Spring Cupcakes

Description
Makes: 16 cupcakes

Ingredients

 * 1½ cups flour, cake and pastry -sifted
 * 1 cup sugar, granulated
 * 2 tsp baking powder
 * ½ tsp salt
 * ½ cup butter, softened
 * ½ cup milk
 * 2 eggs
 * 1 tsp vanilla

Easy fluffy frosting

 * ½ cup corn syrup
 * 1 egg white
 * 1 tsp lemon juice

Easter bunnies

 * Smarties or M&Ms
 * licorice or fruit roll ups
 * marshmallows, pink

Flowerpot cupcakes

 * coconut - shake with 4 drops - green food colouring in jar
 * gumdrops - cut up

Directions

 * 1) In bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
 * 2) Using electric mixer at low speed, blend in butter, milk, eggs and vanilla; beat for 2 minutes at medium speed.
 * 3) Spoon batter in 16 large greased or paper lined muffin cups.
 * 4) Bake at 375°F for 12 to 16 minutes or till tester inserted in centre comes out clean.
 * 5) Transfer to rack and cool.

Easy fluffy frosting

 * 1) In saucepan over high heat, heat corn syrup (or microwave at high for 1½ – 2 minutes) till boiling.
 * 2) In bowl, beat egg white with lemon juice till frothy; gradually blend in boiling corn syrup and beat till stiff peaks forms, about 4 minutes.
 * 3) Dip tops of cooled cupcakes in icing.

Easter bunnies

 * 1) Use Smarties or M&Ms for eyes, licorice or sliced fruit roll ups for whiskers.
 * 2) Cut pink marshmallows into quarters for ears.

Flowerpot cupcakes

 * 1) Sprinkle tops with flaked coconut that has been shaken in a jar with 4 drops green food colouring.
 * 2) Arrange cut up gumdrops to form petals.