“Bee” Happy Cupcakes

If you came to the garden party yesterday, thank you! I had fun recreating the Pottery Barn catalogue cover. To show my appreciation, I want to serve dessert. After all, I want my guests to “bee” happy!

We’ve been invaded by bees…the friendly kind…more importantly, the edible kind. And yes, I am shameless once again. This is idea was taken directly from Woman’s Day Magazine. That’s what it’s for…right? :)

Last week I gave you a link to make homemade fondant. The store-bought kind tastes like rubber. This, on the other hand, is made from marshmallows, costs much less, and doesn’t require a trip to the craft or baking store. This was my first time to work with fondant. I was intimidated, but found it surprisingly easy!

I bought a few basic tools at Michael’s. The bands on the edge of the fondant roller help you roll the fondant to the correct thickness. Both the roller and the cutters were made by Wilton and were inexpensive.

Did you play with Play Doh when you were a kid? Yep, you’re qualified!

I made the fondant flowers the day before. They could actually be made several days in advance. I attached the smaller flowers to the larger ones with a drop of Karo syrup. These don’t get as hard as purchased fondant (that’s one of the reasons they taste better). From here, it was smooth sailing and time to make the bees!

You’ll need Tootsie rolls, yellow peanut M&Ms, and clear spice drop candies. I bought several small packs of M&Ms and felt obligated to eat the unneeded colors :). Just tear off a piece of Tootsie Roll and roll a thin string with the palms of your hands. Flatten the spice drop and cut into about a 1/2 inch circle I had to get creative here since I don’t own a 1/2 inch cookie cutter. Just look around the kitchen—I used the clip on a candy thermometer. Cut each circle in half. NOW-wrap the Tootsie Roll strings around the M&M. Attach the “wings” by pressing into the front band of the Tootsie Roll stripes. Make two little eyes with a brown food marker.

These cupcakes have so many possibilities:

For birthdays—It’s great to “bee”__________(fill in the age)

For baby showers-_______is going to “bee” a mom!

For bridal showers—Hoping you’ll “bee” happy!

As a thank you—Thank you for “beeing” a great____(teacher, friend, neighbor, hostess, etc.).

I used a lemon-honey cupcake recipe. They are just right for the theme, but you could use any recipe you like. I’ll be making this one again.

Lemon-Honey Cupcakes

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon each baking powder and baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup milk

1 1/2 tablespoon grated lemon zest

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

3/4 cup honey

1/4 cup sugar

3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 350. Line about 24 muffin cups with paper liners. Whisk first four ingredients together in medium bowl. Whisk sour cream, milk, lemon zest and juice in a small bowl until well mixed. Beat butter, honey, and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy and light. Beat in eggs, one at a time. With mixer on low speed, beat in 1/2 the flour mixture and then the sour cream mixture. Add the remaining flour mixture until just combined. Spoon 1/4 batter into muffin liners. Bake 18-20 minutes. Cool on wire rack completely before frosting.

Lemon-Honey Frosting

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1/4 cup honey

1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon zest

4 cups confectioners’ sugar

7-8 teaspoons lemon juice

A few drops of yellow food coloring

Beat butter, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl with an electric mixer. On low speed, beat in the confectioners’ sugar until blended. Beat in lemon juice and a few drops of yellow food coloring until you have the desired color. Pipe or spread frosting onto cupcakes.

I am joining Michael Lee West at Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday. Click on the FF button for transportation—I know you’ll “bee” amazed! Have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend and remember to fly your flag in honor and memory of those who have served us in the military forces!

ps-Liz over at Hoosier Homemade told me about Cupcake Tuesday at her place--cupcake Heaven for me! You can find this delicious party here!