All I can say is if this cookbook would have been in existence when my son was in grade school, I would have had a MUCH better chance of being named ‘Homeroom Mother of the Year’.

Hello Cupcake!: Irresistibly Playful Creations Anyone Can Make is the collaborative effort of authors Alan Richardson and Karen Tack. Go Alan! Go Ka-ren!

Thanks to this cookbook, you don’t have to be related to ‘the Martha’ to make creative cupcakes… to die for. It features detailed instructions, along with large photos that even the most novice baker will clearly understand.

When it comes to the actual recipes, they are divided into two categories… quick cupcakes that you prepare using a box mix and made from scratch cupcakes.

Masterpieces include: TV dinner (”peas & carrots”, “drumsticks”, & “mashed potato” cupcakes!), sunflower cupcakes, the big top, alien cupcakes, Easter egg cupcakes, snowman cupcakes, fat cat cupcakes, bowling ball and pins cupcakes and SO much more.

There are also tons of great hints to assist you in creating the best cupcakes you can possibly make. Learn the easiest way to pour batter and frost finished cakes. Learn how to draw bugs and faces with melted chocolate… and that’s just the tip of the iceberg (or should I say icing?)

This cookbook has been added to my growing list of ‘kitchen gotta haves’. Need I say, YUM?