (rhubarb will take on the taste of the berries and give you more to serve at less the price!
Ask your neighbors for some from their garden - then be polite, and share some delicious compote with them - you will always have a ready supply of ingredients at hand that way