Baldwin ? 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.

Delectable creations like this semisweet chocolate lace cone filled with chocolate-covered strawberries will be featured in the 14th annual Baldwin Community Art Council Chocolate Auction. The auction is set for Sunday at Baldwin High School.

“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.”

Christy Carlisle makes a chocolate lace cone by squeezing warm chocolate ribbons onto a wax paper cone. Once the chocolate has set, she peels the paper away from the inside of the cone.

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.”

	The 14th annual Baldwin Community Art Council Chocolate Auction is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Baldwin High School commons area, 415 Eisenhower.Chocolate desserts and art work can be dropped off starting at noon Sunday at the high school. Before that, they should be left at C Designs Floral and Garden, 215 N. Sixth St.For pickup before Saturday, call Christy Carlisle at (785) 594-3366.

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.