I love me some MasterChef (obviously), but especially MasterChef Junior. That's what the Morean Arts Center brings to mind this year with the addition of a "Youth/Teen" category to its Cupcake Contest, scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at St. Petersburg's Morean Center for Clay. The change allows bakers ages 10 to 16 years old to compete alongside contestants in existing categories like "Specialty," where vegan and gluten-free cupcakes are represented.
Those who haven't registered for the annual cupcake-off — which scores novice and professional bakers on their icing/frosting, flavor/texture and presentation/creativity — can do so online. A $15 entry fee and minimum of four cupcakes are required to participate, though bringing more sweets for spectators to sample is encouraged.
First- and second-place awards are determined by a panel of judges, while the crowd, whose tickets cost $5 per person, crowns the People's Choice. Judges include Banyan Cafe & Catering owner Erica Allums, Locale Market pastry chef Alicia Sherrill and Wandering Whisk Bakeshop owner Jen Jacobs, a previous People's Choice honoree. Cupcake Contest winners, announced at 3 p.m., land a trophy from one of the Center for Clay's professional clay artists, plus bragging rights.
With 100 registration spots available, the 2017 competition serves as the biggest yet for the Morean Arts Center, which is also celebrating its 100th birthday.
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This article appears in Aug 10-17, 2017.