Bake cupcakes using your favorite cake mix. Let cool.

RED FROSTING DIRECTIONS

Using a standing mixer combine all ingredients except the food coloring and candy canes and mix on medium speed until combined, smooth and stiff.

Place the piping bag into a medium cup and fold the bag over the edges.

Using a rubber spatula scoop the red frosting into the piping bag.

Pipe frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of icing.

ROYAL ICEING INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS (for North Pole sign)

3 egg whites

2 C powder sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cream of tarter

1 disposable piping bag fitted with a number 2 tip

Combine all ingredients into a standing mixer and mix on medium speed until stiff peaks form

Scoop icing into piping bag and set aside

NORTH POLE SIGN INGREDIENTS

12 sticks of cinnamon (or peppermint) candy cane sticks

12 green M&M's

1 container of chocolate fondant (Sold at Michael's craft store)

1 C of powder sugar

NORTH POLE SIGN DIRECTIONS

Using royal icing (recipe below), pipe a small dollop of icing onto the top of the candy cane sticks and place a green M&M on top.

Sprinkle some powder sugar onto the cutting board.

Using your hands knead the fondant until soft and easy to work with.

Roll out the fondant until about 1/4 an inch thick.

Cut 12 rectangles about 3 inches in width and 1 1/2 in length.

Using the royal icing, pipe out "North Pole" onto the middle of the rectangles.

On the top of the rectangles pipe on the snow.

Let dry for 3 hours.

Once the rectangles are dry, carefully flip them over add a small dot of royal icing.

Place the rectangle onto the center of the candy cane stick and hold for 15 seconds.

Repeat steps with remaining rectangles.