Alien Cupcakes

1. 1

   Make the decorations a day ahead by kneading a little green food coloring into 15.5 oz of marzipan. Divide and shape into about 30 thin curved tentacles 2-3 inches long. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roll the rest of the marzipan out on a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Use a 1 inch round cutter to stamp out 12 circles and place on the baking sheet. Cut 12 diamond shapes from the liquorice and attach to the circles with a dab of water to resemble alien eyes. Leave in a cool, dry place overnight.

2. 2

   To make the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350u00b0F. Line a 12-hole cupcake pan with paper cups. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl and stir in the sugar. Whisk together the egg, milk, oil, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp of the lemon juice then beat into the flour mixture. Divide between the paper cups. Bake for 20-25 mins or until risen, golden, and firm to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack and prick the cupcakes with a skewer.

3. 3

   Place 1/4 cup powdered sugar into a bowl and stir in the rest of the lemon juice. Brush the lemon syrup over the hot cupcakes. Leave to cool completely.

4. 4

   To make the frosting, place the cream cheese in a bowl and sift in rest of the powdered sugar until smooth (don't over beat or the icing will go runny). Beat in a little green food coloring. Spread the green frosting over the top of each cupcake and chill until frosting is set. Just before serving arrange five of the marzipan tentacles and a single eye on each muffin.

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