Patch Monroe, CT --Trays of cupcakes covered two tables inside the Stepney Elementary School cafeteria on Saturday afternoon. Chocolate, vanilla and cheesecake cupcakes topped with candies and frosting in assorted colors were judged in a contest during the school's annual carnival.
Two chefs, Fred DuBois of the Connecticut Culinary Institute and Sonia Wells of Saugatuck Kitchens, judged the entries based upon appearance and taste.
When the young bakers gathered around them, Wells said, "This is really, really hard guys. They were all delicious. We did it on a scale of one to five for decorations and flavor. There will be a prize for everyone."
All of the children took home edible medals made of cookies.
Noelle Burgess took first place.
"It was a strawberry lemonade with straws," Wells said of Noelle's cupcakes. "It was very creative."
Noelle won a two hour apprenticeship at DOrazio Sisters Bakery in Newtown, and $15 gift cards to Linda's Story Time in Monroe and to The Cookie Workshop.
The second and third place winners won the gift certificates too.
Julia Telep's cupcakes came in second. "These are delicious," Wells said.
Julia's mother, Karen, said, "They were chocolate with cheesecake in the middle, with chocolate morsels."
The frosting was white and the glaze spelled out "Happy Winter!"
Olivia Frost took third. "Amazing flavor," Wells said of the girl's award-winning cupcakes. Reported by Patch 10 hours ago.