"Cocktails and Cupcakes"

"Sweetin"up your next summer shin-dig by adding a chic and fabulous theme! It can be something so simple like "Cocktails and Cupcakes," but I guarantee you- your guests will rave about it! 

A few simple tips for planning your next themed event:

- Think fun, simple & sleek

- Implement your theme from the very beginning! (yes- that even means the invitations!)

- Don't get "too" creative! Sometimes we can loose meaning in the message when we get carried away!

- Serve food & drinks that are appropriate to your theme.

- Make sure every guest leaves with some little "take-away" that will remind them of your smashing soiree!

Since it is Friday and we all deserve a little treat....here are a couple of "low-cal" and yes I am serious- "low-cal" recipes for YOUR next "Cocktails and Cupcakes" gathering! Enjoy!

Kickin' Key Lime Pie Martini

PER SERVING (entire recipe, 1 martini): 129 calories, 0g fat, 21mg sodium, 7g carbs, 0g fiber, 4g sugars, 0g protein

INGREDIENTS:

1-1/2 ounces lime vodka

1 ounce sugar-free calorie-free vanilla-flavored syrup

1 ounce pineapple juice

1/2 ounce lime juice

1 tablespoon Cool Whip Free, thawed

Optional garnish: lime slice

METHOD:

Combine ingredients in a glass and stir until smooth. Transfer to a shaker filled with ice.

Shake thoroughly and then strain into a large martini glass. If you like, finish it off with a slice of lime on the rim of the glass. Enjoy!

Sassy Strawberry Cupcakes

PER SERVING (1 cupcake): 104.9 calories, 1.8 g fat, 201.9 mg sodium, 18.5 g carbs, 3.6 g fiber, 0.5 g protein

INGREDIENTS: 

1 box Pillsbury Moist Supreme, Strawberry flavor

12 oz. Sierra Mist Free

1 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip Free

1 1 oz. pkg of Jello SF/FF Instant Pudding Mix

METHOD:

Pre heat oven to 350. 

In medium bowl, add cake mix and soda. Wisk for 2 minutes.

Place mixture into 24 cupcake liners @ 2/3 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes.

While baking mix the pudding into the cool whip and refrigerate for at least an hour. 

Once cupcakes have completely cooled you can spread approx 1 tbsp. of icing onto each cupcake, or ice individually.

 Refrigerate if icing all cupcakes at once.