FROSTED DECISION

Some people make a conscious effort to make the earth a better place. They are aware that their decisions can harm or help the earth. Some of them decide to "go green;" others, like Kermit and I, decide it's not easy being green. Some decide to use reusable bags when they go grocery shopping; I never remember to bring mine. Some people drive Prius hybrids; I don't ever want to see one of those in an accident with an SUV or semi. Some people recycle; at least I do that, unless we have a really big party and all the recycling bins are full.

In my ever growing conscious effort to make the earth a better place, I have decided to.....are you ready?...never, ever, ever use canned frosting again. Oh sure, I've done it many times in the past. Whip up some cupcakes, throw on some canned frosting, and add a few sprinkles...voila! Each and every time I have ever done this and eaten one of them, yuck. They taste horrible. I have tried all the big brands out there and the all store brands. ALL of them range from yuck to yuckier. And, in all honesty, most of the times that I have used canned frosting, I wouldn't eat any or I would eat one before the frosting went on. Maybe I should use canned frosting; I'd save lots of calories.

Here is my promise to the earth: From now on all delectable, delightful desserts coming from Shevon's kitchen, well, all those that require frosting, will have a yummy frosting made by my own two hands and maybe the grubby little hands of a couple of helpers. This will usually mean either cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting. There may be others along the way, but they will all be homemade.

The other week I made some of these:




I saw these somewhere on the internet, but I can't remember where they were. Being old sucks as far as memory goes. (If anyone knows where I saw them, let me know. I like to give credit where it is due.) The ones I saw were much prettier. The buttercream frosting was piped nicely and they were beautifully perfect. I was going for a more homey, going to the neighbor's for a few drinks kind of look. And, I really didn't want to whip out all the cake decorating supplies just for that.

The little mini cupcakes on top are just mini Reese's peanut butter cups topped with a little frosting and sprinkles. Mmmm, and cute, too. So, now my challenge to you all is...

Join me on this crusade. It's easy. You don't need to change your lightbulbs, buy a hybrid, or buy organic. All you need to do is take out your blender, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla. This is about the future of our children who, without your commitment, will never know the wonders of a yummy frosting!

Rainbow & Cloud Cupcakes

I love Family Fun magazine. So, the other day I see these on the last page and so do the kids. Of course, we have to make them. Oh, the uses for these babies. Stick a little gold chocolate coin in the top and voila...you've found the leprechauns treasure at the end of the rainbow. Got a little girly girl who loves colorful rainbows and unicorns...now you've got the perfect birthday cupcakes. Need a snack while you watch the Gay Pride Parade...fabulous. What else? Let me know if you come up with other ideas. My creative brain just collapsed.

Here's the recipe for those of you who want to go somewhere over the rainbow.

Rainbow Cupcakes
1) Prepare your favorite white cake mix, then divide the batter into six small bowls. Add food coloring to make the six colors of the rainbow. Purple: 9 drops red & 6 drops blue; Blue: 12 drops blue; Green: 12 drops green; Yellow: 12 drops yellow; Orange: 12 drops yellow & 4 drops red; Red: 18 drops red. Mix each until the color is evenly distributed.

2) Line your muffin tins with 16 baking cups. Evenly distribute the purple batter among the cups, then the blue, and so on, following the order listed above. Try to cover the color below as much as possible with the back of a spoon.

3) Bake the cupcakes according to the cake mix directions. Before serving remove the paper wrapper and top with a cool whip cream cloud. I would use cream cheese frosting if you wanted to transport it somewhere.