Traditional king cakes baked in New Orleans have a little plastic baby doll hidden inside. Whoever finds the baby gets good luck. We've avoided choking hazards here by substituting a gumdrop for a plastic toy.

1. Preheat oven according to cake mix instructions. Line a muffin tin with paper baking cups.

2. Prepare batter according to instructions for cupcakes. Pour into muffin cups. Allow your child to hide a candy in one of the cups of batter.

3. Bake according to instructions. Allow cupcakes to cool completely.

4. Separate the tub of frosting into smaller batches and color them with food coloring. Allow your child to stir the color into the frosting. Frost and decorate cupcakes.

5. Before serving, explain that the person who finds the candy in his or her cupcake can look forward to a year of good luck.