Graduation Cap Treats

cupcakes - cake batter and cupcake tins
graham crackers
frosting
licorice candy strips
food coloring (optional)

Steps:

1. Bake cupcakes, filling the cupcake tins less than half full when baking so cupcakes are flat on top. Let cool. If the top of the cupcakes come out rounded, cut them off so they're flat (figure A).

2. For each cake, turn the cupcake large-side down and frost* the bottom of cupcake. Set aside.

3. Frost one side side of a graham cracker, then place the frosted side on the frosted side of the cupcake to create the hat shape (figure B). Frost the exposed side of the graham cracker and the sides of the cupcake.

4. For the finishing touch, cut and shape licorice strips into a tassel and position at the top center of the graham cracker so it hangs over the side of the cap.

*Add food coloring to the frosting if desired to make the cupcakes match school colors.
(Project from Smart Solutions, episode 765)

miniature peanut butter cups
chocolate bars
peanut butter
fruit rolls

Steps:

1. Spread a small dab of peanut butter on the bottom of a miniature peanut butter cup (figure C).

2. Break chocolate bars into squares. Place a square of chocolate on the peanut butter (figure D).

3. Cut out a rectangle of fruit roll and form a tiny tassel. Press the tassel on the center of the chocolate square and position it so it hangs over the side of the "cap" (figure E). The sticky fruit roll should adhere without using peanut butter.

(Project from Tipical Mary Ellen, episode 748)