It’s no secret in our marriage that I have the upper hand when it comes to ordering food in a restaurant.

Last week, while out for dessert and cocktails with some friends, I talked Ben out of ordering a red velvet cupcake.

Now before you label me as some kind of evil ordering control freak, understand that instead of that red velvet cupcake, I ordered, for the two of us: Pumpkin Caramel Creme (with mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies and Pumpkin Seed Brittle on the side), and Tabletop S’mores. With homemade marshmallows and fresh graham crackers, naturally. And since we were with friends, and our friends all like to share, there was also Creme Brulee, Caramel Apple Bread Pudding, Chocolate-Filled Croissant Donuts with Caramel Dipping Sauce, and Chocolate Cinnamon Ice Cream.

It’s not like the boy was deprived. And I doubt he really missed the red velvet cupcake. But nonetheless, I wanted to make it up to him.

Fortunately for us, a couple tubs of Melt Buttery Spread arrived on our doorstep the very next morning.

Melt is the latest in the healthy butter substitutes category. It is a blend of the healthiest fats and oils, like virgin coconut oil and flaxseed oil to support a healthy weight and good cholesterol levels,  but it differs from its peers in that it is organic; 100% free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives; soy and gluten-free; and utterly delicious. I make that last point because as someone who hardly ever shmears butter on anything, I had a hard time not licking the spoon when it was time to dig into the Melt. It has a sweet, buttery taste that simply melts in your mouth. Not that I felt too much guilt, because Melt has only 80 calories per tablespoon, which is less than other fats. Melt is also different from other butter substitutes in that works in all kinds of cooking and baking applications just like butter.

I decided to give it a shot in a gluten-free, sugar-free version of red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. This allowed me to try out Melt in its melted form, in place of melted butter or oil in a baked good. It also gave me the chance to check out how Melt holds up in creamy pillows of cupcake frosting.

So how did it turn out? We both declared these some of the best cupcakes I had ever made. The cupcakes were not too dense and not too fluffy – just as I like them – and the hint of chocolate and buttery tang was spot on for a red velvet cupcake. The frosting was light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweet, buttery contrast to tangy cream cheese. Since low-carb baking is sometimes associated with lots of fat, it was encouraging to find out that this healthier fat option provided the same great results. We declared a Melt success.

I have more good news for you. Melt is sponsoring a Mingle with Melt contest, giving you the chance to try out Melt and host a dinner party while you’re at it. One lucky winner will receive $500 gift card to use however you like towards your Mingle with Melt party, where you’ll have the chance to show off your favorite Melt recipes to your family and friends. It could be a swanky dinner party or casual football gathering, but either way, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you’re feeding everyone a little more healthfully with Melt in the mix.

Oh wait, there’s more! The author of the blog from which the winner was referred will also win a $500 gift card! That’s a party for me, a party for you, and more great Melt recipes to go around. When you enter, be sure to mention Cara’s Cravings so we can have the chance to party together with Melt.

This post is linked to Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays for 10/4/2011.

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