APRON AND PANS - CHRISTMAS CUPCAKES

Ingredients
2 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1⁄3 cups sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 cup shortening
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large eggs
Icing
4 ounces butter (8 tablespoons)
1 1⁄2 cups icing sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Decorations
Colored crystal sugar
Candy sprinkles
Candy
Marshmallows

Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line cupcake pans with paper liners.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Add shortening, milk, and vanilla.

Beat for 1 minute on medium speed. Scrape side of bowl with a spatula.

Add eggs to the mixture.

Beat for 1 minute on medium speed. Scrape bowl again.

Beat on high speed for 1 minute 30 seconds until well mixed.

Spoon cupcake batter into paper liners until 1/2 to 2/3 full.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool 5 minutes in pans then remove and place on wire racks to cool completely.

Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost and decorate as you desire. Let your imagination run wild!