The Metro East Messenger 3.19.21 Issue by The Metro East Messenger

What’s Inside Local Events

3-12

Local Business Directory

7-9

Adoptable Pets of the Week

Local Business Spotlight

Coupons

Bunny Butt Cake

Bunny Butt Cake Page 15

www.metroeastmessenger.com

Local Events

NOTE: Events are subject to change, cancel or be rescheduled due to Covid 19 restrictions.

LIVE MUSIC EVERY WEEKEND at EXO Lounge, 7pm on Fridays, 6pm on Saturdays at EXO Lounge, 2 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL. Upcoming Events: Friday 3/19 - Mike Sonderegger Music 7pm-11pm Saturday 3/20 - Shenanigan’s Throwback Night at EXO! DJ Micro will be spinning all your favorite 90’s tunes and 90’s attire is encouraged! We’re bringing back the Shot ski and Irish Wake shots! Friday 3/26 - Mike Sonderegger Music 7pm-11pm Saturday 3/27 - The Charles Glenn Duo 6pm-10pm Friday 4/2- Mike Sonderegger Music 7pm-11pm Saturday 4/3- Alex Reyna 6pm-10pm Friday 4/9- Acoustic DNA 7pm-11pm Saturday 4/10-Steven Wooley 6pm-10pm Friday 4/16- Mike Sonderegger Music 7pm-11pm Saturday 4/17- Ethan Jones 6pm-10pm Friday 4/23- Acoustic DNA 7pm-11pm Saturday 4/24- Double Wide Duo 6pm-10pm April 4/30- Mike Sonderegger 7pm-11pm For more info and updates, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EXOLounge.

www.metroeastmessenger.com

Local Events Easter Egg-Citement, March 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th, April 2nd and 3rd at Eckert’s Country Store & Farms, 951 S. Green Mount Rd, Belleville, IL. Hop on down the bunny trail and fill your basket with fun! Eckert’s Annual Egg Hunt, animals for viewing, tractor ride around the farm, plant a seed to take home and a free photo scene with the Easter Bunny. Join in on the fun & continue making memories at our farm. Activities have changed to ensure that everyone stays as safe as possible while visiting the farm. We have reduced the number of hunters per time slot and have minimized the number of touch points to keep everyone safe. Please remember to wear a mask while visiting our farm and don't forget to bring an Easter Basket for the Egg Hunt. Free! Drive-Thru Egg Mania! March 26th, 6pm at the Collinsville Activity Center, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. Wave to the Easter Bunny and receive a bag filled with a dozen filled plastic Easter eggs, a festive craft and an egg dye kit! No registration needed. Each car will receive one bag. Limited to the first 500 cars. Sponsored by Navigation Church, IBEW Local 309 and the City of Collinsville Parks & Recreation.

Easter Party, March 27th, 10am-2pm at Finley Flooring, 908 Broadway, Highland, IL. Free pictures with the Easter Bunny, BBQ, Face painting, Easter Basket Raffle, Free entry. For more info, call (618)882-6680.

www.metroeastmessenger.com

Local Events Dog Pictures with the Easter Bunny, March 27th, 2-3:30pm at Mutts on Main Dog Park, 509 E. Main St, Collinsville, IL. Dog Parents: Bring your cameras and your dog for pictures with the Easter Bunny! Preregistration (by calling the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department at 618-346-7529 or going to http://bit.ly/3twl6YV) and proof of vaccines are required. Registration is limited to 50 dogs. Cost is $5. Easter Egg Hunt, March 27th, 10:30am at Emmanuel Free Methodist Church, 3993 Fosterburg Rd, Alton, IL. Please join us for an awesome event for the kids! The Easter Egg Hunt will be held outside for children up to 5th grade. In addition to the hunt, there will be age-appropriate games, cotton candy, prize drawings and more!! Feel free to bring a friend!! Hope to see lots of you there! Easter Egg Hunt, March 27th, 11am, Victory Church, 223 Scott-Troy Road, O’Fallon, IL. Bring your kids to hunt eggs up on the hill and the trail behind the church. There will be hundreds of eggs and some fun prizes! Paws in the Park - Dog Easter Egg Hunt, March 28th, 2pm at Edwardsville City Park. Free Event! Dog Easter Egg Hunt starts at 3:00 PM. Check-in desk opens at 2:00 PM The first 50 pups receive a goodie-bag. LOTS of eggs to sniff out and scoop up. Four-Legged themed vendor area. Easter Bunny will be there for photos. Pets in costume are welcome! Bring a basket! Dogs MUST remain on a leash. No retractable leashes, please. Eggs filled dog treats. Eggs will be collected at the end of the event and bag for treats given out so they can go with the dog home. Depending on the number of registrations, we may divide into sections by size of dogs. PRE-REGISTER at http://bit.ly/3kJxAtf.

Bunny Boxes- Delivered by the Easter Bunny! Don't miss the opportunity for the Easter Bunny to come to your house and bring a very special Bunny Box on April 3rd! Boxes will include materials for your special Bunny Breakfast: pancake mix and fixings to make Bunny Face Pancakes for four, crafts for two children and other bunny favorites! Parents will have the opportunity to take pictures with their participants and the Easter Bunny. Deliveries limited to a 2-mile radius from Collinsville City limits. Register for a delivery by visiting http://bit.ly/3agaG65 or calling the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department at 618-346-7529. Skyview Drive-In Spring Craft Fair, Apr. 3rd, 9am-3pm at Skyview Drive-In Movie Theater, 5700 N. Belt W. Belleville, IL. We're doing it again! Come out to Skyview Drive-In in Belleville, IL. We will have crafters, vendors, and food trucks. Masks are required for all customers and vendors. The event has no entry fee.

Eggstravaganza, April 3rd, 9am-12pm at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum, 722 Holyoake Rd, Edwardsville, IL. Hop around Edwardsville for a fun, socially distanced egg hunt! Pick up your egg carton at the museum Monday March 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m. or Thursday April 1, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. On Saturday, April 3 decipher our clues and visit our dozen sponsors to collect one egg at each stop. Once you complete your dozen, come back to the museum for a treat and meet the Easter Bunny. Cost-$5 per child. To register, go to https://bit.ly/2P4qHXq. www.metroeastmessenger.com

Local Events Easter Egg Hunt, April 3rd, 1pm at the Alhambra Fireman & Legion Park & Hall, 610 W. Main St, Alhambra, IL. Alhambra Jaycees are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt starting at 1 pm on Saturday April 3rd, 2021. Join us for Egg-cellent afternoon. We will have 4 different hunt areas for age groups: 3 & under, 4-5, 6-7, and 8 & up. Children will need to bring their own basket or bag to collect their eggs. The Easter bunny will also be making an appearance and will be available for photos. April Gift Bazaar, April 3rd, 11am-4pm at The Gift Box, 512 E. Bethalto Dr (IL 140), Bethalto, IL. Season 2 of Gift Bazaars at The Gift Box Bethalto are beginning! 42 Tented spaces available for Local Crafters & Gift Vendors. After fully booking last season, we expect this season to be AMAZING! Don’t forget to stop inside for a SHOPPERS HOP CARD - get it stamped by visiting tents outside, enter to win a Grand Prize Basket each month! Adult Easter Egg Hunt, April 3rd, 11am at The Weingarten, 1780 E. State Rt. 15, Belleville, IL. This year’s hunt will be hosted all day with rolling starts beginning at 11:30a to allow groups to remain socially distant during their time at The Weingarten. Each group will be limited to 50 people and will be allowed 2 hours on the property for hunting and dining. Each ticket will be assigned to a start and end time. Guests must leave by their end time even if they arrive late. Upon arrival, guests will need to register where they will be provided with the information and details for a successful hunt. This is a rain or shine event. For more info and registration, go to http://bit.ly/3bViWLu. www.metroeastmessenger.com

Restaurant Directory Restaurant Name

Address

Other Features

Website

American/Bar & Grill

Denny's

1) 27 Jct Dr W, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, (618)659-1922 Classic American comfort food, Open 24 2) 522 Ramada Blvd, Collinsville, IL 62234, Hours (618) 345-8995 3) 737 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618) 622-0471

Gulf Shores Restaurant 215 Harvard Drive, Edwardsville, IL, (618) 650-9109 & Grill

IHOP

Lottie's Café

1028 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)632-5400

www.dennys.com

Cajun Comfort Food/Fresh www.gulfshoresrestaura Seafood/Daily Specials/Weekly Live ntandgrill.com Music (see website for dates and times)

Wide variety of pancakes, American breakfast and diner fare.

www.ihop.com

1099 Belt Line Road, Suite D, Collinsville, IL 62234, Carryout/Catering/Daily www.facebook.com/Lotti (618) 223-8253 Specials/Gaming/Occasional Live Music es-Cafe

Mady's

623 Edwardsville Road, Troy, Illinois (618) 505-7188

Bar/Casino

Mady's Facebook Page

McDill's Irish Pub

334 Saint Louis Rd Collinsville, IL, 62234 (618) 344-9875

Daily Food Specials/Dine in or Carry Out/Pool Table/Gaming/UFC Fight Viewing

https://www.facebook.c om/McDills

Peel Wood Fired Pizza

1) 921 S. Arbor Vitae, Edwardsville, IL 62025 Order (618)659-856 Online/Carryout/Patio/Brewery/Seasona 2) 1104 S. Cherry St., O'Fallon, IL 62269, (618)726l Specials 2244

www.peelpizza.com

Video Gaming/Pool/Dart Leagues/Draft https://www.facebook.c and Craft Beer Selections/Daily om/TheCommandPost70 Specials/Children welcome with an 8/ adult. 18+

The Command Post Bar and Grill

104 N Main St, Troy, IL 62294(618) 667-9892

The Wooden Nickel Pub & Grill

171 S. Main St, Glen Carbon, IL (618) 288-2141

Patio/Carryout/Happy Hour/Daily Specials/Occasional Live Music

Time Out Sports Bar & Grill

111 W Market St, Troy, IL 62294 (618) 667-2221

Carryout/Daily Specials/Happy Hour/Gaming/Occasional Live Music

China King (Edwardsville)

1063 S State Rt. 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025, (618) 692-1888

Dine in/Carry Out/Order Online/Delivery

www.edwardsvillechinaki ng.com

China King (Troy)

535 Troy Ave #537, Troy, IL 62294, (618) 667-8886

Dine in/Carry Out

See Menu

https://www.facebook.c om/WoodenNickelGlenC arbon/ www.timeoutsportsbargr ill.com

Asian

Mexican Zapata's Mexican Restaurant

1) 8 Eastport Plaza Drive, Collinsville, IL, (618) 343-1337 2) 4660 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL, (618) 277-5474

Lunch Buffet/Carry Out/Catering/Daily www.zapatasmexican.co Specials/Party Room/Karaoke Every m Other Friday

Go to www.metroeastmessenger.com for coupons! 7

Business Directory Gas & Convenience 7900 N Illinois St, Caseyville, IL 62232

(618) 344-1286

2233 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-1352

301 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 624-6013

6559 IL-162, Maryville, IL 62062 826 W Hwy 50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 1242 Thouvenot Ln, Shiloh, IL 62269

(618) 288-7920 (618) 632-2177 (618) 622-2220

536 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-4581

1029 Lincoln Hwy, Fairview Heights, IL 62208

(618) 632-4807

702 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-9777

Pilot Travel Center Shell

970 US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269 820 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294 1011 W US-50, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-0630 (618) 667-0946 (618) 632-2787

pilotflyingj.com https://find.shell.com

819 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9931

www.ta-petro.com

Circle K

Huck's Convenient Food Store Moto Mart

www.circlek.com

www.hucks.com www.shell.com

Retail & Services Bike Surgeon

201 E State St, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-1693

https://bikesurgeon.com/

Chelsey Reed-Hair Designer & Makeup Artist

2400 N Center St Maryville, IL, 62062

(618) 410-0882

www.facebook.com/chereed hairstylist

Chiropractic Works

410 Regency Ctr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 477-8364

www.chiropracticworkscollin sville.com

Code 3 Spices

302 E. Main St. Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8855

https://code3spices.com/

DogWatch Hidden Fences

Email: Alan@dogwatchofillinois.com

(618) 692-9131

www.dogwatchofillinois.com

Edward Jones-Financial Advisor: Denise Arendell

303 Fountains Parkway, Suite 210 Fairview Heights, Il 62208 denise.arendell@edwardjones.com

(618) 622-4977

www.edwardjones.com/deni se-arendell

Kelly's Butcher Shop & Deli

804 South Main St., Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-6268

https://www.facebook.com/ KellysButcherShopDeli/

Lonnie's Liquors

2004 Vandalia St, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 344-3430

1150 St. Louis Road, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-0611

25 Commercial St, Millstadt, IL 62260

(618) 476-7490

7835 Ivory Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111

(314) 638-2710

Email: Alan@xgreensynthetic.com

(314) 241-8873

Mike's Automotive

Xtreme Green Synthetic Turf

www.metroeastmessenger.com

www.mikesautomotive.net

www.xgreensynthetic.com 8

Hotels Comfort Inn Collinsville

8 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(480) 725-1637

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Days Inn Collinsville

12 Commerce Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 803-4032

www.wyndhamhotels.com

4 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 346-0607

www.marriott.com

Fairfield Inn by Marriott St. LouisCollinsville La Quinta Inn & Suites Collinsville

6 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 855-8400

www.laquintacollinsville.com

(618) 223-5383

www.wyndhamhotels.com

(618) 624-3636

www.choicehotels.com

(618) 212-1300

www.ihg.com

(618) 688-2526

www.wyndhamhotels.com

(618) 398-7124

www.radisonhotels.com

Best Western- Troy

2 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 305 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 313 Salem Pl, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 45 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 140 Ludwig Dr, Fairview Heights, IL 62208 2020 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-9200

www.bestwestern.com

Red Roof Inn

2030 Formosa Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 667-2222

www.redroof.com

Super 8-Troy

910 Edwardsville Rd, Troy, IL 62294

(618) 505-1189

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Super 8-Collinsville Econo Lodge Holiday Inn Super 8 by Wyndham Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

Best Western

116 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 622-8600

www.bestwestern.com

Extended Stay America

154 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 624-1757

www.extendedstayamerica.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites

136 Regency Park, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 726-2323

www.wyndhamhotels.com

Sleep Inn

140 Venita Dr, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 589-3999

www.choicehotels.com

TownePlace Suites by Marriott

445 Regency Park Drive, O'Fallon, IL 62269

(618) 624-4900

www.marriott.com

www.metroeastmessenger.com

Local Events Glo Bingo, Apr. 16th, 6pm at the Edwardsville Moose Lodge, 7371 Marine Rd, Edwardsville, IL. Come join us for an evening of fun! It’s not your Grandmother’s Bingo, it’s Glo-Bingo! Grab your friends, bring some snacks and help us raise money for Backstoppers, a SIUE student scholarship fund, & to allow us to continue in the future giving back to our community! Tickets can be bought online at glo-Bingo.com or by emailing siuepdlodge328@gmail.com! Want to help sponsor or donate? Please contact us via email! City Wide Garage Sales, Hosted by TroyMaryvilleCOC.com. Save the date for these upcoming garage sales! Troy, IL-May 14th and 15th, Maryville, IL-April 16th and 17th, St. Jacob, IL- May 6th, 7th, and 8th. To have yours listed in the online search, go to https://garagesale.troycoc.com/garagesalesignup.php. Princess Tea Party, April 17th, 12-2pm at Bella Vista Winery, 6633 E. Main St, Maryville, IL. A proper tea with Beauty & the Beast (Dream Time Princess Events). Goodies, cookie decorating, and fun. $15 adults, $20 children. Five dollars of every child ticket will be donated to Kelsie's Hope Foundation. Reserve tickets at https://bit.ly/3qeurCE or call 618-365-6280. Children must be accompanied by an adult and adults must purchase a ticket.

Want to Advertise? For Rates, Call (618)407-3097 or Email: metroeastmessenger@gmail.com www.metroeastmessenger.com

Local Events Parking Lot BINGO, Apr. 17, 1-2:30pm, hosted by City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation. Join us at the Activity Center (10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville) for some old-fashioned BINGO...from the comfort of your car! We'll provide the dabbers and BINGO cards for eight rounds of BINGO! Each person in the car gets to play along. Price: $10 per car. To register, call the City of Collinsville Parks and Recreation Department at (618) 346-7529 or visit https://www.collinsvilleil.org/.../Calendar/Event/1604/159. Collinsville City-Wide Garage Sale, April 23rd-24th. Shop 'til you drop during the Collinsville City-Wide Garage Sale! No permit needed if registered through Collinsville's Parks and Recreation Department by calling 618-346-7529. Register by April 12 to be listed in a Garage Sale Guide on the City's website. Please note: registering for the City-Wide Garage Sale WILL NOT count against residents' two allowed Yard Sales per year. Welcome Spring Craft Fair, May 1st, 9am-4pm at the grounds of Anderson Hospital, 6800 State Rd 162, Maryville, IL. Huge Spring Craft Fair with over 30 crafters!! Come shop with one of your favorite vendors for that special gift or something for your home! Free event. Save the Date for The Empty Bowl, May 12th, 11am-2pm at the Gateway Convention Center. This year will feature a drive-thru lunch. More information to come.

www.metroeastmessenger.com

Mark’s Appliance has been a long-standing business in Edwardsville, IL since the early 2000’s. I recently spoke to Drew Bradley, the owner’s son and head of marketing, to get the inside scoop about the company’s history, core values and info about their new showroom opening this year. Mark's Appliance started in 1994 as Maytag Home Appliance Center in Edwardsville selling only Maytag products. Owner, Mark Bradley, later switched to Mark's Appliance to sell more brands like GE, Whirlpool, Sharp, KitchenAid, etc. Their core value is to always put the customer first and give them the best deal in town. They guarantee to beat or match the best price of their competitors. The biggest difference between Mark’s Appliances and the big box stores is that they are a one-stop-shop for sales, delivery, service, and parts. Most stores only sell you the appliance, and when you need service, you have to deal with a third party. With Mark's, they take care of you from the moment you walk in the store and any service after that, even if that means staying late at your home to finish the job. On top of taking excellent care of their customers, every year they donate a portion of their proceeds to the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program, which benefits eight schools in Edwardsville School District #7. Everyone in the community is very excited about their brand-new showroom being built at 1507 Troy Rd in Edwardsville (next to Smoothie King.) This new location will be 3x bigger than their current one (across from QT in Edwardsville) and it will also house some higher-end brands such as True Refrigeration, Wolf, and Sub-Zero, as well as some outlet priced items (brand new appliances with slight imperfections.) This new showroom will also allow their parts, service, and sales teams to be under one roof for a more efficient environment. Scan their QR code below for more information or go to www.marksappliance.com. Also, be sure to follow their Facebook page for promotions and showroom updates!

www.metroeastmessenger.com

4 Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon 804 S. Main St. Troy, IL (618) 667-6268

302 E. Main St, Collinsville, IL (618) 855-8855

www.Code3BBQSupply.com

Hair Designer & Makeup Artist

25% Off New Client Cut & Color Service

www.bennysbnb.com (618) 344-4096

*Must mention ad when booking

Must present coupon. Expires 4/4/21

10% Off Any Merchandise In Our Store!

CHELSEY REED 2400 N. Center St, Maryville, IL (618) 410-0882

$9.99/LB

Save 10% On Grooming, 1 Day of Lodging Or Day Camp ! 2330 South Center St. Maryville, IL

Local Events Yard Sale & Craft Fair, May 14th & 15th, Tri-Township Park Activity Center, 284 Riggin Rd, Troy, IL. While you're out looking for deals during the Troy City Wide Garage Sale, don't forget to stop by the Activity Center and TriTownship Park. We'll have a variety of crafters and yard sale booths all in one place! Vendor Info: We'll be offering indoor and outdoor spaces at the skating rink & park! Crafters & yard sale booths are welcome. Perfect for those who live off the beaten path or who do not have space for a yard/garage sale at their home. Indoor Spots: $30. Outdoor Spots: $20. To register, go to http://bit.ly/3bSdadr. St. Jacob UCC Strawberry Fest, May 16th, 11am-4pm at St. Jacob UCC, 207 W. Main St. Saint Jacob, IL. Drive Thru Strawberry Fest. Grilled Brats, Hot Dogs, Pork Burgers, German Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Strawberries, Strawberry Desserts, Ice Cream. Live entertainment, kettle corn, raffle, and much more. "Parks" & Rec Escape Room, May 25th-30th, Hosted by Collinsville Parks and Recreation, 10 Gateway Dr, Collinsville, IL. Can your team (of up-to-four players) decipher the clues and escape the room before time runs out?! The team that escapes the room with the most time to spare will win an awesome prize basket! Price: $20 per team. Your Team Captain is the only one who needs to register for your team. To register, go to http://bit.ly/3sLnGKq. Looking For A Venue To Host A Private Event? EXO Lounge has a new 40’x40” event tent! Inside your find a well-heated lounge setting with TVs, high top seating, standing tables, turf, up lighting, string lighting, ceiling draping, and chandeliers. For more info, go to https://visitexo.com/ or email events@visitexo.com. www.metroeastmessenger.com

A Hoppy Easter Cake Warmer days at the start of spring mean Easter is almost here, and the big bunny himself will be hopping around in no time delivering goodies. This Easter, celebrate with your loved ones with a delicious and colorful Easter Bunny Butt Cake. Find more creative and scrumptious holiday recipes at Culinary.net.

Easter Bunny Butt Cake (Servings: 10-12) Nonstick cooking spray 2 eggs, plus 4 egg whites, at room temperature 3/4 cup cream of coconut 1/2cup crushed pineapple, drained 2 teaspoons coconut extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 ¼ cups flour 1 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature 4 thin pretzel sticks 1 bag (10 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut 8 drops green food coloring 2 large round chocolate candy melts 6 chocolate chips mini candy-coated chocolate eggs, for garnish • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Buttercream Frosting: 3 cups powdered sugar 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 3 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

Heat oven to 325 F. Line muffin pan with four paper liners. Spray oven-safe glass bowl with nonstick cooking spray. In large bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, cream of coconut, pineapple, coconut extract and vanilla extract until combined. In food processor, pulse flour, sugar, baking powder and salt until combined. Add 6 tablespoons butter. Pulse until combined. Add remaining butter. Pulse until coarse meal forms. In large mixing bowl, add coarse flour butter meal. Add half of egg mixture. Beat 1-2 minutes. Add remaining egg mixture; beat until combined. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until done. Cool completely. Pour remaining batter into prepared oven-safe bowl. Bake 1 hour, 40 minutes, or until done. Cool completely. To make buttercream frosting: In large bowl, add powdered sugar and butter; beat until fluffy. Add milk, vanilla extract and coconut extract; beat until creamy. Turn bowl upside-down on cake stand until cake removes from bowl. If cake needs leveled, turn cake over and trim to flatten. Frost cake. Remove wrappers from cupcakes. Using two pretzel sticks, press into base of cupcakes and anchor to bottom rim of bowl cake to create bunny feet. Frost feet. Take third cupcake and cut muffin top off. Cut muffin top in half. Using one pretzel stick, anchor one muffin top half at bottom of full cupcake to form toes. Repeat with second muffin top half for other foot. Frost toes. Attach final cupcake with remaining pretzel stick to butt area of cake to make tail. Frost tail. Apply 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut all over cake. Press chocolate candy melts into bottoms of bunny feet to resemble foot pads. Add chocolate chips to resemble pads for toes. Place remaining coconut in plastic bag. Add green food coloring. Toss in bag until coconut is colored. Spread around base of cake for grass. Decorate grass with chocolate eggs. Tips: Spoon flour into dry measuring cup and level off excess. Scooping directly from bag compacts flour, resulting in dry baked goods. Add 1 tablespoon additional milk if frosting is too stiff. Keep adding until desired consistency. www.metroeastmessenger.com