When it comes to desserts in the Valley, one name in particular tends to come to mind: Tracy Dempsey. You'll find her name on the menu at some of Phoenix's top restaurants including Citizen Public House, Crudo, House of Tricks, and more. Her one-of-a-kind dessert menus are famous for combining unexpected flavors -- see, Bacon Pecan Brittle (made for Cowboy Ciao in 2004) and Shoyu Caramels (made for James Beard Award-winning chef Nobuo Fukada's now-defunct See Saw).
This summer Dempsey is inviting guests into her Tempe bakery to learn the art of making premium, high quality desserts and baked goods. The Summer Baking Class series will cover everything from classic cookies to childhood treats like Ding Dongs and PopTarts.
See also: Lindsey Magee of Ollie Vaughn's in Phoenix Launches Summer Cooking Class Series
Each of the baking classes is limited to eight people and is open to those ages 14 and up only. They'll be held at the Tracy Dempsey Originals commercial kitchen, located at 1323 West University Drive in Tempe.
Here's the schedule:
Big Kid Cupcakes Saturday, June 28 Price: $60.00 per person
Learn basic cupcake decorating techniques. We will make vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting; s'mores cupcakes; Hostess-inspired cupcake; cookies and cream; peanut butter and bacon cupcake; red velvet with cream cheese frosting. Take a half dozen home!
Muffins, Scones, and Other Breakfast Treats Saturday, July 12 Price: $50.00 per person
When butter and toast just won't do...learn to make lemon blueberry streusel muffins; strawberry scones with mint glaze; vegan banana chocolate chip cashew loaf; breakfast empanadas with bacon, cheese and apples
Mini Tarts & Pies Saturday, July 26 Price: $50.00 per person
Learn a variety of Summer time pies and tarts. We will make key lime tartelettes with toasted meringue; mixed berry galette; cherry lattice pie; browned butter pineapple tart
Classic Cookies Saturday, August 9 Price: $50.00 per person
Sometimes you can't beat a great cookie. We will bake classic vanilla bean shortbreads, peanut butter cookies; oatmeal cranberry cookies; orange blossom madeleines; coconut macaroons; lemon bars; salty & spicy chocolate cookies
Childhood Snacks of Whimsy Saturday, August 23 Price: $60.00 per person
Come bake your favorites with a little grown-up twist thrown in. We will make treats inspired by Ding Dongs, Twinkies, Oreos, poptarts and oatmeal cream pies.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 602-376-9021. For more information visit the Tracy Dempsey Originals website.
