ICM: Tea for Two...or 60-something

For almost a year now, I have been running home from Iron Cupcake and downloading my photos, writing my captions and getting my blog posts up that same night. MY APOLOGIES. Life had other plans for me this week. But...finally....without further adieu...I give you IronCupcake:Milwaukee - RISHI TEA challenge!



Our first challange since our appearance on TMJ4, it was also our biggest. For eaters and bakers! With 12 different bakers and 60-ish eaters. It was borderline cupcake chaos! The RISHI Tea proved to be a formidable ingredient that inspired many to jump in.



A little friend of Leah, and our youngest voter ever was there...note how that ballot is nearly as tall as she is!



And thank goodness that Miss Olivia was there to pass out the ballots, she was a huge help.

And now, on to the creations!



Chef Jeff got out his crazy-stick, as usual. Incorporating peach tea, orange and bacon to present the Twisted Peach Tea Cupcake.



I shot mine the night before...it was a Sweet Matcha cupcake with blueberries mixed in and a Rishi Blueberry Tea infused Boba Cream Frosting.



Shannon - a fellow TOH'er - baked for the first time tonight and she did a beautiful job incorporating her favorite tea into this Jasmine Tea Cupcake.



Christine was new as well. She had caught wind of the cupcake craziness on the news and on the blog and created these beautiful Masala Chai Cuppies...with ethnically inspired propping no less!



And, Leah, another TOH buddy and an ICM judging regular brought out her big guns with her interpretation of the Blueberry Rooibos Cupcake. She claimed 3rd place for the night for this berry yummy creation. Way to go Leah!



Katie, one of our ICM regulars did not let us down. Her entry was the RISHI Spicy Gingerbread Mate with Cinnamon Buttercream.



Susie, one of our most prolific bakers made her ode to feeling better with Good For What Ails Ya! A cupcake the incorporated black tea, honey and lemon and even an edible tea cup!



It was a big night for the TOH food stylist team. Kaitlyn joined us as well. The last time we saw her was when she came and handed all of us our walking papers during challenge Mexican. Tonight's creations was the Mango Masala Chai Upside Down Cupcake.



Ashley, aka Miss Hollywood, was back. We missed her. And check out this Coconut Chai creation, isn't it lovely? If I do say so myself!



First timer Jennifer brought her "A" game for sure with an absolutely GORGEOUS Rishi Blueberry TeaCupCake!



Brendan and Preston each baked with the Blueberry as well, each adding their own personal twists. Due to a delayed entry from Preston, I did not get it on camera, but I heard it was good. And kudos to Brendan for claiming 2nd place!

So, who was the winner?!?!
It was Miss Katie (below)!!!!
Entry "F", with her RISHI Spicy Gingerbread Mate with Cinnamon Buttercream. Way to go Katie!

Our next challenge is the ALTERRA Coffee challenge on Monday, February 23rd at 6 p.m. Please see the previous post for more information.