The Cupcake Craze.

For the last five months, I've been competing in Chicago's Iron Cupcake Challenge; and with the exception of the very first event - I've been a winner.

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!!!

Dirty n' Flirty.

I get alot of phone calls for risque cakes for bachelorette parties. Alot. 

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!

Allez Cuisine!!!

The secret ingredient? Citrus Fruits.

The judges? The folks over at Chicago Bites.

Chicago's first ever Iron:Cupcake challenge took place on June 1 sponsored by Beautiful Cakes and Veranda; and Pastries Not Potatoes was one of over a dozen competitors with entries in the challenge.

This unique and exciting opportunity to showcase specialty cupcakes brought together both amatuer and professional bakers; and gave the public a chance to sample cupcakes. For free!!! Our offerings for June's compitition were Coconut Key Lime Pie Cupcakes and Grapefruit Ginger Cupcakes.  While PNP didn't place in the Citrus competition, it was so cool to see all of the different flavor combinations that Chicago bakers came up with. The winning cupcake? A grapefruit cupcake with avocado frosting!

Iron:Cupcake was such a hit that it will be repeated once a month, with the secret flavor ingredient changing with each challenge. The next challenge will take place on July 6, and the secret ingredient has already been revealed to be tropical fruits. Pastries Not Potatoes is gearing up for the next event, and we hope to see you there!

Sweets!
Melissa

With This Ring...

When you've found the person that you love, you will do anything for them. Anything. Even if that means getting married on a Wrigleyville Rooftop during a Cubs game.  Whose idea was this? The grooms? Nope. The brides!

A few weeks ago I catered PNP's first wedding during baseball season on a rooftop; and it was a fantastic experience.

Bypassing any traditional wedding experience - like a white dress (the bride wore red!) or a three tier white wedding cake (the guests ate baseball cupcakes!) or traditional vows (To love, honor and cherish to death do us part, or until the Cubs win the World Series!). 

It just goes to show, that it doesn't matter the time or the place...as long as you're with the one you love - anything is possible.