Strawberry Asian Cupcakes | Food | Fayetteville, N.C.Photographer

At "my day job," the office decided to have a potluck with an Asian theme. Well, I know for a fact that I can't cook ... let alone try an Asian dish. So, I jumped on the opportunity to bring dessert. Asian desserts are not my specialty, but I decided to go with an American, Spring dessert with an Asian twist. Doesn't make since does it? LOL, it didn't in my head either, but I figured I'd give it a try. All I knew what I wanted was a white cake with a red middle with a fortune on top. How was I going to do that? Well, after throwing around some ideas in my head while on the way to the grocery store, I figured it out. Jam. Yep, strawberry jam inside a white cake with a rolled up fortune on top.

And here was the result.

Cute right? I know they kinda look like diplomas ... but, well ... they could be! Anyone up for a graduation party? ;-)

Any who, basically, I used boxed white cake, Smuckers strawberry jelly, and canned frosting. I also threw in some red (and pink) sprinkles in the batter to add some red to the cake ... but it turned out too pink for me. That's what I get for using Valentine sprinkles!

After letting the cupcakes cool, I cut a hole in the middle of the cake (not too far down) and poured the jelly inside, placing the cut out piece back inside to cover the jelly. You might have to take a little off the bottom of the cut out piece to ensure perfect fit. (Oh darn, I guess you have to taste the cake.)

After all cupcakes are filled and put back together, I piped frosting on the top, made, printed and rolled the fortunes and tied them with a red bow. (You may need help with the rolling and tying ... I did a few on my own, but it was much easier having the husband hold the roll as I tied.)

And viola! Your American, Spring dessert with an Asian twist!

And of course in a perfect world, when I pull together crafts/food/anything from my fridge, pantry, or craft room ... I'd have enough of whatever I grabbed to cover the craft/food I just made. But in my world ... I was running out of frosting and I was running out of ribbon. So, I canned the piping and the rolling of fortunes ... and made cupcake toppers instead with toothpicks. <---- yet another thing I had laying around.

 It'll do for now ... I mean, it's not like this was a HUGE party or anything ... ;-)