Easy Cupcakes

Want to make cupcakes for Fourth of July, Election Day or the Barack Obama or John McCain running mate announcement? Keep it simple with these quick cupcakes.

What You Need: 1 cupcake; white frosting; blue fine sugar; red coarse sugar; red star-shaped confetti; red hot cinnamon imperials candies. (Vary as desired, based on what you have on hand.)

How to Make It: Frost cupcake. Sprinkle with blue sugar and then a little red sugar. Add star to center and red hots around the perimeter.

Whether you’re gearing up for the presidential election, celebrating the Fourth of July or just feeling patriotic, these cupcakes are quick and easy, with no pastry bags or “piping” necessary.

What You Need: 1 cupcake; white frosting; large blue star sprinkles (Wilton makes some); thin red licorice strings; kitchen shears, scissors or knife.

How to Make It: Frost cupcake. Cut licorice as shown and arrange in stripes. Add 3 or more star sprinkles. That’s it!