The Pursuit of Silliness

Maybe it’s just me, but I find it pretty difficult to explain the significance of national independence to a child. Be that as it may, I think it is important for kids, (and adults for that matter) to have an appreciation for what it fundamentally means to be independent as a nation, and free as a people. Creating an independent nation built on democratic principles took big dreams and unbridled courage. Moreover, to ultimatley have the freedom to be who we want to be as individuals, is an absolute privilege. Whether we are blue, red, left, right or purple, being free totally rocks; So be brave, be bold, and cue the fireworks because we have to CELEBRATE!! Okay, I’ll hop off the soap box, now. Whew. You’re welcome. 🙂

So in preparation of Independence Day, I decided to whip up a silly little project to teach kids about the value of independence. And if like me, you will be surrounded by loads of kiddos during the Fourth of July holiday, this may be a really fun (and super yummy) activity for your family as well.

Here’s the scoop…

I baked 24 homemade Angel Food cupcakes. You will love this recipe because it is quick and ridiculously delicious. Next, I put piping bags of whipped frosting, cups of sprinkles, and bowls of blueberries and strawberries on the counter. Then, I asked my 9 year old nephew, 9 year old daughter and 6 year old daughter to come “help” me in the kitchen. Needless to say, the kids were so excited to see all of these toppings and started thinking up ideas about how they could create cupcakes of their own. Finally, (this is so mean) I told the kids that despite their ideas and abilities, they needed to make their cupcakes exactly like the ones I had decorated…..

Bubbles = burst.

After a few minutes of unbearable whining, I told the kids that they were free to decorate however they wanted! Once given the independence to execute their own ideas, they were totally thrilled. The kid’s cupcakes were as bold and bright as the stars and stripes, and so much better than the one’s I had prepared on my own. In the end, we made great memories, amazing cupcakes, and the kids had a newfound appreciation for life, liberty and the pursuit of silliness.

Happy Fourth, y’all!

Print

Angel Food Cupcakes

www.piecrustandpixiedust.com

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup cake flour We used Swans Down
• 1 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cup egg whites
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed berries of choice
• 1 container Cool Whip
• 1 container Marshmallow Fluff

Instructions

Cupcakes

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Beat egg whites until they form stiff fluffy peaks.

3. Add cream of tartar, vanilla and almond extracts to the fluffy egg whites.

4. Combine all dry ingredients and carefully stir into the egg white mixture until blended.

5. Fill paper baking cups almost all the way up with batter.

6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cupcake tops are golden brown with not "jiggle."

Frosting

1. Combine one container of Cool Whip with one Container of Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallow Fluff.  Combine and spoon into piping bags.

2. Once cupcakes are cooled, top with frosting and add berries!

These cupcakes look great in red, white and blue!