Sunshine Cupcakes

Summer is almost over! Ack! The other day I was staring at a bag of Bugles on the counter and was thinking about how much we'll miss the swimming, playing, sunshine-y days. I was inspired! Sunshine Lemonade Cupcakes
Ingredients:
Your Favorite Cupcakes (strawberry or lemon are my choice!)
Lemon Buttercream Icing (recipe below)
Chocolate Chips or Mini Kisses
Chocolate canned frosting (or melt some chocolate chips)
Licorice Strings
Bugles (in the chip aisle)
Yellow Sprinkes (optional)

Directions:
Frost cupcakes with Lemonde Icing. Add a few yellow sprinkles (optional). Place 2 chocolate chips or mini-kisses for sunglasses. Place a small amount of chocolate frosting in a baggie, snip a small corner off the bag and squeeze out to finish "sunglasses". Add a small piece of licorice for a smile. Place Bugles around outside edge of cupcake to make the sun's rays, pressing in slightly to adhere to cupcake.

This one saw me in a swimsuit...

This one heard what we're having for dessert tonight...

Lemon Buttercream Icing from Wilton
Ingredients
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar (approx. 1 lb.)
Additional lemon juice or milk
yellow food coloring

Directions
In large bowl, cream shortening and butter with electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add Lemon juice and zest; beat well.
Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often.
When all sugar has been mixed in, if icing is dry, add additional juice or milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add food coloring until desired yellow color.
Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Re-whip before using.