Iron Cupcake has been happening on a monthly basis for the last six months, however November's competition almost didn't happen.  For one reason or another, the competitors entered in the competition had dwindled.  While in past months the number of bakers has been in between the half dozen to dozen and a half range; November had two participants. So sad!

So I'm extending the invitation to you.  If you are interested in participating in Decembers Iron Cupcake Chicago challenge, let me know!  I will be more than happy to get you in touch with all the right people so that you can find out the rules, the challenge date, the location and of course - the mystery ingredient!

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes / November Best Taste Winner

Sweets!
Melissa

During World War I and II, sugar rationing was in high effect; and saccharin was used in it's place.  However, in the late 1960's the fear that saccharin caused cancer suddenly became front page news and Tab drinkers were left trying to choose between thirst or their health.

There are a dozen different sugar substitutes on the market, and it seems as though every year a new one is introduced to the public.  I still have a hard time trying to understand why we feel the need to create a substitute for something that is already 100% natural and pure in it's original form.  The need to count and cut calories, in one way or another, is understandable.  But, I believe that in life - all things in moderation.  If you feel the need to drink six diet sodas a day, you probably shouldn't even be drinking soda to begin with - diet or not. 

I have intense personal feelings with all of this because I am, in fact, allergic to sugar substitutes.  Aspartame in particular.  As a matter of fact, all of the women in my family are adversely effected by aspartame in one way or another.  For me, it causes a temporary paralysis.  Depending on the amount in which I ingest - I can either be laid up for 24 hours or a week until it works it's way out of my system.  For this reason, I simply stay away from substitutes in general.  Which can sometimes make shopping difficult; forcing me to read practically all labels.  Even if a product isn't labeled "diet" or "sugar free" they can still contain faux sugar.

Sometimes people believe what they read, sometimes they don't have to read anything to have any beliefs.  I don't care what the government or the FDA says about the safety of sugar substitutes - I'll choose the real stuff anyday.

July, Battle Tropical Fruits - Winner, Best Presentation for Chocolate Passionfruit Cupcakes
August, Battle Savory - Winner, Best Presentation & Best Tasting for Pumpkin Sage Ravioli Cupcakes
September, Battle Candy - Winner, Best Presentation for Candy Dot Cupcakes
October, Battle Fall Flavors - Winner, Best Presentation for Apple Cider and Doughnut Cupcakes

Whew!

The challenges are always fun to compete in, and really tests my skills in creating something new and unique; but not going so overboard with creativity that it freaks people out.  Next month, the challenge has been announced as "dessert-style" cupcakes - which means it's pretty much wide open!  Creme brulee, black forest cake, tiramisu, peach cobbler...pretty much anything that's a dessert that can be somehow transformed into a cupcake!

I look forward to the challenge, and hopefully will come home with a sixth win!!!

It was recently announced that the magazine's publisher has decided to pull Gourmet off the racks after a decrease in ad revenue and a slump in sales.

I've been collecting almost every single issue for the last five years or so...it's going to be sad that my stacks will be staying the same size in the future.

Sometimes though, the typical "male genitalia" is a little too much for some people.  The bride's great-great grandmother is going to be there; and well - they just don't want to go there.

I created these cupcakes for a recent bachelorette party to help ease the embarassment yet still have a fun, and topic worthy treat.  I think they turned out fantastic...there's something for everyone!

I've been laughing at this blog for the last hour.

He posted this video that totally had me in giggles - which I haven't had alot of lately...I hope he doesn't mind that I swiped it.

Oh, The Temptation from Steve V on Vimeo.

Six weeks ago I broke my ankle.  And Tuesday this cast comes off.  My super talented friend Jason was more than happy to give me the most unique and fantastic peice of art.  My mom wants me to save it.  She's going to turn it into a lamp.

Six weeks ago, I was thrust into an entirely different world.  A world where once I was an self-sufficient person had now become one where I was dependent on just about everyone around me in order to function.  After succumbing to a wet floor one night out at a friends birthday party, I found myself trying to re-learn how to live and work with a broken ankle that required surgery with a plate and nine screws.

My life suddenly was no longer my own.  

My first thought, was my job.  This is the busiest time of year for the catering company I work for.  I felt as though I had let down my boss.  I felt guilty.  After the doctors prognosis, I was certain I would lose my job.  My boss could not have been more supportive.  If I could have figured out a way to work a ten hour day in the kitchen carrying around sheet trays on crutches - I would have.  Completely impossible.

So, what's a girl to do?  I love to bake, to cook, to create.  Not only is it my livelihood, it's what I do for fun...

Enter my family, and my friends.  Needless to say, I could not have survived the last six weeks without them.   With their help, I managed to pull off some pretty impressive stuff.  All from the comfort of my couch!  While Pastries Not Potatoes is my own company, suddenly I had to find a half dozen employees - who were willing to work for free!

There was the Yelp Summerfest for 2200 people.  My parents did the shopping. My brother did the baking.  Beer theme desserts and a little brother with loads of culinary experience; but no training in pastry whatsoever.  We made it work.  People loved everything.

Then the monthly Iron Cupcake Challenge...I've competed every month since it started, and certainly did not want to miss out.  The savory theme competition was a struggle, and again - my little brother stepped up to the task.  On crutches, I walked away with the prize for not only Best Presentation, but Best Tasting for Pumpkin Sage Ravioli Cupcakes.

The final challenge?  An out-of-state wedding.  Again, enter the family.  Mom and dad did the shopping, little brother doing the baking; all while I was laid up on the couch.  My friends Kate and Jim had asked me months prior to the accident to make all of the sweets for the big day.  After the accident - they said it would be totally understandable if I had to step down.  I just couldn't do it.  I had made a promise, an important promise.  I would just have to find a way.  And I did.

The thing that I've learned from this is that, no matter your situation - nothing is impossible.  The people with whom you surround yourself can either make you, or break you.  My friends and family have made me not only accomplish the impossible, but have brought to my attention just how many people I have in my life who truly care about me.

Thanks Mom, Dad, Brandon, Megan, Kate, Jimmers, Vanessa, Sarah, Lauren, Megbo, Laura, Ken and the countless others who have helped get me through the last six weeks.  A special shoutout to my girl Allison G. - you have more inspiration to me than you know!