2011 Festive Cake Icing Champs
We were looking for expert ice work but also (and more importantly) the the spirit behind the cake and the strength of the concept. The prize? A mighty R1,000 to spend on Yuppiechef kitchen tools for the overall winner and R250 each for three lucky runners-up.
We kept a close watch on the array of cakes submitted via an app on our Facebook page and were bowled over by the effort and skill evident in each of the tasty creations. From breathtaking professional icing to more cheeky creative concoctions – all were heart stealing.
There were even a couple of recurring themes including baobabs, the big five and penguins:
A big thank you and snappy soldier salute to everyone who submitted a cake, we wish we could make you all winners. If you’re interested in seeing all of the entries, check our this collage of all of the festive cakes. Tasty.
The whole of Yuppiechef HQ stood still earlier today as we rallied to view the entries and choose the winners. Cakes were rated out of 10 on 1) idea and 2) ice work and each staff member was also asked to select three favourites. When the scores were tallied the results were close, and without further ado:
Runner-up Janine Schnugh | Jozi Christmas under the Upside-Down tree
“A giraffe enjoys Christmas under the Baobab – complete with gifts, Christmas trimmings, and vibrant Strelitzias set against the skyline of the city of gold! Boabab structure is constructed from florist wire, covered in marbled fondant. All other elements are hand-moulded from coloured fondant. A sprinkling of lustre dust completes the Christmas scene. Vanilla sponge cake with a South African twist – Amarula Buttercream icing”.
Runner-up Angela Lightbody | Mzanzi Christmas:
“Beneath the African night sky, Mary (originally of the Southern suburbs of Cape Town), and Joseph (of the Transkei), welcome baby Jesus to the world. A horse (Rocket) and a sheep (Shaun) have followed the South African rainbow star from as far afield as the Karoo, and have come to witness this joyous occasion in Bethlehem in the Freestate. Joy to the world!”
Runner-up Audrey Loney | Christmas at Boulders
“Penguins were the guests of honor at our office Christmas lunch this year! Even sugarpaste penguins need to be mindful of the African sun (get some SPF, little buddy). Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, festive inside and out with handcrafted sugarpaste penguins.”
And our grand winner of the 2011 Festive Cake Icing Challenge, Sam Lynch, for Father Christmas takes his holidays in Cape Town:
“After a long couple of days getting the last Christmas gifts delivered, FC and Rudolf decide to end it all off in the best country in the world! Finishing the last of their ADMIN on Christmas day, they head off to do a few touristy things: Cable car, Aquarium, Boat rides and of course a special Boney M performance, after which they enjoy a rustic meal at Moyo. They then proceed to enjoy a night of mayhem in the city of Cape Town. FC gets a tattoo, and his hat gets BLINGed! Rudolf purchases some African cuffs, gets his ear pierced and even gets his 2 front teeth pulled to fit in! Rudolf manages to get in a last minute order at Yuppiechef, for his ultimate favourite spatula. After all the festivities, on Boxing day they land up on Boulders Beach(by invite only) to be waited on by their loving penguin fans who have followed them across the world!”
Special mention must be made of talented bakers Lize van den Heever, Jess Franks, Mandy Nel, Zozette Balsaras and Angel Conradie whose cakes gave the winners a serious run for their money.
Remember to feast your eyes on the collage of all the entries and we look forward to seeing you all you bakers again soon. Rumour has it there might be an Easter Cupcake baking challenge on the cards…