If you’ve never watched the popular Food Network competition show Cupcake Wars, don’t worry. On June 5, you can witness a similar live event when Anthony’s Pier 9 hosts the Valley’s first Eight County Cupcake War. The event is part of the “Cosmos and Cupcakes” fund-raiser for the Miles for Hope Breast Cancer Foundation. “We got the idea from a breast cancer survivor and current volunteer,” says foundation Executive Director Pari Forood. “She approached us saying, ‘Everyone likes to eat cupcakes and everyone likes to drink cosmos, so this combination cocktail party seems like a really fun thing to do.’ ”
The night features both professional and amateur bakers alike. What do they all have in common? A sweet tooth and an eye for decorating. “Absolutely anyone is welcome to compete, from people who own bakeries to those like my 21-year-old daughter who just like baking,” says Forood.
Participants hoping to be dubbed The Cupcake King (or Queen) of the Hudson Valley (an honor which comes complete with a ceremony, an actual crown, cape, and scepter) must prepare five dozen of their signature treats and create a display of them for inspection. Judges include professonial baking staff from the CIA and Nichelle Stephens, founder of the blog Cupcakes Take the Cake; they will look for elements of taste, presentation, and creativity before reaching a verdict. Spectators are invited to taste the desserts throughout the night. Once the winner is chosen, cupcakes will become available for individual purchase.
Tickets are $50 (including dinner provided by Anthony’s), and all proceeds benefit the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center, Inc., and the Littman Cancer Center at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. 6 p.m. 2975 Rte. 9W S., New Windsor; 845-264-2005 or www.milesofhope.com
