M-I-C-K-E-Y..........you know the rest!

In just 1 month we will be taking a trip to one of my most favorite places on Earth......DISNEY WORLD!  I have been there more times than I can remember (as a child, as an adult and as a Mommy), but NEVER like this!    My husband's company won a trip to Disney World, and we all get to enjoy the festivities.  My husband is excited (though he'd never admit it), my kids have talked about it since Christmas Eve (when we found out), and me......well let's just say 8 days of sun, fun and lots of memories....I think I'm the most excited!    Olivia has been there a few times in her 6 years of life...and my little bean, Ava has only been once (well twice if you count the time I was 22 weeks pregnant and waddled around in the Florida heat looking like I was about to give birth right then and there).  She was only 9 months old on her 1st trip, and this time I can assure you will be our most memorable one!  My husband's whole family will be joining us....my mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law, her husband (brother-in-law) and my 2 nieces, my other brother-in-law and his girlfriend.   And we are all staying at the Grand Floridian........I'm scared for the well-being of this hotel and Disney in general the week our family is there!   I'm sure there will be plenty of stories upon our return!  :)

In honor of our upcoming trip I have a tasty treat to share (of course).   A few weeks ago, Olivia's class had a party to celebrate a Reading For Miles goal.  Reading for Miles in short.....is a reading program her school does.  Each book or chapter the children read = a mile traveled in the USA.  They have certain destinations and once they reach these destinations they get to celebrate their accomplishment with a party. Their second destination was none other than Orlando, FL. (their first stop was Washington, DC).   CUTE...right?  I got to be in charge of this party.  We had Disney music, a trivia game with prizes, the kids made their own Mickey ear headbands, and there was food.  Mickey cheese, fruit salad and cupcakes made by yours truly.

I originally found the idea online (pinterest.com to be exact) and thought they were adorable and perfect for the occasion.     And boy, was I right.  The kids LOVED them!

Mickey Mouse Cupcakes
(makes 22-24 cupcakes)


1 box of plain yellow cake mix
1 package of vanilla instant pudding
1 cup whole milk
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
24 red paper liners


Place rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 350F.  Line cupcake pans with liners and set aside.
Place cake mix, pudding mix, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla in bowl.
Blend with electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds, stopping to scrape sides.
Increase speed to medium and beat 2 more minutes, scraping sides as needed -- until batter is well blended.
Scoop or spoon heaping 1/3 cup batter into each liner, filling it almost to the top of the cup.
You will get 22-24 cupcakes.  Remove empty liners.
Bake cupcakes until golden and spring back when lightly pressed with your finger.  20-25 minutes.
Cool on wire racks to cool.


To decorate:
Frosting
2 packages of Oreos
Toothpicks
White Paper or card stock
Scissors
Hot Glue Gun




Cut out small white ovals from white paper or card stock.
Hot glue the ovals onto the red liners.  I put the glue onto the ovals, let it cool for a few seconds and then pressed it onto the red liner.


Frost cupcakes with desired frosting.   I was short on time and used ready made (slacker than I am), but have some great butter cream recipes.


In food processor, crush about half of a package of Oreos until finely ground (no lumps) and put into a medium bowl.
Roll each cupcake in the ground cookie crumbs so the entire cupcake top is covered, with minimal frosting showing.
Gently slide a toothpick into the center of an Oreo (the cream) and then stick it into the top of the cupcake.   Then do the other ear.


ENJOY!!

Hey Mickey, SEE YOU REAL SOON!!!!

~Gianna~