Flamingo Cupcakes

all-purpose flour ((2.75 cups))

baking powder

salt

milk ((1/2 cup))

fresh strawberry puree ((1/2 cup))

granulated sugar ((1.5 cups))

Zest of two lemons

unsalted butter (at room temperature (1 cup))

eggs (at room temperature)

lemon extract

Pink food coloring ((optional) I used Americolor Soft Pink)

pasteurized liquid egg whites ((1/2 cup))

powdered sugar ((4 cups))

salt

unsalted butter (at room temperature (4 sticks, or 2 cups))

lemon extract

freeze-dried strawberries (see Note below for substitutions)

Pink food coloring ((I used Americolor Soft Pink and Americolor Electric Pink))

pink fondant

white candy coating ((1/2 cup))

dark chocolate candy coating ((1/2 cup))