Second place went to Stephanie Dillon, Hy-Vee Inc., Belton, MO. The third place winner was Rose Adams, The Kroger Co., Bloomfield Hills, MI.
IDDBA Executive Director Carol Christison had this to say about the Cake Challenge contestants: "Creating customer excitement and involvement in the store is as simple as letting talented cake decorators demonstrate their skills in a special in-store showcase. Decorating cakes is a customer magnet. We know this is true because the contestants in IDDBA's 16th annual cake decorating challenge had people standing three and four deep to watch them play with frosting. While it looked like child's play, it was really the highest degree of skill and talent. These decorators are extremely happy to share their gift with customers, or in this case, show attendees. The fact that the challenge included decorating in the middle of a convention center added to the excitement. These three incredibly talented decorators are truly the rock stars of the cake world."
There are three phases to the Challenge. On Sunday, June 5, each contestant decorated enough cakes to fill one multi-tiered, eight-foot bakery case. On Monday, June 6, each contestant decorated a multi-tiered wedding cake. On Tuesday, June 7, each contestant decorated three "themed" cakes of their choosing, one from each category: special occasion; theme/event; and decorator's interpretation of the IDDBA's Dairy-Deli-Bake 2011 Rock Star Food show theme.
Judges for the contest were Luke Bender, Maplehurst Bakeries, LLC and Jim Caliendo, Rich Products Corporation.
Ray Lippert, Bakery Crafts, Pam Pelzel, Bakery Crafts, and Elizabeth Riggs, Bakery Crafts were on site to support the contestants and provide equipment. Bakery Crafts also provided cake decorating accessories, tips, equipment, and support. CSM Bakery Products, Enjay Converters Ltd., Flavor Right Foods Group, Lawrence Foods, Inc., Maplehurst Bakeries, LLC, and Rich Products Corporation provided product for the event.
