Red Velvet This and That

As far back as I can remember, Mama always made me a red velvet cake for my birthday.  I grew up loving the rich taste of the red velvet with the cream cheese icing.  It seems that in the past few years red velvet is all the rage.  All you have to do is click on Pinterest under "Red Velvet" and all kinds of sweet delicacies come up! Of course, I had a red velvet groom's cake long before Shelby in Fried Green Tomatoes--except mine was not in the shape of an armadillo! When I entertain, I love to serve anything red velvet-whatever.

Correction:  Oh good Lord, y'all must know I meant to say Shelby in Steel Magnolias!

Red velvet cupcakes for Valentine's treats several years ago...

Red velvet cake at a Christmas soiree...

The red velvet doughnuts from Krispy Kreme are delicious any time of the year!

The red velvet cookies I made for my February "Friendship Gifts" are moist and delicious.

Last week I prepared red velvet hot chocolate to sip while we watched the Olympic ice skating...

This was so good y'all!  It's hot chocolate {homemade or packaged}, a tablespoon of red food coloring, whipped cream, and chocolate morsels on top.

Last week I served red velvet pancakes, topped with lite syrup, powdered sugar, and the chocolate morsels.  The chocolate tea from Harney Tea was the perfect morning beverage!

Lord have mercy, of course I love the red velvet wine, by Cupcake.  It's not expensive and it is very smooth.

Red velvet wine...perfect for Merlot Hour!

On Valentine's Day I prepared a red velvet cheese ball*.  I didn't want to have too much before dinner, so I only had a couple of bites, along with some champagne.  It it fabulous!

*Recipe for Red Velvet Cheese Ball:

8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1 1/2 cups red velvet cake mix, dry

2 tblsp brown sugar

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup mini-chocolate chips

Vanilla Wafers

In a large bowl, add cream cheese and butter and mix until smooth.  Add in the red velvet cake mix, the brown sugar, and the powdered sugar.  Continue mixing until everything is mixed well and looks smooth.  Pour the mixture out onto a large piece or saran wrap.  Wrap and shape the mixture into a ball and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours.  Pour the mini chocolate chips onto a plate (use more if needed).  Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator, unwrap, and roll the ball into the chocolate chips until the ball is covered. Place on a serving plate and garnish with cookies of choice.  Serve immediately or keep chilled until you are ready to serve.