Want to really beat the heat this summer?
Stay inside and hit the kitchen to unleash your inner cake-decorating guru.
We turned to cupcake artist Karen Tack, the author of "Hello, Cupcake!," to help us create concoctions that are as delicious as they are delightful.
There's hot dog cupcakes, with adorable "mustard" squiggles made from dyed vanilla frosting; crabby crab cupcakes, with gumdrops serving as claws; and even patriotic rocket cupcakes that will dazzle your entire family.
Hot dogs are a great summer food ... even when they're sweet! Green candy twists serve as relish in this fun-tastic summer recipe.
Use licorice to create the legs of this adorable dish.
These colorful rocket cupcakes are perfect for the Fourth of July, but you can certainly make them any time of year when a sweet tooth strikes.
We asked Tack to share some of her baking essentials:
1. OXO Good Grips Offset Icing Spatula, $10, Amazon
"That’s an extension of my hand. We use that for frosting cupcakes and buttering our toast.”
2. Wilton Recipe Right Nonstick 12-Cup Regular Muffin Pan, $7, Amazon
Amazon.com / Amazon.com
“We like paper cupcake liners in a muffin pan. There’s nothing better than a rigid pan.”
3. PaperChef Natural Release Coated Non-Stick Culinary Parchment Paper, $13, Amazon
Amazon.com / Amazon.com
"It keeps your workplace clean."
Other kitchen gear we love:
Smoothie time! These are the best places to buy blenders and juicers online
We tried a clever tool that grows herbs on its own — and it's worth it
https://www.today.com/food/how-decorate-cupcakes-pro-family-baking-ideas-gadgets-t131009