May : Graduation Party

May in South Louisiana means Graduation time. And I am planning a celebration with a neighbor whose son is graduating. Here’s what I am making for the party…

Gift Table :

In the center of the Table I made this large covered box in school colors. To hold money,gift cards and Graduation cards and well wishes.

• Large cardboard box with cover
• Paint
• Construction paper and stickers
• Glue, scissors and paint brush.

I painted this box with flat white paint and let dry. Then Cut construction paper to fit top and sides of lid. Glue down and let dry. Out of black crust ion paper I cut hat image from below. And gold tassel – glue in place and add sticker.

Cupcake flags :

I made these for my son’s graduation party – I am making more for the party . I free handed these on toothpicks but if you need design help check the below link.

Free Template downloads https://www.papertraildesign.com/graduation-cupcake-toppers-free-printable/

Cupcakes :

Vanilla Cupcakes

• 1 1/4 cups (163g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup (155g) sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp (150ml) milk

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (224g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp (30-45ml) water or milk
• Pinch or two of salt

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C) and prepare a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl and set aside.Add the butter, sugar, oil and vanilla extract to a large mixer bowl and beat together until light in color and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Do not skimp on the creaming Now add the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until mostly combined after each. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure all ingredients are well incorporated.Add half of the dry ingredients to the batter and mix until mostly combined.Slowly add the milk and mix until well combined. The batter will look curdled, but that’s ok.
3. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until well combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to be sure all ingredients are well incorporated. Do not over mix the batter.
4. Fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full and bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Remove cupcakes from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1. Add the butter to a large mixer bowl and beat until smooth.
2. Carefully pour in about half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of the water or milk and the salt to the frosting and mix until well combined.
4. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add additional milk or water as needed to get the right consistency.
5. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. I used Ateco tip 844.
6. Cupcakes are best when stored well covered for 2-3 days.

Congratulation ! To all graduates ….. Lisa