Baking a Difference

I am so happy :). Happy, proud, and impressed all rolled into one.

Today was UVA Baking Club's very first annual Baking A Difference bake off, and I'd say it was a great success!

The UVA baking club is a small group of students on grounds who all share one thing in common: a love for baking. I have been fortunate enough to lead this quaint, yet wonderful club for the past year, and our big project for the past semester has been planning our very first bake off. To make things even sweeter, we were fortunate enough to partner with SweetHaus- a local cupcake & candy shop in Charlottesville!

We had 7 contestants enter with their 7 yummy desserts, a great location (thanks to Tara and SweetHaus!), and a boom box. We were set!

Many people, both Charlottesvillians and students, came out to taste and vote. The caliber of baked goods was impressive, and SO delicious! It was hard to choose who to vote for!

Votes were cast for first place as well as honorable mention, and although they were extremely close, a winner was determined!

Meaghan McGarry and Samantha Richardson took first place for their Vanilla Bean Cupcake with Vanilla Bean Frosting and Strawberry Sauce. Mmmmmm!

Honorable Mention went to Jizzle Bars! Peanut butter & chocolate bars with special ingredient: potato chips!

Shoutouts to the other contestants: Margaret's Pumpkin Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting!

Ivy's Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Grace & Emily's Banana Coconut Cake Balls!

Sara's Spice Cake Truffles!

Stephanie & Zach's Cinnamon Nutella Cake!

Today was great. We made new friends, taste-tested desserts, enjoyed the sunny weather, and now have the opportunity to give local youth the chance to learn how to bake!

So yes, I'd say we definitely baked a difference today :)