Orange Cream Cupcakes

In honor of Our Lady of Altagracias i also madethese cupcakes today.


1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix, prepared as box directs, substituting orange juice for the water
2 boxes of Jello vanila pudding prepared according to package directions.

PREPARATION
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 24 regular-size (2½ -in. diam) muffin cups with paper or foil liners (see Note 2).

2. Spoon cake batter into lined cups, filling each ⅔ full. Bake as box directs. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Using tip of a paring knife, cut a small hole in top of each cupcake.

3. Prepare vanilla as box directs. Chill overnight. Spoon into apastry bag fitted with a wide tip.Pipe into holes in cupcakes Serve. Refrigerate any leftover pudding.


Our lady of Altagracias is a painting of the Virgin Mary at the scene of Jesus' birth, and the protector of Santo Domingo. The Virgin, occupies the middle of the picture; she is looking with tenderness at the child who lies nearly naked on the straw of the manger. A blue cloak sprinkled with stars envelops her and a white scapular closes her garments in front. Maria of Altagracia wears the colors of the Dominican flag; anticipating in this manner the national identity. A radiant crown and twelve stars frame her head which now has a crown on it. The frame which holds the painting is probably the most refined example of Dominican gold work. This marvel made of gold, precious stones and enamel, is the work of an unknown 18th century artist. Possibly he used the jewels that the Virgin's devotees gratefully offered her. The image of Our Lady of Altagracia had the privilege of being crowned twice: on August 15, 1922 - during the pontificate of Pius XI - and by Pope John Paul II, who on January 25, 1979, during his visit to Santo Domingo, personally crowned the image with a golden silver tiara, his personal gift to the Virgin, the first evangelizer of the Americas