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Cupcake wars: 20th Force Support Squadron awakens

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  • By Airman 1st Class Destinee Sweeney
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
The 20th Force Support Squadron hosted a Star Wars-themed baking competition for the 2017 Cupcake Wars at the Chief Master Sgt. Emerson E. Williams Dining Facility to coincide with “May the Fourth be with You,” Star Wars Day, May 4.

The annual Cupcake Wars competition is open to everyone on base, providing an opportunity to bring Team Shaw members together to make food, break bread and test their kitchen competence against the clock.

“Food brings everyone together,” said Airman 1st Class Taryph S. Moses, 20th FSS food services apprentice. “Everyone might come from different backgrounds, but going to this one event, you have something in common to talk about to break the ice.”

During the event, four Team Shaw teams had the opportunity to show off their pastry proficiency in front of a panel of four judges. The competition, however, was not a one-chef show.

“You definitely have to work together,” said Moses. “You have an hour and a half to make three different types of cupcakes. The first is your main specialty, the second is using secret ingredients and the third using the Star Wars theme.”

The two secret ingredients were marshmallows and black licorice, which the teams had to incorporate into their dessert. Once the time ran out, the judges scored the food based on appearance and taste.

“It was a great experience,” said Senior Airman Lauren McCall, “Stormbakers” team member. “I was really nervous because I’ve never had to bake under pressure before and the other teams had great-looking cupcakes and they tasted amazing as well.”

McCall said her team decided to join the competition to have fun and represent their squadron.

In the end, the 20th FSS “Stormbakers” team was declared first place winners of the competition with a Yoda cheesecake-inspired cupcake, a Princess Lea vanilla cupcake incorporating the secret ingredients, and a Darth Vader chocolate cupcake.

McCall said she believes the Yoda cupcake is what really swayed the judges in their favor.

“The Force was strong with us,” said McCall.

For their next event, the dining facility staff is scheduled to host the annual Iron Chef Competition July 26. For more information contact Moses or Staff Sgt. Misty Edwards, 20th FSS shift supervisor, at 803-895-9799.