Baldwin auction opens bids for dessert

? When it comes to sweets, the 14th annual Baldwin Community Art Council Chocolate Auction is not for the faint of heart.

Last year, the event featured 150 desserts made by Baldwin and Lawrence area residents and chefs.

“We have everything from a plate of cookies to amaretto cheesecake and all points in between,” said Christy Carlisle, past council president and co-chair of the auction.

The event features a silent auction  from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday  where the chocolate delicacies are displayed on tables at the Baldwin High School commons area. Those attending are asked to donate $1 or contribute a chocolate dessert or artwork.

Carlisle said the minimum bid usually is $2, but there is a children’s table where the bidding starts at 50 cents.

“We want everyone to participate,” she said.

Annie France of Baldwin, a new art council member, plans to bring at least two desserts for the auction. Last week, she did a test run on a recipe for zuccotto, an Italian sponge cake with a raspberry and hazelnut cream filling topped with chocolate ganache.

“I don’t usually work with a lot of chocolate, but I wanted to try this recipe,” she said. “It was a difficult recipe, but if you do it in steps it’s pretty easy.”

France also made a chocolate amaretto cheesecake with a chocolate crust for her friends to try before she makes one for the event.

“I love to cook, and I love to bake,” she said. “There’s like five recipes that I want to do (for the auction).”

In addition to chocolate items, Carlisle said area artists will donate paintings, watercolors, sculptures and other art pieces for the live auction. She said there usually are from 35 to 50 items available.

“A lot of the artists come to the event so if someone wants them to sign their artwork, I’m sure they would,” she said.

Businesses also have donated gift certificates, baskets, bottles of wine and a massage for the live auction.

“There’s a nice variety,” Carlisle said. “It’s not just chocolate.”

Money raised from the event goes back to the community in different forms. Scholarships are available to college-bound high school students and artists who want to further their studies. The council also provides educational opportunities, such as painting and screenprinting classes.

Last year’s event raised $3,200, Carlisle said.

“We want people to have fun, get some wonderful things to eat and take home a piece of artwork if they want,” she said.