We often frown upon the use of surfer slang terms such as “totally, rad, and tubular” but one of these far out terms exemplifies my Chester County Cupcake Clash experience: Sweet! Sweet means “something that is awesome,” which the event certainly was, but then there’s also the more obvious and literal definition, “has the pleasant taste characteristic of sugar.” One could not argue against it. The Chester County Cupcake Clash was “sweeted” out, awesome and sugary.
You’re probably wondering how could one taste their way through so much sugar in one evening, which is a valid question and what many attendees asked themselves after the 37th bite. There were a few thankful breaks within the mini cupcake inventory, where contestants had submitted flavors a bit outside the muffin pan. These definitely stood out in the eyes, or mouths, of many and were among the first to go. Despite the abundant sugar intake, folks were excited to also take a few of those carefully crafted cupcakes home. Plus, how could anyone avoid taking a quick break at the bar for the signature Cupcake Martini?
It was interesting to witness the attendees nosh their way through every offering, free of scrutinizing eyes. Sure, the bakers were in the room but it was as if Living in Chester County’s Blind Cupcake Competition lifted a veil. There was no need to bite into something and smile at the employee manning the table, sharing your kindful thoughts with them, true or not. The funny thing is, all judgemental conversations that I came across were positive anyway, with a few being extra enthusiastic about their most recent tastes.
“Have you tried this one,” a group of women inquired of me as I slowly meandered toward a table in a semi-sugar coma. They were huddled in a ring of three and swapping opinions back and forth. “It’s really…different. In a good way!”
I could tell they were spot on with that critique just by looking at the themed category cupcake. The cake section was off-white with hints of brown speckles and light colored but not vanilla. Cute fondant ribbons were displayed across the top of a few tiny sweets with messages of “hope” in honor of the events benefactor, Bringing Hope Home (formerly Great Guys Group). It smelled of cinnamon and stirred every seasonal emotion as I brought the mini cupcake to my mouth. The cake was banana bread flavored, with what I believe was a maple icing sprinkled with oats and cinnamon. Delightful!
A few other items that stood out through the evening in my mind and my occasional eavesdropped conversations, were the chocolate & bacon, the lemon flavored cupcake, and a vanilla cupcake with cookies and cream icing. I have no idea who made the tasty concoctions and while heavy hitters like Dia Doce, Cakes & Candies by Maryellen, and the General Warren Inne were competing, my favorites could have just as easily been from a Suzy Homemaker. That’s what made the event so spectacular, that element of mystery looming through the air the entire evening.
Anxious contestants from Southpaw, Bella’s, and Kildare’s Irish Pub awaited their destiny and the at-home-bakers like Audrey Bauer, Stephanie Bearoff, Nicholas Yarnall, and Jenifer Hyziak patrolled the scene attempting to contain their nail-biting anticipation. It turns out the tension wouldn’t break until the next day. Although Living in Chester County teased that the winners would be announced that evening at 9 p.m. on the dot, they desired a 100% accurate count. A good night’s rest, time for the body to “de-sugaratize,” calculators and a quiet room were the important factors that would deliver that accuracy.
After a serious countying and recounting session, the event organizers emerged with these results:
Chocolate Winner
Cakes & Candies by Maryellen
Vanilla Winner
Cakes & Candies by Maryellen
Theme Winner
Dia Doce
Overall Winner (highest total score)
Cakes & Candies by Maryellen
Did your opinions fall in line with the majority? A full list of contest placings may be found at the Living in Chester County, PA website. There had to be a lot of close calls with so many tasty options which is why attendance was a very crucial element to the First Chester County Cupcake Clash. What a great crowd there was! If you weren’t one among the many tasting your way through the delicious treats, you can still feel like you were by taking a peek at our Chester County Cupcake Clash album. It’s delicious!
Since a year’s time should be enough to let your body recover from the sweet intake, both awesome and sugary, we hope to see you back next year for the unique competition and maybe you will even participate as a contestant. After all, it wouldn’t hurt to bake the recipes your momma gave ya’!
