... once upon a time

....the Jewish American Princess, along with the rest of the big (sometimes poisoned) apple, prepared for a storm. With expected winds stronger than the wolf could ever huff or puff and rain not made of lemon drops or gum drops, the Princess stocked her chambers with Magic Hats. But worse than the hurricane, a bigger storm was brewing. The Little Princess was to leave for college the following morning. The Princess reflected on her last night at home before leaving five years ago, with a bonfire and too many tears. She knew she needed to prepare something extra special for the Little Princess. Spell book after spell book, nothing seemed magical enough. So with a bit of pep, a dash of sparkle and a pound of love, the Princess collaged a bunch of recipes together.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting and Dulche de Leche Filling

http://www.marthastewart.com/282243/one-bowl-chocolate-cupcakes

http://www.marthastewart.com/317743/basic-buttercream

http://www.jasonandshawnda.com/foodiebride/archives/6604

Making homemade dulche de leche was a cinch and some of the best ever. Sinfully rich and incredibly addicting. Use a knife to make a hole in the middle of the cupcake and use a pastry bag with a small tube attachment (or equip a large ziplock with a small tube attachment) to fill with the dulche de leche. Clean the tube, fit it to a new bag, and go with the icing. If you're baking when owls are sleeping, have some fun with the decorations. If its nearly three am, permission is granted to just make swirls. Bippity boppity boo.

May the Little Princess' college adventures be sugary sweet, pink and perfect. And may she always know how loved she is.

So, come on Irene and hit us with your best shot.