Cupcakes: Children and Cupcakes

Children enjoy baking and decorating cupcakes as much as they enjoy eating them. The little cakes are suitable for any occasion, and make a great treat at home or in the classroom. Baking and decorating cupcakes makes a fun rainy day project, and trading in the typical birthday cake for tasty treats makes a refreshing change.

Cupcakes can be frosted and decorated individually or in a cluster resembling a traditional cake. Singular cupcakes can be made to look like cats, dog, frogs or any number of animals with the addition of colored frosting, marshmallows, rolled fruit and candies. Loosely swirling food coloring into vanilla frosting and carefully topping cupcakes can create an amusing look. A sprinkling of colored sugar is a quick way to dress up plain cupcakes, or add a special touch by inserting a decorated pick or ring, which can be purchased at most grocery store bakery departments for a nominal charge.

Clusters of cupcakes can be formed in a standard square or rectangular shape, or fashioned into such familiar shapes as Christmas trees, cars or flowers. Cupcakes should be pushed together tightly to ensure all sides are touching. The cluster is treated the same way as a cake in that frosting is applied over the entire group of cupcakes at once for a smooth, even appearance, and writing, sugar flowers or plastic toys can be added as a finishing touch.

Not only do cupcakes taste great at a birthday party and save the mess of cutting a larger cake, but decorating the individual treats can also be a fun activity. A tray of plain chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, bowls of frosting in various colors, and a wide selection of candies and toppings can keep children occupied for quite some time. Fair warning should be given to parents before they drop their sons and daughters off, as frosting does not easily wash out of fine party dresses or dress shirts.

Cupcakes look and taste great, but there are also other advantages to baking them with children. Since children can take an active role in making and decorating cupcakes they will have a sense of accomplishment that can help increase selfconfidence. Spending time in the kitchen can be a great bonding experience as well. While these benefits are essential to adults, to children the most important part about baking and decorating cupcakes is their wonderful taste.

Baking gourmet mini cakes has never been easier or faster. Create gourmet masterpieces using stepbystep cupcake recipes with tips and techniques for success. Artfully decorate your delicious treats with one of our growing collection of the best tastetested frosting recipes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Lingle

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