Groups compete in bi-annual cake challenge; this year’s theme inspired by horror films

By Leyla Ramsdell, STAFF WRITER

SANFORD, Maine – Sanford High School’s Senior Culinary Art class competed it’s bi-annual cake challenge on Dec. 6. This year’s theme challenged 11 teams to make cakes inspired by horror movies.

The theme was decided by the students. The students also voted on the rules and other aspects of the competition.

The winning cake of the first semester competition was “Beetleguese”, baked by Hazel Bouchard, Abigail Bouchard, Alisa Collins and Lily Sweetser.

The cake contest has been going on for a few years, according to April Camire who is the Culinary Arts teacher. 

The cakes were scored with 6 different categories which include: theme execution, surprise feature, the slideshow presentation, taste and texture. The cakes also had to have a surprise feature that went with the theme of the cake. 

Each category was ranked by points, 5 being the best 1 being the worst. The judges are teachers who follow a rubric set by Camire.

To note, students were not allowed to use red and black food coloring because Camire said “they taste terrible”, and she wanted the challenge to require more research for the class –meaning they had to use other foods and such to make the colors. 

Teams also had to contribute to a slideshow, with a picture and description of the movie the cake’s theme was, the process of how the cake was made, as well as the ingredients and flavors. It also included the surprise element they had to include. 

The winners of the competition get an engraved plaque with their names on it and it will be hung outside of the Culinary Arts room. 

“I have been doing this contest for eight years but it has always been a part of SHS culture,” said Camire.