Cupcake Caterpillar

Name: Cupcake Caterpillar
Yield: makes 1 jumbo and 28 standard
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons allpurpose flour; 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed dark-brown sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 3/4 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 15 ounces fondant; Gel-paste food colors (green, yellow, light blue, and red are pictured); Cornstarch, for dusting; Swiss Meringue Buttercream (page 304); 2 mini candy canes (or substitute licorice sticks or pretzel sticks)

January 24, 2012

This oh-so-cute caterpillar, made by arranging fondant-covered cupcakes in a curved line, makes a memorable arrangement for a baby’s first birthday party. Here, one jumbo cupcake is used for the head and a dozen standard cupcakes make up the body; the remaining standard cupcakes can be frosted for serving alongside or decorated as instructed below and added to the caterpillar to accommodate more guests. Or you can make two caterpillars by baking the batter in two jumbo and 26 standard cups.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

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

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

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.