Alexander's 3rd Birthday Cake

Alexander turned 3 last month and this was his last decision for the theme to his party. He had wanted Thomas the Tank Engine but when we took him to get party favors, he saw the truck cups, plates etc, he said he wanted a truck cake. Oh boy, what a relieve for me, i had planned to make the Thomas cake and have printed the instructions and all but this idea for a truck cake is better. He has a huge truck to play with and my life was easier cos i just made brownies and cupcakes. I would like to share the cupcakes recipe cos it is the easiest and a very good one especially for anyone who is allergic to butter and milk.


Ingredients:

2 cups self rising flour
1 1/4 cups fine granulated sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shortening(very soft but not melted, Crisco is best)
3/4 cup orange juice(any juice of your choice)
2 large eggs

Method:

1 Set oven to 350 degrees F.

2 In a large bowl, mix together the flour with sugar and salt until combined.

3 Add in the shortening , juice and eggs; beat on medium speed of an electric mixer scraping the bowl constantly until just blended (the batter will be thick, if desired you may add in a few more tablespoons juice).

4 Pour into paper-lined regular size muffin tins filling under just three-quarters full.

5 Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the cupcakes test done (do not overbake as they will be dry).

6 Immediately remove from pans.

7 Cool completely before frosting. (Frosting recipe is below)

Frosting:

2 cups Crisco Shortening

1/4 to 1/2 cup non dairy cream

2 tsp. clear vanilla

1 1/2 pounds (6 cups) powdered sugar, sifted (measure, then sift)

Method:

In your mixer bowl, beat the shortening until it's smooth, light and fluffy.

Add the smaller amount of the non dairy cream indicated in the recipe, add the vanilla and mix well.

Add half the powdered sugar and mix for 5 minutes on low-med. speed.

Add remaining sugar and mix well.

Add more non dairy cream or powdered sugar if necessary to adjust the consistency.

Serves