These cupcakes were inspired by one of the best children’s books of all time… Charlotte’s Web. Remember the first time you read this book? The themes of friendship and loyalty are timeless, and have made this the best selling children’s paperback ever. This was the first chapter book my son and I read together when he was five. Boy was I caught off guard. I became so invested in Wilbur and Charlotte’s relationship, I cried my eyes out. It is a totally different read as a grown-up. All those years of life experience make the book even more meaningful.  

One of my girlfriend’s daughters, Amanda, asked me to make cupcakes for the Charlotte’s Web party her class was having. It was part of their end of the year celebration. What a perfect novel to end the year with. I always get emotional this time of year. Everyone around me, including the boy and his pup, appears giddy for summer. Trust me, I can’t wait to turn off the alarm clock for the next ten weeks, but the end of another school year is definitely bitter sweet. I don’t do well with change. I thrive on structure and on having a plan. But more than that, the last day of school brings with it the acceptance that another year has passed. My one and only kiddo is going to be in 4^th grade in the fall, and whether I like it or not, he’s growing up.

I vividly remember one occasion, when I was around my son’s age, crying in my bedroom wishing I didn’t have to grow up. I’m not even sure what prompted my meltdown. Ironically, here I am at thirty-six crying over the realization that my son is growing up before my eyes. It’s been amazing watching him transform this year. Never the risk-taker, the cautious one, he is becoming a different kid. I see in him courage that was never there before. My current prayer is that God will prepare me for that day when it’s time to let go.

                                                                                                                      As far as the cute little cupcakes go, Amanda reported that the kiddos loved them. A few said they were the best cupcakes ever. I made white cupcakes with the recipe that starts with a cake box, but ends up tasting like a wedding cake ~ love it! I didn’t make my home made buttercream, but used a can of frosting. Gasp! The reason has to do with the texture of the frosting. Kids love the taste of it, and the consistency is perfect for heating up a bit (see directions below).

Here ‘s a few tips on how to make these BFF’s:

Pig Cupcakes

• Bake up a batch of white cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners slightly more than halfway. You don’t want these to puff up too much.
• Tint frosting with pink food coloring (I used Americolor’s soft pink gel.), and spread on the cooled cupcakes.
• Heat ¼ cup of the pink frosting  for 10-15 seconds, and stir. This will thin down the consistency of the icing to frost the snout and the pig ears.
• Cut marshmallows in half cross-wise. Dip each half in the melted pink frosting, let dry, and place on waxed paper. As the icing cools, it will start to thicken up and may separate. At this point, stir it up and reheat for a few seconds.
• Cut triangle shapes out of the marshmallows for ears. First cut marshmallow in half crosswise, and then trim each piece to form a small triangle. Dip each triangle in the melted frosting, and place on waxed paper.
• I did not allow the pieces to dry completely. It’s helps to have them a little wet (but not runny) to better adhere to the cupcake.
• If you’re having trouble with ears falling off, you can use toothpicks behind them for support. I discovered this tip when I woke up in a panic to earless dog cupcakes.
• Place two mini chips, pointed side down into the marshmallow snout.
• Place two regular size chocolate chips pointed side down for eyes.

 Spider Cupcakes

• These are really easy and fun for Halloween. Click here for the template and directions.
• If you do not have piping bags and tips, a Ziploc will work. Fill it with melted chocolate, roll into a cone shape, and cut a small bit off the tip of the bag.
• The only thing I did differently this time was add silver sanding sugar on these before the chocolate had dried for a little sparkle.

Happy Summer Everyone!