C is for Cupcakes

Last week my kids had a fireside with the temple presidency and we were asked to make refreshments for it.  We made my favorite  mini french vanilla cupcakes, vanilla butter cream frosting, and topped with a non-peril silver bead and these cupcake toppers.  We weren't asked until about 3 hours before the meeting - so we worked fast.  It was fun, and they turned out pretty good!

French Vanilla Cupcakes

1 Betty Crocker French Vanilla Cake Mix

1/3 cup melted butter

4 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp. real vanilla

Mix for 3 minutes and bake according to box directions. (If cake mix is more than 3 months old, add 1 tsp. baking powder).

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

3/4 cup butter (room temp.)

1/2 cup shortening

1 tsp. salt

2 - 2 1/2 lbs. powdered sugar

1/4 - 1/3 cup milk (warmed)

2 tsp. real vanilla

food coloring

Mix butter, shortening and salt until smooth.  Add powdered sugar and milk in small amounts alternately until you reach desired consistency.  {If you are piping the frosting you will want it on the thick side.}  You may not use all of the milk.  Add vanilla and food coloring; mix well.  Frost on cooled cupcakes.