Iron Cupcake Madison: Marshmallow!

My sister-in-law and I baked for Sunday's Iron Cupcake challenge at the High Noon Saloon. The theme was marshmallow and we chose the mallo cup (one of my favorite treats!) as inspiration.

I was happy with our yummy creation. It's a chocolate cupcake with homemade marshmallow creme filling and topped with toasted coconut chocolate ganache. Total chocolate overload!

My camera was on the fritz so the above shot is by Jenny Sligh, one of the other bakers at the event who also happens to be a talented photographer. Thanks Jenny!

I have really been enjoying baking lately and just might take on the next iron cupcake challenge as well. The theme is so unique: children's books! Chad is actually considering being a part of this challenge as well. Although he is not interested in baking like I am, he is interested in the creative possibilities of this theme. We are currently thinking about using Coraline or The Wolves in the Walls, both favorites by Neil Gaiman, as inspiration. Luckily the next Challenge isn't until June so we have some time to think about it and lots of time to practice!

Iron Cupcake Madison!

Iron cupcake Madison is coming up SOON!

In case you are not hip to this lovely event, let me fill you in. Here are the basics: 8 bakers create 1 unique cupcake featuring 1 common ingredient or theme. YOU come out and pay six bucks (which is donated to a charity - proceeds from the last event were donated to Porchlight Foundation) and get to taste 8 delicious mini cupcakes and vote for your favorite. It's a seriously delightful experience. I highly recommend it.

Iron Cupcake is a newish event for Madison but the events have been popular in Milwaukee for awhile. The first Madison event took place in October 2010 in Madison at the Washington Hotel Coffee Room. I found out that there was immediately more of a buzz about the event than I expected. I showed up about 2 hours into the event and completely missed out on tasting. All of the cupcakes were gone! By the time the next event rolled around in December I planned ahead and came early so I could be sure to get in on the cupcake tasting/judging fun. The December theme was "filling" and the bakers did an amazing job coming up with some super yummy cupcakes.

The upcoming Iron Cupcake event will be held at the High Noon Saloon and will feature a citrus theme. I am excited to tell you that I have signed up to bake for this one! I am not sure what I will be whipping up just yet but I will be busy testing some recipes over the next few weeks. My sister-in-law and my friend Katie are also baking for this one so it will be triple the cupcake fun! I love love love citrus and can't wait to see what all of the bakers come up with.

The next event is on January 23rd, 1-3 p.m. (this is the correct time! it is no longer starting at 3pm!) at the High Noon Saloon, 701 East Washington in Madison. You can find more information about the event HERE or check out the main Iron Cupcake Madison facebook page. Hope to see you there!

And of course I will leave you with some fabulous cupcake goodies from some of my favorite etsy shops. Enjoy!

 Photo Postcard Mystery Pack by SharynShoots

 Pink Frosting Upcycled Cupcake Trivet by EKRA

Kawaii Cupcake Cocktail Ring by TheApple

sweater weather

I think October is my favorite month of the year. I love the sweater weather and leaves crunching under my feet. It's been a beautiful weekend and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season! We have decided to wrap it up at the farmers' market for the year and plan to enjoy some family Saturdays this fall before the busy holiday show season starts.

Last weekend my little man turned six. I can't believe my kiddos are 4 and 6 already. We had an outdoor movie party for him complete with box cars, popcorn, and blankets and warm drinks to keep us cozy on a brisk September night. It was a really nice time. I made these "popcorn" cupcakes for the occasion.

Speaking of cupcakes, the first Iron Cupcake Madison event was on Friday night. I was super excited for this event but ended up coming a little too late to taste/vote. Boo! Next time I will know to show up early. It looks like such a fun event and I'm sure it'll only be more awesome next time!

I'm off to start some black bean soup in the slow cooker and make some corn bread muffins with the little ones. Enjoy your week!