Wilton's Christmas in July Cupcake Contest ~ Blue Ribbon and Best in Show Winner!

This is my daughter Ashley's entry in the Wilton's Christmas in July cupcake contest at the fair. She made two rose and berry cupcakes, two snowflake cupcakes, a Santa cupcake and a wreath cupcake. She won first place and best in show. 

Cupcakes

1 box triple chocolate fudge cake mix

1 small box instant Hershey's milk chocolate pudding mix (dry)

4 packets Duncan Hines  mocha flavor creations flavoring packets

1/2 cup milk

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with dry pudding mix,  and mocha flavor creation packets. Add wet ingredients as directed on cake mix package, then add 1/2 cup milk.

Bake as directed on package.

Pepperming Frosting

1 cup Crisco                           

1/2 cup butter, room temperature                         

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1 teaspoon almond extract                          

1 teaspoon of milk at a time, until desired consistency is reached                           

pinch of salt                           

1 teaspoon meringue powder                            

2 (lb) bag confectioners' sugar                            

Gel food coloring , if desired                              

~ Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, in a large bowl blend together the Crisco and butter until well blended.

~ Add extracts and milk, as needed, mixing until well blended.

~ Add salt, meringue powder and confectioners sugar. Mix until well blended and smooth.

~ Use to frost cake or cupcakes

Peppermint Buttercream Frosting

1 cup Crisco                           

1/2 cup butter, room temperature                         

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract                          

1 teaspoon of milk at a time, until desired consistency is reached                           

pinch of salt                           

1 teaspoon meringue powder                            

2 (lb) bag confectioners' sugar                            

Gel food coloring , as desired                              

~ Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, in a large bowl blend together the Crisco and butter until well blended.

~ Add extracts and milk, as needed, mixing until well blended.

~ Add salt, meringue powder and confectioners sugar. Mix until well blended and smooth.

~ Using desired gel food colorings, decorate cupcakes as desired.

~ Recipe Source: My daughter Ashley ~