St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes

From Jennifer Jones of Icing on the Top

Cake:

1-box vanilla cake mix – prepared
12-15 York Peppermint Patties
Green food color

Icing:

2 lbs. powdered sugar
1 cup shortening
½ cup plus 1 ½ Tablespoons of water
2 teaspoons peppermint extract
Green food color

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line the cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
3. Prepare cake according to directions on the box.
4. After cake mix is fully mixed, divide batter into 2 equal parts. (1 part=approximately 2 cups of batter).
5. Color one part of the reserved batter green by adding 30 drops of food color, mix well by hand.
6. Place approximately 2 Tablespoons of green cake batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
7. Place one York Peppermint Patty on top of the green batter. Then spoon approximately 2 Tablespoons of white batter on top of the York Peppermint Patty and the green batter, creating a layered effect.

Bake according to instructions on the box. While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the icing. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, shortening, water and flavoring mixing well with a mixer. Then stir in 30 drops of green food color. When the cupcakes are done, let them cool completely. Frost with the green peppermint icing and enjoy!