Dia de los Muertos

This fall, I participated in another decorating competition through Pastry Chicago and The French Pastry School. This was the 8th Annual Haunted Cupcake Competition, and the cupcakes were judged based on their originality and being haunted, funny, or scary. I wanted to do something intricate and beautiful (versus gory), so I decided on a Dia de los Muertos theme. I made Ginger Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing, which I topped with fondant sugar skulls and roses:

All the cupcakes were evaluated by an incredibly distinguished and intimidating panel of judges: Chef Nicole Bujewski, Chef Instructor of The French Pastry School of Kennedy-King College at City Colleges of Chicago, demonstrated several techniques perfect for decorating Halloween cupcakes and beyond. The panel of judges included Memo Aguilar, Pastry Chef at Vanille Patisserie; Evan Bockenfeld, Manager at Magnolia Bakery; Angela Kelly, Management Recruiter at Mariano's Fresh Market; Elysia Root, Owner/Pastry Chef at Elysia Root Cakes; Kathy Summers, Executive Director of the Illinois Restaurant Association; and Joely Vargas, Production Manager at Magnolia Bakery.

And, shockingly, I came in third place! I can't believe my cupcakes were judged by such heavy hitters in the pastry world!!! It was such a fun competition, and I can't wait to participate in more events in the future. 

xoxo,

Clare