Cookie Monster Cupcakes

about a year ago i entered a cupcake contest, one that i fretted over, planned for for weeks and drove poor nuria up the wall with different ideas, as well as made two cupcake stands, only to have the event be cancelled due to jackassery unknown reasons.

so whatever, this year was better as it was organized by Rachel of Coconut & Lime. i don't know all the specifics but her intern/assistant Jillian was fantastic with answering questions, Whole Foods donated cupcakes, plates & utensils, and Bluehill Tavern was kind enough to host the event. for more information hit up Charm City Cupcake Camp.

the turnout was quite impressive. my friend Nancy's stepdaughters brought Butterbeer cupcakes and decorated their creations with Harry Potter faces or symbols. They took home the Most Original prize. my biggest competition was the Angry Birds creation, it was very professional looking, the details were impeccable. but in the end, i took home the Best Decoration honors.

i won't lie, i was aiming for placement (go big or GO HOME), ideally for best taste (but lost to a blueberry+bacon concoction) and the fact that i was up against such a gorgeously executed cupcake like the Angry Birds one had me sweating. i texted bigK in a panic.

i should also mention that dw was a judge, tho he was of no help to me prior to the event. Mr. Morals & High Ethics could barely taste my cream cheese frosting for fear of being unfair, the only way i knew my frosting was ok was because he didn't make a face or throw it up. one of the judges did think my cookie monsters were boxed cake, he set her straight; the only thing i did not make were the cookies. i used my blue velvet cake recipe + cream cheese frosting, dyed the coconut flakes blue, the eyes were made with candy melt discs + black gel icing.

next year, i have my eyes on Best Taste overall, and for the Dairy Free category.

forgive the first collage, i took those snaps with my phone.