Cherry Limeade Cupcakes (The Cheater's Version)

I do not love to cook but I do love to bake.  I also use the term "bake" lightly as I am not one to whip up my own buttercream frosting (it comes out just fine in the tub thank you very much!) 

I know that cupcakes are so 2010 but I have recently become obsessed with creative recipes for them.  Below are the cherry limeade variety that I made for Deborah's party.

INGREDIENTS

1 box of white cake mix (I warned you!)

1 tub of white or vanilla frosting

1 large lime

1 jar of marachino cherries

1 c. of powdered sugar

toothpick

1 package of red and white paper straws (for extra decor if you wish)

RECIPE

After mixing up the cake batter pour in marachino cherry juice to taste. 

(Anywhere from a couple of tablespoons to 1/4 cup)

Bake as per instructions on the box.

While the cupcakes are baking, it's time to make your limeade glaze!

In a bowl pour 1 c. of powdered sugar and the juice of one lime.

Stir together really well until it makes a beautiful glaze.

When cupcakes are done, poke ten holes in each cupcake with toothpick.

Spoon glaze slowly over each cupcake.  It's good if this is done while cupcakes are still warm.

Depending on your love of citrus desserts (I have more of a "like") wait ten minutes and repeat. (Therefore

I did not.)

Let cool completely.

While these are cooling scoop icing out into a bowl and mix in a few teaspoons of lime juice (not glaze).

Completely rinse out desired number of cherries and set on a paper towel.  If this isn't done red juice will run all over your icing!

To apply the icing, I put it in a ziplock bag and cut the corner to squeeze out pretty application.

Cut straws into thirds and stick into cupcake for extra touch.