Hey there, Cupcake!

Well, the party is over and I'll call it successful! Cupcakes and an outside party are DEFINITELY the way to go. No plates or forks, no real clean up. That's what I like!!! As for the cupcakes...

This is what started my thinking on these cupcakes. I saw this little beverage dispenser at Target on clearance for $6. Since we were having an outdoor splash party anyway, I decided it was PERFECT! Of course, then I had to make everything else sort of beach themed, too. And I kicked myself for not finding this before I sent the invitations out, because the invitations did NOT match this theme at all. Oh well.

When I decided to go with the beach theme, I started thinking about the cake and what I wanted to do, and I remembered this cake by Claudene:

I loved the colors and the beach theme!! So that got me started on my cupcakes... First, the shells. I decided to "paint" mine using the Wilton melts (peanut butter and white chocolate - mmm!) so they'd look more like real seashells. It was my mom's idea. And, if I may say so, a great one!! Instead of using graham cracker like Claudene used, I chose to use up some of the Sugar in the Raw we had in the pantry. Again, loved it!! I made french vanilla cupcakes and filled them with french vanilla pudding, then topped them with whipped frosting, Sugar in the Raw, and candy seashells. I could have only hoped they would turn out this good, but they did!!

While I was getting the cupcakes set up and ready this morning a very groggy brand new 2 year old wandered out into the dining room, looked at the cupcakes, and said, "Oooh! Birthday cake!" It was so very cute!!

Happy Birthday, Cupcake! I love you!!