PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL CUPCAKES

Isn't he cute? On February 2, a certain groundhog in Pennsylvania will emerge from his winter burrow. Legend says an early spring is on its way if he doesn't see his shadow, but it's six more weeks of winter if he does. Whatever Punxsutawney Phil predicts, you will surely "dig" this Yummy Groundhog Cupcake.

CUPCAKES

1 white cake mix
3 bananas, mashed
¼ cup sour cream

3 egg whites
1/3 cup oil
1 cup water

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, bananas, sour cream, egg whites, oil and water. Mix with a hand mixer for 2 minutes or until smooth. Pour batter into muffin cups and bake according to package directions. Cool completely.

Frosting:

1 (8 oz.) container whipped topping
1 large Butterfinger candy bar, crushed

For Groundhog Decorations:

Almond Joy candy • White frosting • White jelly beans • Black decorators' gel • Watermelon slice candy • Brown M&M's Minis • Oreo Cookies crushed

To Assemble:
Remove a piece of cake the width of an Almond Joy candy from the center of the cupcake. Set the candy upright in the hole, then spread a layer of frosting on the cupcake.
For the groundhog's eyes, trim the ends from a white jelly bean, stick them in place with frosting, then dot them with black decorators' gel. Add a tiny triangle cut from a watermelon slice candy for a nose, brown M&M's Minis for ears and cheeks, and a tiny rectangular piece of white jelly bean for teeth. Sprinkle chocolate cookie crumbs around the partially emerged groundhog, and pray he doesn't see his shadow!

The ideas for these cupcakes came from http://familyfun.go.com/