We’re firm believers in sticking to the rule, “always save room for dessert”. And really, it shouldn’t be a rule – it should just be assumed, because really, dessert is practically a necessity, right? The latest FoodChamp Challenge, hosted on Kenmore’s cookmore.com, catered to our judges’ sweet tooth in celebration of the art that is dessert. Ready for the winners? Keep reading…

Congratulations to the Grand Prize winner, Mikie1104! Mikie1104’s winning dessert was his Affagato Cupcakes. This dessert, inspired by coffee and ice cream, had our judges, Kari Karch, Ray “Dr. BBQ” Lampe and Beth Peterson, requesting seconds!

“Cupcake. Ice cream. Espresso. Coffee. Well that pretty much sums up everything in life I love. I can die happy now knowing there is a dessert to satisfy every component of an after-dinner experience all wrapped up into one little delightful cupcake. I’d like a box to take home please so if you wouldn’t mind sending those to me at Kenmore, that would be great! Well done Mikie. Oh and..see you in Las Vegas!” – Kari Karch

“Affagato Cupcakes are my kind of dessert. Not too sweet, very creative and simple to cook, serve, and eat. You can feed me Espresso and ice cream every day. This is a solid winner and everybody better watch out for this cook in Las Vegas!” – Ray Lampe “Dr BBQ”

“I am in love with the deep rich flavor of espresso and equally in love with the bonus it gives with its serious ‘get-up and go’! I could get used to munching on one of these espresso kissed cupcake every day at about 4pm when my cravings are at an all-time high (ice cream! cupcakes!) and energy a deep-down low. The aggressive use of chocolate covered espresso beans makes my heart race in all the best ways! I see this dessert racing to the front of the line in the dessert competition this year! I am all light-headed and jittery just thinking about it! Great job combining two of my favorite things into a fantastic dessert! See you in Vegas!” – Beth Peterson

See the full recipe here.

The following recipes were some of our judges’ favorites – and also winners of the FoodChamp Challenge:

Asian Pear Clafouti by GregB

 Here’s what Kari had to say about GregB’s recipe:

“One of my favorite desserts growing up was clafouti because I was more of the savory kid who enjoyed mac and cheese over chocolate cake and candy. Weird, I know. But don’t judge because now your Asian Pear Clafouti is taking it to the top in Las Vegas to compete! The flavors are very subtle and easy on the palate, then you get the ginger glaze to give a swift kick in clafouti’s rump! Nice work and see you in Vegas, baby!”

See the full recipe here!

Kahlua Pig Chocolate Cake by HeatherWalker

 Here’s what Beth had to say about HeatherWalker’s recipe:

“Bacon, Chocolate and Kahlua all in one bite? What kind of evil genius created this decadence? I mean, just look at this recipe. It will take you to paradise in each and every bite! I don’t think  they eat this on the beaches of Hawaii and it sure won’t help me to fit into my summer gear but this creamy goodness definitely makes me feel the warm waves of chocolate love.  This is a winning dessert.  Any wagers that we see this at the final table in Vegas this year?  I am doubling-down on this bet!”

See the full recipe here!

Brown Sugar and Browned Butter Cheesecake with Burnt Butterscotch Sauce by CamillaVS

Here’s what Ray had to say about CamillaVS’ recipe:

“I think the Brown Sugar & Browned Butter Cheesecake with Burnt Butterscotch Sauce should be called Really Creamy Caramelly Cheesecake. I love the combination of creamy rich cheesecake and those close to the edge flavors of browned butter and butterscotch. And this butterscotch has actual Scotch Whisky included. Wow! Give me two slices and a big glass of milk please.”

See the full recipe here!

Lastly, though most certainly not least, additional congratulations is owed to JulianaEvans, our final winner of the FoodChamp Challenge, dessert edition:

Ricotta Orange Marmalade Buttermilke Cake

See the full recipe here!

Feeling inspired? It’s time to get cheesy with the CHEESE category of the FoodChamp Challenge. Ready to see how your best cheese-inspired dish compares to the rest?  Head over to cookmore.com now through Aug. 20, and submit your recipe here.