Menifee Youth Compete in Their Own 'Cupcake Wars'

From left: Castadie Pacheco, Thea Taylor, Nancy Nguyen and Julianna Horsley, all age 13, work on their cupcake creations. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon

Inspired by a Food Network television show and supported by a local community service program, Menifee youngsters participated in their own version of "Cupcake Wars" Monday at Sun City Library.

The library's community room was turned into a cupcake decorating shop as about two dozen young people created their own special decorations for the delicious treats. The activity, part of the library's calendar of activities, was based on the TV series of the same name, in which participants -- both adults and children -- bake and decorate cupcakes for judging.

The vanilla cupcakes for this event were already baked and provided by Sweet Tee's Heavenly Cupcakes, a local business. Judging was done by employees of Sweet Tee's who also perform community service at the library. Funding for the project was made possible by the Friends of the Sun City Library.

Participants were given a variety of ingredients to choose from for their decorations, including five flavors of fondant icing. The youth used the toppings in various ways to create interesting shapes and delicious cupcakes.

Ages of those involved ranged from high school age down to Joe Anthony Pacheco, 3, who couldn't wait to bite into the cupcake his mother helped him make (left). The three cupcakes judged as winning the contest were decorated by Nancy Nguyen, Ava Fernandes and Lizbeth Ramirez.

There are many activities held on a regular basis at the Sun City Library, located at 26982 Cherry Hills Blvd. For a schedule of events, visit the library's Facebook page or call 951-679-3534.

Participants used various ingredients and tools to create interesting shapes.

Cupcake Wars winners, from left: Lizbeth Ramirez, Ava Fernandes, Nancy Nguyen.