And the First Place goes to... ME!!!!

Feeling a little experimental...

I entered my first bake off contest this week sponsored by our local library. Since I saw the advertisement for the contest, I have been pondering on which cake to bake because I have a few favorites. My first thought was to make a Red Velvet cake but this is the South and that is a very common cake around here. Alas, I decided against it. Then I thought, perhaps, I could bake my Signature Strawberry Dream Cake. Well, considering that strawberries are plentiful and abounding, I was sure someone would make a cake containing strawberries.  I finally settled on making a Key lime cake with cream cheese frosting. Making this cake can be tricky because it contains various citrus flavors outside key limes.

Ok, moving on... So I baked the cake the night before and decorated it the next day a few hours before the competition. I load up my car and head to my destination. At this point, I am a nervous wreck!!! I turn in my registration form and place my cake on the table for the moderator to label. I have to leave the room because my heart is thumping. As I walk out of the room, I notice some of the other entries. I am thinking, "There is some real competition in here."

Before:
My "award" winning Key lime cake

Judging is now over. While the scores are being tallied, the floor is open for all the contestants and spectators to enjoy the dessert entries. My ever loyal children make a beeline to my cake and that was all they wanted to eat. :) The moderator now has the list of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners and she is ready to let us know the results... The moderator calls my name for first prize and I am completely surprised. I am given a blue ribbon, a recipe book on baking and I will be featured in our local county newspaper.

After

I simply can't stop smiling about my win. I am so proud of myself. I was actually going to talk myself out of entering because I didn't want to be disappointed. That is the one thing that I have learned about life, it goes on regardless of whether I actively participate and engage or not. I am stepping even further outside of my box and I am now on the hunt for my next competition....

Ciao,