Shamrock Mint Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS

1	box (1 lb 2.25 oz) chocolate fudge cake mix with pudding
	Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1	cup creme de menthe or mint baking chips (from 10-oz bag)
1/2	teaspoon peppermint extract
1	container (12 oz) fluffy white whipped frosting
24	large green gumdrops

DIRECTIONS

1.	Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. In large bowl, beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed 30 seconds; beat on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Stir in baking chips. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full.
2.	Bake 21 to 26 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan; cool completely, about 45 minutes.
3.	Stir peppermint extract into frosting until well blended; spread on cupcakes. To garnish each cupcake, cut 1 gumdrop into 4 slices. Place 3 rounds on cupcake to make shamrock leaves; press remaining round into thin strip and place below leaves for stem.
High Altitude (3500-6500 ft): Follow High Altitude cake mix directions for cupcakes.

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