Clown Cupcakes

Name: Clown Cupcakes
Yield: makes 24
Ingredients: 24 Yellow Buttermilk Cupcakes (page 26); Swiss Meringue Buttercream (page 304); Multicolored round candy sprinkles (nonpareils); 3 pounds mini uncoated gumdrops, such as Dots; 24 small cinnamon candies, such as Red Hots; Long chocolate sprinkles

January 24, 2012

Encourage a bit of clowning around with these crowd-pleasing cupcakes, brought to life with features fashioned from colorful sprinkles and candy. Cone-shaped pieces of cake cut from the centers become pointed hats that rest atop heads (and hidden bellies) piped with creamy frosting.

Recipe notes

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Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

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Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.