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!!!

48 Reasons to Try Something New...

Iron Cupcake Chicago has been a huge success, and the competition is moving full steam ahead!

June's secret ingredient was citrus, followed by tropical fruit in July. It was only a few days ago that the theme for August was announced - and low and behold, they are looking for savory cupcakes!!!

Savory cupcakes are becoming more of a trend these days. I've seen bakeries selling everything from BLT cupcakes to curry cupcakes - even recipes online for a corned beef and cabbage cupcake! Whew!

So, I'll be out at Veranda again on August 3 at 6pm introducing two brand new flavors from the Pastries Not Potatoes kitchen. Hope to see you there!

Sweets!
Melissa

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