Page 29 - Cupcakes

A 13-by 9-inch brownie pan. Certainly not as spiffy as the carrying case, but it

works if the pan is deep and you cover it with sealing plastic wrap or, even
better, if it has a matching plastic snap-on lid.

A 13-by 9-inch disposable aluminum pan with plastic lid. You’ll find these in
the supermarket, and they work well because the lid is raised and won’t rub off
the frosting. These can be reused several times if you bring them home, rinse,
and store.

A plastic cake carrier with a pie stand. These carriers are meant to carry one
pie on the bottom and one on top, but you can fit cupcakes on both levels.

A plain plastic cake carrier. You can fit nearly a dozen cupcakes on one level
in these carriers with snap-on lids.

A 1-cup plastic container. Rubbermaid makes these small containers with snap-
on lids that are perfect for toting single cupcakes in lunch bags or boxes.

A serving plate. Arrange the cupcakes or muffins on a serving plate. Place four
or five toothpicks in cupcakes, like columns, placing one toothpick in the center
cupcake and one in each of four outer cupcakes. Drape plastic wrap over the
cupcakes and secure it on the bottom of the plate. If desired, you can place
miniature marshmallows on top of the toothpicks so they don’t tear the plastic
wrap. You can repair the frosting holes with a plastic knife on site after you
remove the toothpicks.

When all else fails? A clean cardboard shirt box. Line it with waxed paper and
pack the cupcakes side by side. Drape plastic wrap or aluminum foil over the
top, or use the top of the shirt box.

CUPCAKE MAIL-ORDER SUPPLIES

You really don’t need to go beyond your local supermarket to purchase the
supplies needed to make stellar cupcakes. You’ll find ingredients for terrific
batters and frostings as well as food colorings, sugar sprinkles, and easy
garnishes right there. But should you want to take cupcake making a step further