Caramel Apple Cupcakes

Do you ever get inspired in the checkout lane at the grocery store? I picked up a small book of fall recipes and just saw a picture of caramel apple cupcakes. Then it was my turn to checkout, but the idea stuck in my head. Then I was looking through the fall issue of Phyllis Hoffman's magazine and she had a recipe for apple cupcakes. I didn't even have a pen in my purse, though now as I am writing this, I have a place on my phone to take notes! I am trying to be good, I have a magazine problem. Anyone else with a compulsion to purchase many high priced magazines, raise your hand. All I remembered from that recipe was that it started with a spice cake mix and they used apple juice instead of water called for in the recipe. Then on a trip to my favorite Wisconsin big box store, I found the Duncan Hines Caramel Frosting, and it all came together. I rolled the frosted cupcakes with chopped salted peanuts, stuck a stick in them and wrapped them in clear bags from the Hob Lob. I tied each with raffia, and added a tag I made to celebrate my niece's 10th birthday. They looked so cute and were delicious. Sweet and salty!

Our holiday weekend went by in a flash, but it's a beautiful windy day today, and I have all the windows open. It's hard to feel bad about the end of summer on a day like today. I'll be sewing this week and clearing out my son's closet so I can take it over. I hope you had a great weekend, and thanks for visiting and for your kind comments and emails. Enjoy this beautiful blustery day.