Avery, Emerson, and Harper have been looking forward to the 3rd Annual Neighborhood Baking Challenge hosted by the Goldmans since arriving home from last year’s event. Although it’s a much-anticipated event, the girls generally don’t decide on their entry until the week of the event.
Avery – This year she decided on Oreo Dream, a chocolate cake with Oreo buttercream. It was delicious, beautiful, and professional looking. She nailed it and I, along with several others, honestly thought she would win first place.
Emerson – Emerson decided on a lovely sponge cake with orange buttercream frosting. I’m not sure Emerson has ever had a sponge cake, but that is what she decided. The sponge cake was good, though sponge cake in general is nothing special. However, it was light, fluffy, and paired with the orange buttercream it was truly a lovely tasting and beautiful dessert. Emerson used Justin’s suggestion of Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Banana Cake!
Harper – Harper decided to ask Bob for the Norwegian Apple Pie recipe that came from his stepmom. Harper devoured it when Bob and Cindy brought it over last year. She also made it with Bob and Cindy last year as part of her Baptism gift. The recipe was simple; the dessert absolutely gorgeous coming out of the oven with the sugar and cinnamon topping.
Avery, Emerson, and I went to the actual event as Harper had a soccer game at the same time (Justin took her). Kids and dessert were present in abundance. All the kids did a fantastic job and I know they made the judges decisions hard. Emerson won the Best Looking Dessert….it was said her cake was so beautiful and you could take it anywhere and it would stand out. I knew she would get some award! Avery to my disbelief did not place. I really thought she along with Emerson and Harper would receive an award. The first-place prize went to Harper! I thought Harper’s was fantastic, but I wasn’t expecting a first-place prize for her (sorry Harper when you read this). When she got home, Avery and Emerson told her she didn’t place…she quickly realized we were joking with her and was ecstatic when she ran up to her room and saw the first-place trophy on her bed!
The girls are looking forward to next year….though I think they are thinking about switching it up some for next year!