Santa cupcakes

I found these in an old magazine. First, I have a confession to make: the cupcakes are made from a cake mix. I know, I know, the horror! But I wanted to make something fun for the kids so I focused on the decorating (and yes, frosting was from scratch.)

It was a team effort. 

Pre-nose.

Some Santas were not as well-groomed as others. 

Synchronized Santas. 

Sufganiot

In case you needed any more convincing that being Jewish is awesome, the traditional Hannukah dessert is a jelly filled doughnut called Sufgania (Sufganiot is plural). I have never attempted making this treasure, but I was inspired this year by Alissa's sufganiot, which were amazing. It took me two tries, but I eventually got it right. Sadly, these little doughnuts do not stay fresh long. By 8 pm that day they weren't nearly as soft and moist. But it was worth it while it lasted. 

The dough smells amazing and is a blast to play with.

I used this instrument of torture, a Flavor Injector from Target, to fill the doughnuts. 

Powdered sugar? Yes please.