Mini Cupcakes and Cooking for the Cure with KitchenAid USA
My daughter said “yes” when I asked if she’d help out with some baking.
Our friend’s father passed away, a very loved man, and I just knew they’d have many people in and out of their home for a few weeks.
I only wanted to take a little something.
A little something that showed we loved them during this painful time.
Hospitality during hard times doesn’t have to be big, or impressive; in fact, sometimes it’s the “mini things that count.”
So Abby made mini cupcakes.
She frosted them–some plain, some with fresh raspberries from our garden–and we placed them on a pretty glass plate.
Then it was our son’s turn.
He drove the plate of cupcakes over to our friend’s home.
He handed them the plate, along with a simple card.
It was an act of love. One that I have explained to our grown children for twenty years now, the reasons “why” we step outside of our busy schedules, or comfort zones, and “give” to others.
When I got home after a date night with my husband, I saw this “pink” KitchenAid hand mixer on the counter–splattered with frosting, berries, powered sugar–spread all over the countertop.
But there was a beautiful spread of cupcakes.
It made me think of my mom when I saw the “pink,” my mom who passed away 15 years ago today.
She had cancer; first breast cancer, then ovarian cancer eventually took her life one hour before her 63rd birthday.
So, the “pink” brings back memories … of love and sadness.
It makes me think of Cook for the Cure, a program for people who love to cook and practice hospitality to help raise money for the ongoing fight against breast cancer. There are several ways you can participate. You can host a small fundraising party for 1,000 Cooks for the Cure between now and July 29 for your friends and family in your home or office.
Rather than bringing a gift, food or wine, your guests could instead bring a small donation for Susan G. Komen for the Cure to help in the fight against breast cancer.
I know there are only a few days left, but any party host that raises $50 or more will receive a free plate designed by Jacques Pepin in the mail, and anyone who hosts a party and registers it on their website (register here) will automatically be entered to receive the ultimate “thank you” from Jacques Pepin himself!
You can also share the love with the Pass the Plate program. This is very simple and involves making a meal and giving it to a friend or family member.
Each time the plate is passed and registered, KitchenAid makes a $5 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
You can also donate directly to Susan G. Komen, or choose from a whole line of KitchenAid pink products.
I know my mom would have so loved this post today. She lived and breathed hospitality and gave to so many … daily. I remember how she would go to the neighbor’s home and sit with one of their family members who was sick. Knowing mom, I bet she read something inspirational to the person, or, just sat and listened (and prayed).
There’s still time to help spread the word and tweet:
Fight against breast cancer! Join @KitchenAidUSA and host a fundraising party from 7/20-7/29. Info: https://ow.ly/bOGkv #cookforthecure
Has your family been hurt by the sadness of cancer? And would you be willing to spread the Cook for the Cure message?
This post is sponsored by KitchenAid USA; but as always, all opinions are my own. Thank you Abigail Ellen Rose for helping mama out with the photography in this post.
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Oh Sandy. I wish your mom was still here on earth to see this beautiful life you’ve created, but I feel sure she’s watching from above. You give so much to others and that is evident not only from this post, but from just watching you. Big hugs!
This is such a lovely, touching post, Sandy.
What an amazing post Sandy….I need to remember this…keep it simple, just reach out. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my mama…it’s been 8 years since she passed away. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday and sometimes it seems like forever. Those cupcakes look amazing. Tell Abby great job.
Sandy, Checked out Cook for a Cure and I love it. I’m having a party Sunday! Just 3 or 4 people so far but I might add a few more. I wish I’d known about this earlier but I’m glad I found out now. Thanks! Em
My mother-in-law was a 15 year breast cancer survivor. Unfortunately she’s no longer with us but she would have loved this idea. I’ll check out the Cook for a Cure and Pass the Plate. I think that’s something worthwhile to be involved in. Thanks for the info. Em
Huge hugs & kisses to you and yours. You’re so sweet and I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother 15 years ago. You’re so awesome for making those cupcakes for that family. I have them in my thoughts and you as well. xoxo
You are precious in ever way.
Such a sweet post and very touching Sandy. Thanks for the inspiration.
This is so touching Sandy. I agree with Wendy and Kristen – you are touching so many lives in such a beautiful way!
Hugs to you, my friend. You are such a kind and giving person… very special. Your mom is looking down on you smiling, for sure!
So beautiful. Love, hugs and prayers to you sweet friend. You *carry on* your mom’s heartfelt hospitality beautifully…and so do your beautiful children. I’m certain that she is beaming from above. xoxo
Good morning Sandy! What dear sweet memories of your mama! She’s sounds like a woman I could have learned a lot from. It seems to me that her legacy is still going strong through yourself & I’m sure your sisters as well.
Your children are such an example to our teenagers of this day & age. So many have the “me. me. & more of me” attitude. Demanding & controlling their homes, with little appreciation or care for their parents or others. It’s always “cool” in my book to see children serve & help others in need.I know it really is the simple & “mini” things that mean so much. My children love to take our neighbors our home grown zinnia’s, baked goodies, & extra meals for the widows. The recievers are overjoyed and my children are learning the value of serving & the bonds it creates. Thanks for sharing this sweet gesture with us! Have a sweet summer day Sandy! Mrs.Clark