IRON CUPCAKE: Curry

Iron Cupcake: Curry took place under the perfect Wisconsin summer sky. We moved Iron Cupcake outside, along the water on the amazing deck of Fratello’s Waterfront. As you can see, our group is getting bigger and the fun and boasting grows as well. Our gentlemen from Fratello's are NOT happy with the results, so I suspect that a good butt-kicking is imminent. Bring it on, boys! :-)
I brought an old stand-by out to compete in the curry challenge tonight. Some of you may remember my win of the Cream City Collective Cupcake Competition. Her majesty, the Maharani Cupcake graced us with her presence again. Mmmmm. Coconut Cupcake with Curry Coconut Rice Pudding filling, topped with Lemon Curry Curd and Sweet Basil Cream.
Brendan was at it again with his incredible flavor combinations and gorgeous presentation. While this was a DECADENT AND WONDERFUL cupcake, he did not reap the coveted Iron Cupcake certificate due to the only slight flavor presence of curry... inspite of his multitude of curry uses implemented with his creation. Brendan...your time will come, it's OK, this is all in good fun Hee hee hee. Curry Banana Split Cupcakes (above); a combination of Chocolate, Almond, Cayenne and Curry Cupcake; Vanilla, Curry Cupcake with Green Tea and Ginger. Both were topped with Curry Rum Caramel Sauce with Candied Curried Bananas, Curried Coconut, Curry-Chocolate Sauce and Curried Chopped Nuts
Chef Jeff created a light and exotic flavor concept combining green tea, curry and saffron. Since bakers are not allowed a vote in the challenge, I could not toss my two cents in for this one, but I will say that it was my favorite of the night. Of course, I love green tea and I love saffron, so it is no surprise that I liked it so much. His Cup of Tea Cupcakes(above) were Green Tea Cupcakes, infused with Mint. Topped with Curry Saffron Frosting and garnished with Candied Citrus Zest.
My long time high school pal, Julie, sent a recipe on to my friend Liz (shown above) and thus the first proxy cupcake was born.
Julie was looking to live up to the smack-down she issued on her blog. She did not win, but her strong taste of curry did bring her a second place standing. With the help of her generous proxy baker, she submitted the Killer Curry Cashew Cuppies(above), a Sweet Curry Cashew Cupcake with Honey Cream Cheese Curry Frosting topped with Cinnamon-toasted Cashews and Mango.
Last, but not least, was my second entry. Believe it or not, the inspiration comes from an old Taste of Home & Country cake recipe and was filled with a surprising combination of Moroccan Harissa and Chutney – thanx to Mom Ploy for bringing the Harissa all the way from California for the challenge. I am humbled to say that I was named the winner again, but in ALL HONESTY, my prize is just finding such awesome bake-off playmates in the likes of Brendan and Jeff. The winner was the Curry Hummingbird Cupcakes(above); Pineapple, Banana, Golden Raisin, Curry and Cashew Cupcakes filled with Mango Harissa Chutney and topped with Brie, Curry and Cream Cheese Frosting.
Oh Jeff, don’t cry…you will win again soon.

Our next challenge will be Monday, July 14th.
IRON CUPCAKE: SODA POP, challenge ingredient chosen by YOU,
the readers of No One Puts Cupcake in a Corner.