Pick-a-Sport Cupcakes

1. In a medium bowl tint 2 cups of the white frostin with green food coloring to make a grass color. Place frosting in a pastry bag fitted with a star tip or multiopening (grass) tip. Pipe frosting onto cupcakes to resemble grass.

2. For baseballs, in a small microwave-safe bowl microwave white candy coating on 100 percent power (high) for 1 minute. Stir; microwave for 30 to 60 seconds more or until melted, stirring once. Using a fork, dip the donut holes, one at a time, into melted candy coating, turning to coat completely. Place on waxed paper until set.

3. Tint remaining 3/4 cup frosting red. Place frosting in a pastry bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe Xs onto doughnut holes to resemble the stitching on baseballs. Place a donut hole on each cupcake.

Creamy White Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl beat shortening, vanilla, and almond extract with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add 2 cups of the powdered sugar, beating well. Add 2 tablespoons of the milk. Gradually beat in remaining powdered sugar. Gradually add milk until frosting reaches a spreading consistency. Makes about 3 cups.

Soccer Ball Cupcakes:

Prepare as directed above, except omit red frosting. Soften a log-shape chocolate caramel candy in the microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 5 seconds. Use a rolling pin to flatten softened candy. Cut out small squares using aspic cutters; arrange squares on coated donut holes, using white frosting to secure.Nutrition Facts per soccer ball or basketball cupcake: 495 calories, 4 g protein, 66 g carbohydrate, 24 g total fat, (10 g sat. fat), 47 mg cholesterol, 0 g fiber, 5% Vitamin A, 1% Vitamin C, 165 mg sodium, 7% calcium, 5% iron.

Basketball Cupcakes:

Prepare as directed above, except substitute orange candy coating disks for the white candy coating disks, omit the red frosting, and use a tube of chocolate icing to pipe lines onto coated donut holes to resemble basketballs.