#fruitvines

I received a free bag of Red Vines Cherry Fruit Vines Bites for free as part of the Influenster Frosty VoxBox to try and review.

In my infinite wisdom (sarcasm), I decided to get creative with the licorice and use it in a recipe. The best recipe idea that I could find was for Chocolate Cherry Cola Cupcakes with Red Licorice Filling and Marshmallow Frosting (http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chocolate-cherry-cola-cupcakes-with-red-licorice-filling-and-marshmallow-frosting-recipe.html), which apparently was used on the Food Network show "Cupcake Wars."

Even though I consider myself to have average to slightly above average baking skills, I was a little dubious about tackling this recipe. But I decided to simplify and streamline to fit the ingredients I had on hand...I used a boxed cake mix and did not add crumbled yogurt covered pretzels or the cola drizzle. Given the 10++ level of sweetness of these cupcakes, I can't imagine adding any more sugar to them.

I used a Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge cake mix and followed the box instructions for baking except that I replaced the water with cherry coke. I think the carbonation in the soda made the cupcakes rise higher than normal but it did not give the cake a detectable cherry flavor. Boo.

I made the licorice filling exactly as the recipe specified but it was not thick enough to hold form in the cupcakes. It was a thick syrup texture but I think it needed to me more viscous. If I were to do it again, I would boil it longer. The recipe also made about twice as much filling as I needed for these cupcakes.

I think separating the 8 eggs was the hardest part about making the marshmallow frosting. A few eggs may have made it into an omelet for dinner because of my clumsiness in this task :-)

To fill the cupcakes, I used a pairing knife to cut a cone shaped piece out of the middle of each cupcake and spooned in the filling. It soaked into the cake like a sponge. I think this ruined the cake texture and made the cupcakes way too wet. However, the flavor would be just right for someone who LOVED red licorice.

I used a piping bag to frost the cupcakes and I was surprised that the frosting held its shape as well as it did. If I ever make this frosting again, I would cut the recipe down by at least half and that would still be more than enough for 20-24 cupcakes.

I was super excited when I came home to my Frosty Vox Box.  I got the email saying I was in but was still waiting for the tracking information so it was very unexpected.  I open up the box to find:

1. Rimmel eyeliner and eye make-up remover: I haven't tried the make-up remover yet but I really enjoyed the eye liner.  It went on very smooth and dark which can sometimes be difficult to find.  It also lasted all night with out smudging.  I felt like I used less than I would normally since one line of this was thick enough. 

2. Celestial Candy Cane Lane tea: This tea was delicious.  It was just what you would expect from a peppermint tea.  It wasn't over powering and left a nice wintery feeling.  It was a nice tea to drink before bed (it's decaf!) A perfect addition to the Frosty Vox Box.

3. Fruit Vines: These candies reminded me of those sour straws I used to eat as a kid, just with out the extra sugar on the outside.  I like that they are bite size.  They were perfect to eat on my long car ride to NY.  I'm not big on buying fruity candies but these were good and if I saw them in the store I might pick up a bag if I was having a craving.  

4. McCormick's Thyme:  I am always excited to see something to do with cooking.  I love cooking and recipes so I am excited to find a recipe to incorporate this Thyme into.  I do wish they would have added a spice that was a little bit more creative but I guess I can't be too picky ;P

5. NYC Lip color: I like this color.  It is not super bright but is still noticeable. 

6. EcoTools round hair-brush: I don't use round brushes too often, but recently I have been experimenting with different ways of styling my hair so I welcome this as a challenge that hopefully will end up working out. 

7. Boots No7 hair serums: I haven't used these samples yet but I am always looking to find something new for my hair.  I have very curly and dry hair so anything to help tame it is welcome in my book. 

Frosty VoxBox from Influenster

I received the complimentary products in this Frosty VoxBox from Influenster to test and review. All opinions are honest and my own. Now on to the fun part, this box is celebrating my favorite season…winter! As soon as I got my tracking number I followed it to open it ASAP!

First look. Can’t say it’s packed with love but I can say that everything in there looks pretty amazing!

No7 Protect &…

Unboxing my Frosty Vox Box! I am very excited to review these items. Not pictured, Scandaleyes Black Eye Liner by Rimmel London. I was too excited to use that and it's in my makeup kit already! I will be reviewing these items soon. Stay tuned!