Spiced "Homecakes" with Apple Compote and Tarragon Whipped Cream

Judges (talking behind the scenes): "Richie's cupcakes. They're not even full."

"They didn't rise, so they're going to be dense."

Richie, talking to himself: "Damn. My cupcakes didn't rise. I'm running out of time, and there's not much I can do to save them at this point. And then I realized I'm missing baking powder. I don't know how I made this mistake. It's not a mistake I normally make, but I don't have time to fix it now, and I've got to get something on the plate. "