With the holidays right around the corner (seriously, Target's running Christmas commercials already), we can expect to consume our fair share of sugary goodies. And what better way to start than with the 2012 Cupcake Love-In.
Established in 2010 by sugar mavens Kelly Garcia of Butter & Me and Tracy Dempsey of Tracy Dempsey Originals, the event features Valley bakers and pastry chefs serving up hundreds of varieties of the trend-proof sweet treat along with cupcake-themed activities -- and all for a good cause.
This year's Cupcake Love-In will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, November 11, at the Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale. And since the event has sold out each year, you'll want to get tickets early -- and get the scoop on who's doin' the cupcakin'.
Event goers can expect offerings of cupcakes (most mini-sized) in dozens of different flavors from the traditional German chocolate and strawberry vanilla; to gourmet creations such as Thai curry and sweet potato with maple bacon frosting; to more unusual tastes like chicken and waffles and Cracker Jack.
Of course, there's milk to wash them down with or, for those looking for a little extra glaze: cocktails. And activities such as a cupcake decoration center, cupcake eating contest, and prize raffles should make for suitable outlets for the impending sugar rush.
The sixteen Valley bakers for this year's Cupcake Love-In are as follows:
24 Carrots Bourbon Steak Hotel Valley Ho Jewel's Cupcake Shop Liberty Market Mind Over Batter Nothing Bundt Cakes Scottsdale Santa Barbara Catering Simply Sweets Sweet Tooth Fairy Sweet Jonez Cupcake Truck Tammie Coe Cakes TLC Bakery Top it cupcakes Urban Cookies Whoopie Baking Co.
Tickets for the 2012 Cupcake Love-In are $50 VIP, $20 for adults, and $5 for kids. For more info or to purchase tickets, go to the Cupcake Love-In website.