OC Cupcake Classic 2013

The OC Cupcake Classic is one of my favorite cupcake events. It takes place at the OC Fair in front of a live audience. I love getting to see the smiles on people's faces when they are given a winning fair ribbon. To be asked to be a judge for a third time is such an honor. 

Every year more and more cupcakes are entered in the event. The first year I judged there were only three judges and less than 100 cupcakes. This year there were 10 judges and probably close to 500 cupcakes. You know what that means....more cupcakes that need judging!

I love seeing how much effort is put into each cupcake. The bakers aren't professional cupcake bakers. They are local people with a love of baking. Some of them get so creative with the decorations.

Yes I love eating cupcakes, but sometimes I hit a limit. That happened on this day. The other judge at my table and I were very quick at judging our first category (spice cupcakes), so we were given another category to judge (other). I made it almost all the way through before I started to feel queasy. 

But despite feel a little sick to my stomach, I couldn't forget one of my favorite cupcakes of the day: churro. I especially loved the mini churro on top. So delicious!

The winning cupcake was coconut creme. It was a toss-up between that one and chocolate banana. Some decisions are so hard! But all of us judges agreed that the coconut creme was pretty incredible. Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and who supported the event in the audience. I had a blast and hope to return again next year. Thanks OC Fair!

Still Time to Enter OC Cupcake Classic

The OC Cupcake Classic at the OC Fair is just around the corner. And there is still time to enter the contest!

This fun, amateur cupcake competition takes places on Saturday, August 3 at 1:00pm. Registration can be completed all the way until July 31. You can read all requirements here (scroll down to page 21).

There are four age groups for this competition: Blue Ribbon Kids (age 5-8), Juinor Youth (age 9-12), Young Adults (13-18), and Adult. For the adults, there are three categories: fruit-flavored, chocolate, and other cupcake creation. Last time I judged the chocolate category and by the time I finished, I never wanted to eat another chocolate cupcake again.

I have been fortunate to be a part of this great community event for the past several years, and I can't wait to do it again. I hope to see lots of you there!

Coming Up: OC Cupcake Classic 2013

It's summer time! And that means it's almost OC Fair time!

I'm excited to announce that the OC Cupcake Classic will be back! The OC Cupcake Classic is a cupcake contest that is judged live at the OC Fair. I have been asked to judge this super FUN event again and I can't wait!

Here are the main details:

The OC Cupcake Classic is open to the public, with adult and youth (5-18) divisions.

The event takes place Saturday, August 3 at 1:00pm.

You must pre-register by July 31. You can find the registration form here.

For more info, you can check out the OC Fair Competitions page (scroll down to page 21).

This is such a great community event and I'm honored that the OC Fair asked me to return. I can't wait to see all of the bakers and taste their goodies!

[desi]gn cakes & cupcakes WINS Cupcake Wars

Another local-to-Southern-California cupcake shop wins Young & the Restless episode on Food Network's Cupcake Wars! 

I first encountered [desi]gn cakes & cupcakes at Cupcake Camp IE in 2010. Then Desiree won a competition I judged in 2011 called Sugar Rush. Later that year she was a contestant on Cupcake Wars, but did not win.

Now she's claimed redemption! Last week [desi]gn cakes was on Cupcake Wars again and WON! Congrats to a well-deserved win!

They are BIG news right now, as they also had a two-day pop-up shop at Nordstrom's in Fashion Island last week. Sadly, I was out of town so I could not attend, but I'm sure it was fabulous. 

[desi]gn cakes makes one of the most unique cupcakes I've ever tasted -- buffalo chicken. Yes, you heard me right and it's delicious! I gotta get over to their commercial kitchen in Chino soon so I can try it again.

Cupcake Camp OC 2012 Postponed

According to their Facebook page, Cupcake Camp OC is on hold. Originally it was scheduled for December 1, 2012. No reason was given for the postponement, but I'm personally happy for the change because I wasn't going to be able to attend on that date. The only other detail given is that it will possibly happen in the spring. I will keep you posted.

Dessert Overload at OC Fair 2012

The OC Fair is officially open! As I mentioned earlier this month, the OC Fair Cupcake Classic is coming up in a few weeks. This year, instead of being a judge at the Cupcake Classic (as I was in 2010 and 2011), I got to judge the Culinary Arts competition. The judging for this event takes place before the fair opens to the public. The winners then have their desserts on display throughout the duration of the fair.

The Culinary Art division of the OC Fair is made up of several categories: Baked Goods, Confections, Sugar Art, and Table Settings. I didn't know ahead of time which category I would be judging, but I was hoping it wouldn't be table settings (I don't know anything about them and I certainly can't eat them).

I soon found out that I, along with Lyle of Meringue Bake Shop, and another judge, would be judging single-layer cakes, cheesecakes, and cupcakes. I couldn't wait!

The exhibition hall for the competition looked fabulous! There were so many desserts filling the hall. When I asked how many items we would be judging, I was told 120. I thought she was kidding. Nope, 120 desserts! I was overwhemled but ready.

We started off judging the single-layer cake division, which had many sub-divisions including bundt cakes, pound cakes, fruit-filled cakes, and cheesecakes (yum!). Someone even submitted a fruit cake (sorry, but that just isn't going to earn a ribbon). The real party started when we got to the largest division: CUPCAKES! I was really impressed with the caliber of the cupcakes. These were baked by amateur bakers, yet some of the cupcakes were outstanding! My favorites were strawberry lemonade, maple bacon, and chocolate chocolate.

I never thought I would get to the point were I tasted and spit desserts, but when you have 120 things to judge, it will eventually happen. BUT I will say that I didn't feel extremely over-full after it was over. Maybe a new strategy I'll have to try again at my next cupcake competition.

You can view the winner's of the culinary arts competition at the OC Fair from July 13-August 12. I'm heading back to the fair this weekend to "test" the other fair food. Honey-dipped corn dog, anyone?

OC Cupcake Classic is Coming Up

The OC Fair is just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited! I love attending every year because I love the food. I eat pretty healthy most of the time, but when the fair is in town all bets are off!

For the past two years I have judged an event at the OC Fair called the OC Cupcake Classic. It is a fun event where amateur bakers around Orange County submit their homemade cupcakes to compete. It is a live judging event, so the bakers get to watch as the judges taste their creations.

This year's event takes place on Saturday, August 4 at 1:00pm. There are three categories: fruit flavored, chocolate, and other. Last year I judged only the chocolate cupcakes and I was definitely on chocolate-overload after the event. Entries must be submitted by August 1. You can sign up here. All info about this competition, as well as the other food competitions at the OC Fair can be found here.

Cupcake Camp OC 2011: The Winners

Although I LOVE being a judge at cupcake competitions, it's no easy job. Sometimes there is a clear-cut winner, other times I have a hard time choosing. This was one of those times. There were so many delicious cupcakes at this year's Cupcake Camp OC, so picking my overall favorites was hard.

There were three categories at Cupcake Camp OC: Most OC, Most Childhood-Inspried, and Spirit of 9/11. Here are the winners for each category:

Most OC Winners
1st: Bubba Sweets - Sea Salt Caramel
2nd: Hollicakes - Chocolate Orange
3rd: Design Cakes and Cupcakes - Churro

Cupcake Activist's picks for Most OC
1st: Sweet September Cupcakes - French Toast
2nd: Design Cakes and Cupcakes - Churro
3rd: Bubba Sweets - Sea Salt Caramel

Most Childhood-Inspried Winners
1st: Michelle Chang - Banana Split
2nd: Hollicakes - Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies
3rd: Bubba Sweets - PB&J

Cupcake Activist's picks for Most Childhood-Inspired
1st: Hollicakes - Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies
2nd: Michelle Chang - Banana Split
3rd: Judy Nguyen - S'mores

Spirit of 9/11 Winners (design only)
1st: Hollicakes
2nd: Hey Cupcakes
3rd: Design Cakes and Cupcakes

Cupcake Activist's Picks for Spirit of 9/11
1st: Hey Cupcake
2nd: Michelle Chang
3rd: Hollicakes

The Winners: Bubba Sweets, Hollicakes, and Michelle Chang

Of course I snuck a few of my favorite cupcakes home with me, to share with my husband of course....well, mostly just so I could eat them when I got my second wind. Turns out my baby belly is the perfect cupcake stand. Pretty soon I'll be big enough to hold a jumbo cupcake!

Thank you to all of the bakers at Cupcake Camp OC. It seems like this year the best of the best came out. Keep baking and I'll keep eating!

Cupcake Camp OC 2011: The Cupcakes

Cupcake Camp is all about the cupcakes. Couldn't be a better way to raise money for a good cause then getting together to eat lots of cupcakes! Although this year's Cupcake Camp OC had less entries, the majority were of high quality. (Sadly, last year I had to spit out a few.)

This year's event had a few familiar faces, but mostly new ones. My favorites from last year (Meringue Bake Shop, My Delight Cupcakery) did not attend this year. I don't know if this was due to poor advertising for the the event or what, but that doesn't mean there was a shortage of great cupcakes.

The Best of OC category

Best Childhood Inspiration category

Several entries from the Spirit of 9/11 category

How can you possibly choose a favorite? That's a job I don't take lightly. Results to be posted on Friday.

Charity Never Tasted Sweeter!

I attended the 2nd annual Cupcake Camp OC last Sunday and had a great time! Any time I can get together with other cupcake lovers and eat lots of cupcakes is always a success. This year's event benefitted Children of the Night, a non-profit organization that helps fight child prostitution.

This week I'll be highlighting the event, introducing you to the winners, and of course sharing my favorite cupcakes with you.

LA Cupcake Challenge 2011: The Competitors, Part Two

The cupcakes keep coming. I was almost overwhelmed by how many cupcakes there were at this year's LA Cupcake Challenge. Key word: almost.

My Delight Cupcakery
www.mydelightcupcakery.com
Twitter: @My_Delight
Facebook: My Delight Cupcakery
Ontario, CA

I reviewed My Delight Cupcakery just a week before the LA Cupcake Challenge. I fell in love with their unique flavors, moist cake, and delicious frostings. Last year they placed 1st for Best Original and 2nd for Best Overall. They certainly didn't disappoint at LA Cupcake Challenge this year, as they won 1st place in all three categories! Congratulations are well-deserved!

11: Red Velvet
Even though I knew this Red Velvet was amazing, I was still impressed at how well it stacked up against the competition. Perfect cream cheese frosting!

27: Late Night Breakfast

This chicken & waffles cupcake was the talk of the afternoon. Although I've eaten a chicken & waffles cupcake before, this one was delicious. The maple syrup frosting was a bit greasy for me, but I loved the flavor combination of this cupcake.

And who wouldn't love this display? Yum!

Jus Minis

www.jus-minis.com
Twitter: @jusminis
Facebook: Jus Minis

Last year Jus Minis took 2nd in Best Original and 1st in Best Overall. Like My Delight Cupcakery, they matched their performance from last year. Although they got a 2nd and 3rd this year, I think their cupcakes deserved better.

24: Josephine
I loved the flavor combination of this vanilla cupcake, filled with caramel, topped with Nutella frosting, caramelized d'anjou pear, and a phyllo agave crisp. Several of these ingredients were unique, which made this cupcake one of my favorites of the day.

Fresh pears make a good display. I like how Jus Minis assembles their cupcakes at the event. They did this last year with their caramelized bananas. I think this makes the cupcakes more delicious.

10: Red Velvet
Not just an ordinary red velvet, this one was filled with cheesecake, topped with cherry compote cream cheese frosting and graham cracker crumbles. Yum!

Hansen's Cakes

08: Bridal White Cake

www.hansencakes.com

Twitter: @hansencakes

Showrooms in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Tarzana

Hansen's used the same exact boring cupcake as last year. I have no idea why so many people voted for this cupcake as Best Traditional. Because you can find it at every wedding? Blah.

I learned that Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom used Hansen's Cakes for their wedding cake. Maybe that's why everyone voted for them.

The Cake Mamas
www.thecakemamas.com
Twitter: thecakemamas
Facebook: The Cake Mamas
Glendora, CA

I met The Cake Mamas at Cupcake Cake IE last fall. Their Autumn Apple cupcake won for Tastiest Cupcake.

34: Cookies N' Cream
So much Oreo in this cupcake...I loved it!

14: Chocolate Truffle
Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. I especially liked the mousse frosting.

Blue Cupcake
www.bluecupcake.com
Twitter: @blue_cupcake
Facebook: Blue Cupcake
Sold at Century City Farmer's Market, Carmela Ice Cream, and Boba Loca Coffee

Blue Cupcake won 2nd place in Best Traditional last year. I chose them as one of my favorites.

02: Chocolate S'mores
I like that they toasted the masrhmallow frosting to make it more authentic.

16: PB and J

Although I've had PB & J cupcakes before, this one was outstanding. Blue Cupcake is on my list of favorites again this year.

Check out the first group of competitors here.
See the winners of the 2011 LA Cupcake Challenge here.

LA Cupcake Challenge 2011: The Competitors, Part One

My favorite cupcake competition of the year came and went too fast. Last year I had a blast and was not disappointed this year. The LA Cupcake Challenge showcases some of the best cupcakes in the LA area. I could barely contain my giddiness as I walked into the room and saw all of the cupcakes.

Yesterday I posted the results of the competition, but for the rest of the week I am introducing all of the cupcakes entered in the contest, along with their contact info. I will also be posting my picks for the best cupcakes.

Fairy Cakes Bakery
www.fairycakesbakery.com
Facebook: Fairy Cakes Bakery
Orange County, CA

19: Pineapple Right Side Up
Loved their cupcake flavors last year, but not so much this year

The Cake Shop
www.bakerysweets.com/The_Cake_Shop
Apple Valley, CA

15: Red Velvet
Same red velvet as last year, but I really like the chocolate ganache, as it sets it apart from other red velvets.

35: Chery Bomb
One of my favorite cupcakes of the day. I'm not normally a cherry person, but this cupcake tasted just like a cherry cordial.

Sugar Babies Cupcakery
www.sugarbabiescupcakery.com
Twitter: @Sugar_Babies
Facebook: Sugar Babies Cupcakery
Cupcake truck in LA Area

32: PB and J
Good peanut butter frosting.

12: Breakfast at Tiffany's

Pretty blue color, but plain taste.

Magnolia Bakery
www.magnoliabakery.com
Twitter: @magnoliabakery
Facebook: Magnolia Bakery
Los Angeles, CA

I've been wanting to try Magnolia Bakery since they opened a LA location. I finally had my chance.

25: S'mores

I liked the look of these cupcakes because they were all different. The cake was dry, but because of that, it tasted more like a graham cracker. The frosting was a good mix between buttercream and marshmallow.

26: Orange

Blah. My friend Jill liked this, but I'm not much of an orange fan.

See the results of LA Cupcake Challenge here. Check back soon to see the next set of competitors.

Sugar Rush: Cupcake Competition Winners

I love eating cupcakes. And I love judging cupcake competitions because I love eating cupcakes. I usually feel a little sick to my stomach around cupcake #15, but I always get a second wind.

Saturday's Sugar Rush had 17 cupcakes in the competition. And I tried every single one. I have to, it's my job. I need to find the best cupcake.





After careful consideration and multiple tastes and re-tastes, here are the winners:

Best Taste

1st Place - Little Miss Cupcake by Tiffany

2nd Place - Sweet Bite by Samantha Buchanan
(also my favorite cupcake)

3rd Place - [Desi]gn Cakes & Cupcakes by Desiree Massei

Best Design

1st Place - Yummie's Cupcakes by Janice Meiners

2nd Place - Meli's Cupcakes

3rd Place - Cupcakes by Veronica

People's Choice

Meli's Cupcakes

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Orangewood Children's Foundation and eat cupcakes. I love it when cupcakes can help raise money for a good cause.

Let me close with a photo of my niece who enjoyed looking at the cupcakes, but not eating them (it's tough being a baby). Isn't she a doll?