Prepare one large package of Jello Vanilla cook-and-serve pudding or make pudding from scratch, recipe follows:
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoon cornstarch
1/8 tsp. salt
2 cup milk
2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a small saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot mixture into egg yolk; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in butter and vanilla. Cool for 15 minutes.
Prepare cupcakes from a yellow cake mix according to directions or make from scratch; recipe follows:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup milk
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, cream sugar and shortening until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly each time. Add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating just to combine. finally, stir in vanilla. Pour batter into the prepared pan.Bake at 350 degrees F 15 – 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely.
When cupcakes are completely cooled, cut a cone out of the top of the cupcake. spoon in a fat dollop of pudding, pushing inside the cupcake with a teaspoon to fill it with pudding. Put the top back on lightly. It is okay if a little pudding drips out.
Heat a can of dark chocolate frosting in microwave for 30 seconds on high or make your own frosting; recipe follows:
•
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 one-ounce squares semi-sweet chocolate, cut into small bits
• 2 Tbs butter
• 1/4 cup light cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
• Stir the chocolate bits and the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat until they are completely melted. Remove from the heat and, stirring constantly, add 1/4 cup cream in a thin stream. When this mixture is smooth sift the powdered sugar over the top, and beat vigorously for a minute or two. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
Whether using home made or canned, spoon warm frosting on top of each
