The 3rd annual PHS Cupcake War in the Foods 2 classes went down this past October. This was a highly anticipated project for Trojan Foods students. Students from multiple class periods created batches of cupcakes, decorated, and created a display for their work.
Each team had three days to complete their final cupcakes. The first day consisted of making their batter for their cupcakes within the shortened Monday schedule. The next day, the students baked their cupcakes and whipped up their frosting. On the final day, they were to assemble their cupcakes while meeting the requirement of using at least two different frosting tips to make unique frosting designs. While the time was quickly passing, they had to get their kitchen clean and have their cupcakes arranged on their display. The judges were 11 teachers at PHS.
Ms. Caniglia, the Foods instructor, uses the Cupcake War to teach her students basic baking and decorating skills. It also teaches them how to find their own recipes, apply them, and to adapt if needed. This competition is based off of the show Cupcakes Wars, having a limited amount of time to complete the challenge. Each team had to follow the basic rules of kitchen safety, sanitation, and creativity.
With 5 original group competing, the top 3 groups were Colt Brockman (11), Jordan Martenson (12), Kaeden Bailey (11) in 3rd place; Sierra Stednitz (12) and Reese Lingle (12) in 2nd place; and Layla Voss (11), Estelle Redlightning (12), and Addy McClentock (11) in 1st place.
When Estelle Redlightning (12) commented on her win: “I was genuinely surprised when it was announced who won. Ms. Caniglia had it on a slide show of all the peoples displays and the cupcakes on little podiums. When it got to second and we weren’t up I thought we just hadn’t places but i was wrong. I do have to say that Ms. Caniglia and the other teachers who judged gave very good feedback and criticism.”
This was a fun and interactive activity in the Foods classes. Ms. Caniglia plans on doing one every year for the years to come. Many food students greatly enjoyed the challenge and found it fun to complete.
