3 DAYS IN ADVANCE

Make slides. Knead 1/4 teaspoon Gum-Tex into 4 oz. fondant. Use 9 in. fondant roller with purple guide rings to roll out 1/8 in. thick. Use patterns and fondant trimmer to cut out one large and one small slide. Let dry 3 days in cornstarch-dusted wave flower former. Place large slide with curve resting in large wave; support ends with cotton balls. Place small slide in large wave with one end over small wave.

Make six penguins. Tint 1/4 oz. fondant lemon yellow/golden yellow combination (for yellow), 2 oz. black. Reserve a 1 oz. ball of white. Knead 1/4 teaspoon Gum-Tex into black fondant.

Roll out black fondant 1/8 in. thick. Use large Cut-Out from oval Cut-Outs fondant cutter set to cut bodies. Use small Cut-Outs from leaf Cut-Outs fondant cutter set to cut two wings for each penguin (reverse six for opposite side). Use damp brush to attach wings to body. Roll out white fondant 1/8 in. thick. Use small oval Cut-Out to cut tummies; attach. For eyes, roll two white balls for each penguin, 3/16 in. dia.; flatten and attach. For pupils, roll two black balls for each penguin, 1/16 in. dia.; flatten and attach. For beak, roll a yellow ball, 1/4 in. dia.; shape into a cone. Use edge of spatula to score opening and attach. For feet, roll two balls, 3/8 in. dia. Shape into ovals. Use edge of spatula to score lines for toes. Flatten back and attach.

For three sliding penguins, use scissors to cut three lollipop sticks to 4 in. Bend stick to follow curve of slide. Melt white Candy Melts candy according to package directions. Use melted candy to attach stick to back of penguin, leaving 1 1/2 in. extended at bottom. Chill until firm, 3 to 5 minutes.

For three standing penguins, use food-safe scissors to cut three lollipop sticks to 3 in. Use melted candy to attach to back of penguin, leaving 1 in. extended at bottom. Chill until firm, 3 to 5 minutes.

Bake and cool 13 cupcakes. Prepare buttercream icing following recipe directions. Use spatula to ice tops smooth. Cover tops with white sparkling sugar.

Assemble treats. Position cupcakes on dessert stand. Insert small slide from upper level cupcakes to level below. Position large slide in lower level cupcakes. Use melted candy to attach sliding penguins to slides. Let set, 3 to 5 minutes. Insert standing penguins in cupcakes.