Lemon Raspberry Springtime Cupcakes

Mother's Day is around the corner, and I'm ready for the festivities to begin!  I love Mother's Day, because it reminds me of the birth of my two beautiful children.  It also reminds me of memories with my own mom and grandmothers throughout the years.  I've kept every homemade card, clay pot, and "I love you mom" art project my kids have made for me throughout the years.  I am always flattered when someone wishes me "happy mother's day."  It's such an honor to be included in this holiday, and I appreciate my family and friends' kind tokens of appreciation.  This year, I was so appreciative when Bouchard Chocolate sent me their Cheesecake Bites to sample.  Next to homemade gifts, there is no better way to my heart than cheesecake or chocolate!  These decadent chocolates come in three delicious flavors-dulce de leche, strawberry, and chocolate fudge.  Each flavor includes soft mascarpone cheese and Belgian chocolate.  All three flavors are different, but they are all insanely delicious!  Check them out here for more info.  

Now that Bouchard Chocolate got me in the Mother's Day mood and I'm feeling sentimental, I decided to bake these Lemon Raspberry Springtime Cupcakes.  Another reason, I love Mother's Day is because it marks the month I launched What's Baking, Babycakes? with my daughter.  We used these beautiful Wilton pink petal cupcake wrappers on our first Mother's Day post, so I wanted to use them again for our one year anniversary.  I used the Wilton #96 drop flower decorating tip, which was my favorite to use in my cake decorating classes I took years ago.  Although I've learned so much about baking since my classes, I still go "back to basics" from time to time.  Since I have these pretty purple springtime flowers budding in my garden, I thought I would make some beautiful purple blooms on my cupcakes.  As you can see, there's so much to be thankful for in May!  I hope all you mothers have a wonderful Mother's day, too.  What are you most thankful for this Mother's Day?
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