Cupcake challenge

My darling daughter requested red velvet cupcakes to give out to her class for her birthday. I admit most of the time I take the easy way out and buy the little bite-sized cupcakes/brownies at the store. Less of a sugar buzz for the kids, (and I'm sure the teachers appreciate that) and cheaper than the regular-size cupcakes. But as The Girl gets older, she is also getting more finicky (gee, can't wait for those teen years!) The only time I attempted to bake cupcakes since the kids have been around was when they were still in daycare full-time. I remember the greeting I got from the kids when I came back at the end of the day: "Your cupcakes were burnt on the bottom." Yes, mommy fail.

So I blame the oven as my excuse not to partake in any more elaborate baking endeavors. But as I related this tale to my mother, she then offered up her kitchen for baking. However, she will not be there to help. Not exactly a confidence-booster.

I found the easy-way around with red velvet cake mixes and frosting, but I'm not completely out of the woods: she wants her red velvet cupcakes to be cream-filled. ZONK! Now how many ways can I possibly screw this up?! I may end up calling it Red Velvet soup and sawdust instead. I'm sure my daughter will then check into whether she can be emancipated at the age of nine.