BARNYARD BUDDIES

"For a fun project with the kids, let them help create these bright and sunny cupcakes decorated like chicks, bunnies, pigs or lambs. Whip up a batch of cupcakes using a mix, then decorate with prepared frosting, tinted colors, and Easter candies, as desired. Use them to add a festive touch to an Easter brunch or dinner table - or to a kids' party after an Easter egg hunt."

1 (18.25-ounce) box favorite flavor cake mix
2 (16-ounce) cans vanilla frosting
Red, yellow and green food coloring
8 boxes Snickers Eggs 3-Pack
1 bag Dove Milk Chocolate Eggs
1 bag M&M'S Milk Chocolate Easter Candies
1 bag M&M'S Minis packs Milk Chocolate Candies for Easter
Marshmallows (mini and regular)
Pink decorator sugar
1 tube chocolate decorating frosting (optional, if desired)

Line each indentation in a 12-cup jumbo cupcake pan with paper cupcake liners.

Prepare cake mix according to package instructions. Divide batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake in preheated 350-degree oven 25 to 30 minutes or until cupcakes are done (watch carefully to avoid overbaking). Remove from oven, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Fit one resealable bag with a star tip. Divide frosting into 5 cups. Using 4 portions, tint 1 of each as follows: green, red, yellow, pink. Spoon green frosting into bag fitted with star tip. Spoon remaining colors into other resealable plastic bags. Snip 1 corner from each bag. Pipe frostings on top of all cupcakes as desired.

Sandwich 2 unwrapped chocolate Snickers eggs together with dab of vanilla frosting, creating complete egg. Make 1 complete egg for each cupcake and place on top. Use photograph as guide to decorate animals.

Makes 12 cupcakes

BUNNY:
Dot entire egg with pink frosting. Cut marshmallow in half and flatten slightly. Sprinkle pink decorator sugar on sticky area of marshmallow. Arrange on top of egg as ears. Add 2 blue M&M'S for eyes, 1 red M&M for nose and 2 pink M&M'S for feet.

PIGGIE:
Dot entire egg with pink frosting. Arrange 2 blue M&M'S for eyes, 2 pink M&M'S for ears, 1 pink M&M for snout, 1 pink M&M for tail and 4 pink M&M'S for feet.

CHICKIE:
Dot entire egg with yellow frosting. Arrange 3 red M&M'S for comb, 2 dark M&M'S for eyes, 1 orange M&M for beak and 4 orange M&M'S for feet.

LAMB:
Dot entire egg with white frosting. Arrange 1 unwrapped Dove Chocolate Egg for face with 2 M&M minis for eyes. Arrange 4 M&M'S for feet. Place 2 mini marshmallow for ears.

Source: Los Angeles Daily News, April 10, 2006