Valentine’s Day Recipe of the Day

CONVERSATION CUPCAKES

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) white cake mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon butter flavoring, optional
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 to 2 drops red food coloring
1 to 2 drops yellow food coloring
1 to 2 drops blue food coloring

Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Place paper or foil liners in a heart-shaped or standard muffin tin. Fill cups half full of batter. (If using a standard tin, tuck a 1/2-inch foil ball or a marble between the liner and the cup to form a heart shape.) Bake according to package directions for cupcakes. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

For frosting, cream butter and shortening in a small mixing bowl. Add vanilla and butter flavoring if desired. Add sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in milk until light and fluffy. Divide frosting into fourths; place in four separate bowls.

Leave one bowl untinted. Add food coloring to the other three bowls; stir until well blended. Frost cupcakes. Pipe untinted frosting around edges and decorate tops with Valentine phrases. Yield: 28 cupcakes.

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