(Sn)over the Top!

Looking out my window right now, it’s hard to believe that the first day of spring is just two days away. (For those of you not in Winnipeg, it’s a freaking winter wonderland out there!)

Usually, my first day of spring coincides with MAWA’s annual Over-the-Top art auction and cupcake party. Every year, we stand outside and enjoy the warm temps while munching cupcakes and waiting for the much-anticipated raffle.

This year, however, it was anything but warm. It was COLD. And SNOWING. And did I mention the cold? By the numbers, it was a full 36 degrees COLDER than last year. What the heck?

BUT, frigid temps aside; it was, as always, a lovely event. Undeterred by the cold, a bazillion people came out to bid on 153 pieces of art and eat dozens and dozens of cupcakes.

 

The two pieces that I had in the show, “An Extraordinary Woman” and “Three Little Houses”, sold for $90 and $110, respectively, and my Oreo cupcakes were a hit. (At least, I assume they were, as there were none left by the time I got there around 3:30pm.)

Our only disappointment was a silent-auction shut-out, but we can’t win every year, right?

I am already planning next year’s art… and next year’s cupcakes!

Day 4 - Homemade

I'll admit it; if it weren't for this challenge, the mascot would've had something decidedly less-exciting for dessert. But, since the topic today was "homemade", he got cupcakes. Homemade...and from scratch, no less.

The recipe that I used made just the 3 that you see here. It still needs a tiny bit of perfecting, but it's a good one to keep on hand when you want a sweet treat, but you don't want to go on an icing bender.

Over the Top 2012

For the past three years, I have attended the MAWA "Over the Top" cupcake party and art auction, both as a contributor and as a purchaser. This year, due to a little belt-tightening, I held off on bidding; however, I was more than happy to offer a piece of art and 4 dozen homemade cupcakes - cherry-almond and banana.

The piece that I donated to this year's auction is called "Elegance" and is part of my series of collages featuring vintage ladies and ephemera. The elegantly attired gal is set against a background of printed papers, a Tiffany and Co box and a page from an old book called, not surprisingly, "Elegance".

When you donate work to one of these things, there is always the chance that your piece won't sell and you'll have to take it home. Not that I would have minded having the original in my living room, I was happy to see it go to a good home for $50. (And I still get to have a copy of it...shh.)

My cupcakes, as well, were a hit, and not just with the mascot and my fella, who were obligated to try one of each kind. Other party-goers seemed to enjoy them, too! You can find the recipes for both kinds of cupcakes AND a tutorial for the wickedly good Swiss Meringue Buttercream on my food blog, Relish.