Firecracker Cupcakes

Happy 4th of July! I am sure you are celebrating by eating some goodies in red, white and blue! Here is one to add to your list for next year! Another easy one from Kraft Foods:

24 Yellow Cupcakes
2 cups thawed Cool Whip
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
4 drops each of blue and red food coloring
24 Red string licorice pieces

PLACE 1/2 cup of the coconut in each of two separate resealable plastic
bags; set remaining 1/2 cup coconut aside. Add blue food coloring to coconut in one bag and red food coloring to coconut in second bag. Seal bags; shake until coconut is evenly tinted.

SPREAD tops of cupcakes with whipped topping. Sprinkle with red, white (uncolored) and blue coconut as desired; press coconut gently into whipped topping to secure.

INSERT licorice piece into top of each cupcake for the firecracker's fuse. Store in refrigerator.

Good luck finding the string licorice pieces. I couldn't track any down so they aren't in the picture of my cupcakes. I ended up buying the regular licorice and cutting it into thinner pieces. Another option that I about tried, but didn't have time to search for, are those sour straws. I don't like licorice, so I will definately look for those next time. Also, I only had the gel food coloring, but I think it would be easier if you had the liquid kind. The gel made it hard to spread throughout the coconut. Just an observation I made.

**This cupcake stand was part of my amazing birthday gift from Cassie. I love that I can display cupcakes now!