Apple Spice Cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 package (18-1/4 ounces) spice cake mix

1-1/4 cups water

3 eggs

1/3 cup applesauce

Frosting:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups confectioner's sugar

Red paste or liquid food coloring

24 pieces black licorice (3/4 inch)

12 green spice gumdrops

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cake mix, water, eggs and applesauce on low speed for 30 seconds or just until moistened. Beat on medium for 2 minutes or until smooth. Pour into 24 red paper-lined muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 - 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla. Gradually add sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in food coloring. Frost tops of cupcakes. Insert licorice into centers for apple stems. Cut gumdrops in half; flatten and pinch to form leaves. Place one leaf next to each stem. Yield: 2 dozen

Nutritional Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 241 calories, 8 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 48 mg cholesterol, 222 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 3 g protein

From Aunt Janice