I discovered this idea online a couple of days ago and although we are a no-food-colouring family thought that I could make an exception for such a fun family activity. Divide a regular cupcake recipe into however many smaller bowls, add colouring and let the children dollop their colour into the muffin moulds. We had green, blue and red left over from when my mother was here a year ago.

In case it helps, we doubled a recipe that usually makes 12, and divided the mixture into 3 bowls of about 1.5 cups of batter each, adding 1/4 teaspoon of colouring.  We didn't use paper cups either. It looks more like a mini marble cake when the children do it, but would look more orderly (ie layered) if created by an adult.

The children had fun.  I had to bite my tongue over their methodology of 'making a mess', in favour of 'making a memory'.  I am not sure I am cut out to cook with kids - I don't even know that I am cut out to cook!

I'd be interested to hear what other families use as alternatives to commercial food colourings, so please drop me a line or leave a comment.