Ground Hog Day Chocolate Cupcakes

I love to decorate cupcakes and cakes for special occasions. February 2 is the day when Punxsutawney Phil peaks his head out and if he sees his shadow and returns to his hole, it means there will be another 6 weeks of winter, but if he doesn't see his shadow and comes out, Spring is on its way. This holiday was brought to international attention by the film Ground Hog Day with Bill Murray.

Last year Gourmet Mom on the Go had a fabulous recipe for Punxsutawney Phil Hot Chocolate.  This year for Ground Hog Day, I found an adorable decorating suggestion for Cupcakes for Young and Old to enjoy.  This is from Food.com.  (not my photo, alas, but Marg on Food.com). She did a great job, don't you think? For this holiday, you can make your own cupcakes or buy rich chocolate-y ones at your favorite bakery!

Groundhog Day Cupcakes (decorating)

Ingredients:
12 baked chocolate cupcakes
6 Almond Joy candy bars
10 white jelly beans
3 watermelon slice candy
48 brown miniature M&Ms
4 chocolate cookies
white frosting
black decorating gel

Directions:
1. Remove a piece of cake the width of an Almond Joy candy from the center of a baked cupcake.
2. Set candy bar upright in hole, then spread a layer of white frosting on the cupcake.
3. For groundhog's eyes, trim ends from a white jelly bean, stick them in place with frosting, then dot them with black decorators' gel.
4. Add a tiny triangle cut from a watermelon slice candy for a nose, brown M&Ms Minis for ears and cheeks, and a tiny rectangular piece of white jelly bean for teeth.
5. Sprinkle chocolate cookie crumbs around the partially emerged groundhog, for dirt!

Photo: Marg (Cayman Designs)Food.com