Cupcake Success!

    I am not a chef... Okay, I am not even a competent cook.  I brag that my children eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, and yes, that was intentional, but it has been successful largely due to my lack of ability in the kitchen.
    So, what makes today so special?  I got many many complements on the last batch of cupcakes I made.  Cupcakes and baked goods in general have largely been a complete waste of time between my disasters and the simple fact that when I purchased a new oven, I bought the coolest double oven I could afford....in a gas model.  I have since learned that electric is much better for baking..
    How could I have gotten so many compliments?  Well, I had an idea the other day. I happened to have a lemon cake mix, a container of marshmallow creme, green frosting, jelly beans and a new cupcake decorating set. Why do I have a new cupcake decorating set?  Because I have hope. Let's just leave that alone, it is delicate.
   Well, I got the idea as I was unpacking the cupcake decorating set. I read all of the instructions, (as if they could help me) and there was a special gadget for inserting Bavarian cream into a cupcake.  I had a vision of a very special cupcake. We used the cake mix to make wonderful little cupcakes. After they had cooled, I used the bag and special tip to force marshmallow goo into each cupcake.  Then I used the star tip to create swirls of green frosting on top of each one.  My daughter then decorated the tops with a couple of jelly beans.  VIOLA!!  They were yummy..  I could not believe it. They were so yummy that I sent them to school the following morning! Several children who normally will just reach for the chocolate cupcakes approached me to tell me how wonderful my cupcakes were.
    I know, those of you who produce such culinary wonders are probably about to fall asleep. To me, this was not just about an idea. I have lots of those.  Those ideas in the kitchen rarely work out well. Sometimes even the dogs will run away and hide.  I know women who have received blue ribbons at the fair for their prize recipes.  If one existed, I'm sure I would have a blue sticker in my kitchen.. similar to the ones displayed in some cars. I like to think I am just "differently abled".
   Those compliments were like an Oscar to me. I should have taken a bow.  I will cherish the day I had a cupcake success for a long time.  That memory will get me through many burned or incorrectly mixed baking moments.  I will hold on to it until the next time I produce something worthy of compliments. And that is how life is. So what if I burn grilled cheese sandwiches and cookies.  Big deal. I am not afraid of that kitchen. I can always try again.  One burned meal does not mean we will never eat.. It just means that night we are having salad and fruit, since I have not found a way to ruin them..See? So my kids are healthier because I am a terrible cook.
:)