My girls and I have been making this yummy treat for St. Patrick's Day for the last few years. We've taken them to church and parties, and they are always a big hit with the kids and adults alike. They take a bit more time than a normal cake, but it's so worth the smiles you get. Enjoy!

Rainbow Cupcakes

Ingredients:

One box of your favorite brand white cake mix
Food coloring (red, blue, green, and yellow)
Baking cups
1 tub of cool whip

Instructions:

Prepare your cake mix as directed, then divide the batter evenly among six small bowls. Use the food coloring, and the list below, to dye each bowl of batter a different rainbow color.

Purple - 9 red and 6 blue drops
Blue - 12 drops
Green - 12 drops
Yellow - 12 drops
Orange - 12 yellow and 4 red drops
Red - 18 drops


Line 16 muffin pan wells with baking cups. Evenly distribute the purple batter among the cups, then the blue, and so on, following the order shown in the list. As you go, gently spread each layer of batter with the back of a spoon to cover the color underneath.

Bake the cupcakes according to your recipe directions. Before serving remove the paper wrapping top each cupcake with a whipped-cream cloud.

One of the easiest ways to raise adult literacy rates is to ensure that children learn to read. Instill a love of reading at an early age by trying some of these simple things:

Be a good example- become a regular at your local library. Read for pleasure and for knowledge.

Establish family story night- turn off the tv for a night and discuss what you are reading with your family. Play storytelling games. Retell the family history or keep a family journal of interesting daily events.

Volunteer- donate an hour a week at a local school, library, or church. Start your own storytime circle or tutor a struggling student.

Read to and with your children- make reading part of your family's routine, as a group and individually. Include storytime during sleepovers or longer playdates. Re-live your childhood adventures by reading classic chapter books together.

Make reading fun- Bring the stories to life with silly voices and encourage the children to act out their favorite scenes. Read the book before seeing the movie.

Throughout March The Mommies Network and its local chapters are lovingly recognizing Adult Literacy Month. We encourage you to find ways to increase adult literacy in your community.

One in seven American adults cannot read this blog according to the U.S. Department of Education's National Assessment of Adult Literacy. The Mommies Network is teaming up with local organizations across the country this month to promote adult literacy. As leaders in our communities, we are dedicated to improving the world around us, one mom at a time.

Reading impacts our daily lives in ways many take for granted: From understanding a utility bill to helping a child with homework, literacy is an essential skill. Without reading, adults have difficulty finding a job or getting promoted, participating in their child's schooling, and keeping up with important local and world issues. Even grocery shopping can be a daunting task.

Imagine your day without the benefit of reading. Find ways you can volunteer your time, your talent, or your resources by visiting Volunteer Guide and join The Mommies Network in promoting adult literacy.

KnoxvilleMommies would like to wish all of our members celebrating birthdays in March a great big Happy Birthday!!!

DixieFriday - March 01

MamaBird - March 04

MsLindsey - March 05

angelmom7511 - March 06

MRHcop123 - March 08

candaceyw - March 09

MommyOf4 - March 11

jbet2011 - March 12

jenn0919 - March 13

ddeoliver - March 14

LeslieL0314 - March 14

ahenson07 - March 15

darktreefairy - March 16

Lakermom - March 17

MommaMitchell - March 20

lovin-every-minute - March 26

Ryleighsmommy - March 28

jbirdie78 - March 29