Happy Birthday!

My coworker Jenn is celebrating her birthday tomorrow and of course this gives me an excuse to bake something. I have really been wanting to make cupcakes lately and with the celebration on hand tomorrow I couldn't resist the opportunity.

It was a beautiful spring day today which really put me in the mood to make something fresh and light. I had the idea to make orange flavored cupcakes - which I guess is not a new idea, but I have never attempted the recipe.

Here is what I tried:

Orange Cupcakes
1 package white cake mix
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 + 1/4 cups orange juice with pulp
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites
1 Tbs orange zest

Orange Frosting
1/2 cup solid shortening
1/2 cup unsalted butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 tsp Grand Marnier liquor
1 Tbs milk

Here is what I got:


I think they look fantastic!! The sugared flowers on top really make them "springy" which I love. They taste OK ... I think for me they are a little bit too orange flavored - so if I make them again I will try cutting the orange ingredients in half.

Hopefully they will be a hit for the birthday tomorrow!