1, 2, 3, 4: it’s a cupcake war!

Robbinsville, Hayesville hold inaugural kitchen clash

The teams formed for Nov. 14’s inaugural “Smalltown Cupcake Showdown” flexed their creative muscle, both over a stove and when selecting a name for their ensemble. Pictured are the “Gangster Grinches,” which are comprised of (from left): Alexis Miller, Zeyli Williams, Alyssa Bohn, Dreydon Conley and Bella Coats. Photo by Latresa Phillips/The Graham Star

Robbinsville – Nov. 14 marked the inaugural “Smalltown Cupcake Showdown” at Robbinsville High School.

It was a sweet competition between Ms. Lorie Waldroup’s culinary classes and the foods 2 and FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) Club from Hayesville High School.

Career and technical education teachers Michele Rhinehardt and Kayla Clonts came up with the idea after a competition they planned to attend in Asheville was canceled due to Hurricane Helene. The Hayesville High teachers contacted Waldroup and plans were made to bring the competition closer to home.

The students began their training a couple of weeks before. They watched videos, picked themes and were placed in groups for competition. Team members brushed up on icing and decorating skills using mashed potatoes while mastering the piping techniques.

“I enjoyed learning about the different tips. I didn’t have any interest in decorating before, but now I think I am pretty good at it,” said culinary 1 student Alyssa Bohn.

Emery Beasley and Presley Perere added that they would be interested in decorating cakes and cupcakes as a hobby in the future.

A total of seven teams competed by creating a team name, a cupcake theme and decorating the cupcakes for judging. Judges were Pam Knott, Julie Farley, Tiffany Millsaps, Rick Parham, Lauren Silvers and Traci McGuire, all of Robbinsville. Cupcakes were judged by presentation, creativity, taste and texture.

After an intense tasting, the awards were presented:

* The Neyland Knights took Best In Show and Most Unique Theme;

* Gobble Til You Wobble won the Best Taste and Texture;

* Gangster Grinches won Best Holiday Spirit;

* The Baller Bakers won Most Colorful Creation;

* The D1 Decorators won Most Memorable;

* The Gobblers won Most Elegant Design, and;

* The Tinsel Toppers won the Sweetest Design Award.

It was a unanimous decision by faculty members of both Hayesville and Robbinsville that the competition become an annual tradition. Next year’s competition will be held at Hayesville. It promises to be even sweeter, as both teams feel that the first year has given them the experience and has helped them become more aware of what they need to include for the next round of competition.

Both programs promise to have some sweet surprises in store for next year.

GrahamCounty