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Cupcakes are wonderful for afternoon tea, of course, but these splendid and original little cakes should be given a much bigger role than that. Serve them as a special dessert at a chic dinner party (a different cupcake for each guest) or make a loved one (adult or child) a cupcake as a birthday cake.

While the cupcakes in this book look like little works of art, the instructions on making them are clear and undaunting.