My Ugly Strawberry Cupcakes

So I made these strawberry cupcakes, like I did a few weeks ago and they turned out BEAUTIFULLY.  This time, not so much.  I'm not sure what happened differently, but I hope it doesn't happen next time.  Here's the link to those cupcakes, HOWEVER, I did not use the icing recipe here.  I made up my own recipe instead.  I didn't want to spend the time doing the Swiss Meringue Icing for either time because I was running short both times I've made these.  OK, really, here's the link: Strawberry Cupcakes.  I made my regular buttercream icing recipe, except I substituted pureed strawberries for the water.  Here's my recipe:
Strawberry Icing
1 cup shortening
3 T strawberry puree
3/4 t vanilla
1/2 t butter flavor
sprinkle of salt
1 lb (about 4 cups) powdered sugar

Puree strawberries in food processor until they were liquid.  Mix shortening with puree, vanilla, butter flavor, and salt until well blended.  Start slowly, and turn up speed to medium for 2-3 minutes.  Mix in powdered sugar slowly, about a cup at a time until well blended with each cup. Mix on medium-high until nice and fluffy.  If it has stiff peaks and seems too spiky, you can add milk or water, by the teaspoon, and mix in between additions until completely incorporated and the texture is achieved.

I did a 1M swirl on the cupcakes, which takes a LOT of icing, so I made a double recipe.

I went to Hobby Lobby today.  Wilton stuff is 30% off this week, and I could DEFINITELY spend too much money there!  I need to check my supply and see what I need, and go back and get some stuff just so I can get it cheaper.  I need to get a few things just so I can have them if I need to make another cake...like I have to this week!!  I have a person who wants me to make a cake for them!  A two layer, white on one, chocolate on the other, cake, and I'm going to get paid for it!  WOOOO!!!!  Dusty's sister works with someone that needs one for Friday, and apparently I'm way cheaper than a bakery she talked to, so I got it!  WOOOOO!!!  I'll let you know how it goes.

Tune in tomorrow for a recipe link to my husband's favorite kind of cupcakes.