Cupcake Love

Cupcakes are suddenly the rage, aren't they? Cookbooks, blogs and specialty stores are filled with them! I have always loved cupcakes, both baking and eating 'em, and have fond memories of making cupcakes for my children and their classmates. When Kali was in high school she became the president of a "feminist club" which met monthly. My contribution to her efforts came from my kitchen. For each meeting I'd bake cookies, brownies, etc.; I was told that some of the kids joined just because of that, apparently word spread that Kali's club had the best goodies at their meetings. I'll be forever-known for my famous "boob cupcakes" which I made in October to celebrate Breast Cancer month as well as Halloween. They were simply cupcakes with candy pumpkins on the top but they did indeed resesmble breasts! Yep, those were a real hit, probably ranking up there with the male-genitalia project that Kali did for her biology class. Let's just say that donuts never looked so good. But, I digress..I have signed up for this really cool Taste of Home Weekly Cupcake newsletter which I am really enjoying! These adorable little bees were featured a couple of weeks ago; I have yet to make them but am feeling inspired and creative today.

Bumblebee Banana Cupcakes

Sweet lovers are sure to make a beeline to the kitchen when you bake a batch of these cute-as-a-bug cupcakes. "These treats are perfect to serve for kids' parties or your next garden party," shares Beatrice Richard from Posen, Michigan.

INGREDIENTS:

1 package (14 ounces) banana quick bread and muffin mix
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 can (16 ounces) vanilla frosting
5 drops yellow food coloring
12 large yellow gumdrops
1/2 cup chocolate frosting
12 semisweet chocolate chips
24 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
12 large white gumdrops
Black shoestring licorice, cut into 1-inch pieces


DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, combine the muffin mix, milk, oil and eggs. Fill 12 greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.

In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla frosting and food coloring. Frost cupcakes. Cut yellow gumdrops in half widthwise. Use the rounded tops for heads. Flatten remaining portions into ovals for bodies. Place one head and one body on each cupcake.

Place chocolate frosting in a resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of the bag. Pipe stripes on gumdrop bodies to resemble a bumblebee. For the stinger, place one chocolate chip at the end of body with pointed end facing out. Position two mini chocolate chips in front of head for eyes. Cut white gumdrops in half lengthwise; position next to bodies for wings. Insert two licorice pieces for antennae.