With a winter storm warning in effect, something deep down told me that it would be a quiet night at Iron Cupcake Milwaukee. Damn, was I wrong!?! We had some awesome Christmas cupcake creations that represented the good (and the bad) of the holiday - sorry Ann C, no stollen cupcake! PLUS, a massive group of people come to taste and judge, toast a drink and share in the holiday cheer.


Liz made it, with her friend Hector (above) and her Double Chocolate Bailey's and Mint Cupcake (below). Talk about holiday cheer! Woo Hoo!


The ladies from Fratellos; Lindsay, Aimee and Shauna, were eager to be tasters tonight.


My girl Liz could not make it tonight - she lives far enough away that the storm warning had her heading home instead of to cupcakes - but her friends made it! Colleen, Erin, Melissa and Nicole came to nibble on the various cuppies, good and bad and pass their judgment. It was awesome to have them there and I thank you ladies, for joining us!


Chris, a new friend to Iron Cupcake, came to check out what the hype was about...and he brought his pirate face!


Katie did not have time to bake tonight, but that didn't stop her and her friends, Lisa and Margie, from coming for a heavy dose of sweet treats!


It was soooo great to see Stephanie tonight! We met her a few weeks ago at the Michael Symon party! She has been reading the blog for a while and decided to bring her friend Katie to give Iron Cupcake a try in person!


Speaking of readers of the blog...this is Sheila and her friend Mike! She is one of the weekly winners of the Holiday Giveaway! She decided to come pick up her prize in person and come out the shadows of the blog and to make some new friends! We are thrilled that she did!


Brendan whipped up a dual colored Candy Cane Cupcake, an homage to the classic holiday sweet; complete with swirly frosting and candy on top. Oh yes, and below, would be Brendan's GRINCH underwear. He seemed hell-bent in sharing his goofy boxers with me, knowing it would make it back to the blog.



And, speaking of the Grinch, lets take a peek at Jeff's trio of Grinch Cupcakes, created to the lyrics of the You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch song. See his note for the disgusting details!



Sweetie Susie showed up with Santa's Bag. A Cherry, Red Velvet cupcake with handmade chocolate presents and licorice ribbon. She also brought a box of her now famed "balls" which I will blog about later this week when I give them a serious tasting.


I had so many ideas bopping around in my head for this challenge, I could not help but create two. My first, was a Gingerbread Cupcake with a Gluhwein (mulled wine) cream cheese frosting. It reminds me of those cold, somewhat inebriated nights in Germany a few years ago.


Last, but not least, my Trader Joe Joe's Chocolate Cookie Cupcake with Candy Cane Double Chocolate Ganache (CRACK). I WON! Wooooo! It has been a while since the wine challenge, so it was fun to reap the reward. Added bonus, my Gingerbread cupcake came in third as well...so I guess it was just my night. It really is just for the fun though, thanks gang.

It has been a huge gift to have made so many great new friends this year via Iron Cupcake. I raise a glass - or a cupcake - to each and everyone of you a for a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2009!

Next Challenge: January 12, Breakfast