Cupcake Warriors

You might call it the battle of batters.

Two local bakers competed in a TV baking challenge that netted the winners $10,000.

Find out Tuesday night if they won.

Joanne Jarin, pastry chef/owner of The Lucky Cupcake Co. in Plumstead Township, and her assistant, Angela Ferri, flew out to California to participate in the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars.”

The hour-long, weekly show pits four of the country’s top cupcake bakers against each other in three elimination rounds until only one decorator remains. The sweet prize: cash and the opportunity to showcase their cupcakes at a celebratory event.

The theme of Tuesday night’s show is “Walk of Fame,” which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the world-famous, star-lined Hollywood Walk of Fame, honoring legends of film, television and radio.

Both Jarin and Ferri are silent when it comes to talking about show particulars – disclosure contracts prevent them from discussing much of their experiences until after the show airs.

But if their involvement is anything like previous episodes, it’s sure to be a heart-pounding race to the finish.

Jarin, who opened The Lucky Cupcake Co. only last May, said she auditioned for the show following urging and encouragement from her customers to do so.

After filling out a detailed, three-page application and faxing it to network officials, someone from the show contacted her within an hour of receiving it, she said.

“I think they loved the backstory that I’m a single mom with four kids” and just opened a business that already has quite a loyal following.

Jarin went through a phone interview and submitted an audition tape and then was asked to be on the show.

The experience itself was “very fast and very furious,” she said.

Contestants had to create, bake, decorate and display their cupcakes, with each round getting progressively harder.

The goal for the final round was to produce 1,000 ready-to-eat cupcakes.

Again, the women can’t say how the competition turned out, but they did say they learned some things about themselves and each other.

“I learned what I’m made of and how I handle stress,” said Jarin.

“It was a lot of work, and I think that Ang and I really worked well together,” said Jarin. “She had my back.”

“I was extremely nervous,” said Ferri recalling how she felt at the start of the competition, “but we were really focused and we had a plan.”

The show will be televised at 9 p.m. Tuesday. If you miss it, it’ll be repeated at midnight Wednesday and again at 5 p.m. Feb. 27. For Doylestown residents with Verizon FIOS service, Food Network is on channel 164. For others, check your cable service provider for the channel listing.

If you feel inclined to watch the show with others, you can join the cupcake bakers and other well-wishers from 8:30 to 11 that night at Mesquito Grille, 128 W. State St. Watch the show while snacking on some free mini cupcakes (including one creation that was featured on the show), and check out some drink specials offered by the restaurant.

The Lucky Cupcake Co. is at 6011 Keller’s Church Road. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.

Information: (267) 362-5136 or www.theluckycupcakecompany.com.