“Miami’s Top Cupcake Challenge” took place at the Shops at Sunset Place on Saturday, Nov. 13, and 11th grade student Emily Nelson of Palmetto Bay did better than some of the professional chefs who entered the cooking competition.
The daughter of Amy and Randall Nelson majors in Culinary Arts at Robert Morgan Educational Center and after entering a recipe of her own creation for “Chocolate Piggie” cupcakes she was selected as a finalist. Finalists had to prepare a dozen of the treats to present before the event’s celebrity judges. Only one winner was announced but Emily was told by the panel of judges that her cupcake was in the top three of the competition.
“I was a little nervous when I saw that I was the youngest one competing,” Emily said. “But when the contest got started I felt better, though I was a little surprised that I was competing against some people who actually owned their own bake shops. I was the only one who had a salty/sweet combination cupcake when everyone else had a fruit or alcohol drinkinspired cupcake so that made me feel a little better about my chances.”
Emily’s mother said that when her daughter started taking out her cupcakes on the day of the competition everyone talked about how cute they were and she was very happy and excited to be there.
“There was some tough competition including some local bakery owners,” Amy Nelson said. “She was the youngest competitor. She presented her Chocolate Piggie cupcakes and when she announced that they were dark chocolate and bacon the judges looked surprised and worried about the combination.
“Diana Diaz (Channel 7) was not sure she wanted to try it but once Marybel Rodriguez (Channel 4) tasted them and declared them yummy Diana Diaz took a bite and agreed.”
The remaining cupcakes that each challenger had were cut up and given away to anyone who wanted to taste them.
“Letty Alvarez of LA Sweets came over to get one more taste and was sorry that she had missed being able to taste them again as Emily ran out of cupcakes. She told Emily that she did a great job and to keep baking.”
Emily has been interested in things culinary for years and her determination to pursue that interest got a major boost by placing in the top three.
“I am excited that I did so well and I look forward to participating in more competitions,” Emily said.
