UPDATED: Milwaukee Likes it SPICY!!!

We had LOTS of new bakers and a few trusty IC:M lifers baking this month. THIRTEEN different entries were spicing up our palettes and everyone seemed to be loving the new digs at The Irish Pub! A couple of new ones were Sandi from Minnesota (left) and the nights popular vote winner, Melissa (right).

Our new friends from The Spice House came in full force bringing lots of judges and gift cards for their 3 favorites.

** Our friends from the Journal Sentinel were there and have posted an awesome story documenting the nights festivities. You know what that means...new friends next month, woo hoo!

(Left to Right)

• Sandi Oh, one of the awesome IronCupcake:Earth bakers came all the way from Minneapolis via roadtrip to toss her hat in our ring with two entries Spiced Pineapple Cupcake and Coconut Spiced Cupcakes.
• Another new friend, Mattie, brought her awesome Haruko Cupcake, a Green Tea Cupcake with Lemon Curd and a Sour Cream Basil Icing. Mmmmm, I love those Asian flavors.

(Left to Right)

• It has been a while, but I knew for SPICY, I had to enter. Mine was called the Hot Milwaukee Iron Cupcake; a Spicy S'Mores Cupcake with Chocolate and Peanut Butter Fudge. Topped with Spicy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Ganache and a Homemade Marshmallow. For my efforts, I garnered the 3RD place partner's pick, complements of the SPICE HOUSE.
• The next entry was returning baker, Jenna, and her Triple Ginger Zen Cupcake with Wasabi Swirl. And she REALLY scored, taking home 3RD in the popular vote and 1ST as the SPICE HOUSE partners pick.
• The next entry was birthday girl Melissa's Chai Cupcake with Honey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. The birthday God's were with her as she won 1st place in the popular vote, taking home a $25 Gift Certificate to our new home, The Irish Pub. Thanks Keegan!

(Left to Right)

• Kristen tempted the crowd with her light summer treat, the Strawberry Basil Cupcake.
• We were happy to see Stacy and her GORGEOUS presentation of the Mango Chutney Cupcake, complete with henna-like frosting.
• Long time friend, Susie, brought her A game once again with her Spice Rack Cupcakes served in homemade Sugar Spice Bottles.

(Left to Right)

• Emily's 7-Spice Chai Cupcake incorporated Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Ginger, Fennel, Anise - with Cream Cheese Spice Frosting and Candy Coated Fennel Seeds. Wow!
• Jennifer joined us for the first time with a luscious Caramel Fleur de Sel Organic Caramel Cupcake with Salted Caramel filling and Vanilla Frosting. Caramel Glaze and Salt Sprinkle. She scored a close 2ND in the popular vote.
• Everyone's favorite crazy cupcaker, Ashley, whipped up some Salt 'n' Pepper Cupcake, incorporating Fresh Strawberry, Telicherry Pepper topped with Vanilla Buttercream and sprinkled with Fleur de Sel and Pepper.

• Last but not least was Emily's 5 Alarm Red Hot Red Velvet Cupcake. Hidden in each delicious bit is ground arbol chile and a pinch of ground red pepper. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting that helps cool the palette. She scored 2ND as SPICE HOUSE partner's pick.

Many thanks to Dan, Chris and especially Bob, for all of their help last night. With Chef Jeff and Aimee unavailable, I could not have done it without them.