5280 food writer Allyson Reedy wanted to find a cookbook of the world’s best desserts to gift to her aunt on Christmas. She ran into a slight problem in the process, that cookbook didn’t exist.
“So I decided, ‘Well, OK, I’ll write this book,’” says Reedy. “‘I’ll try to get all these great, amazing bakers to give me their best recipes—so we get the best cookie, we get the best brownie, the best lemon bar, the best cheesecake, all in one place from all these different bakers who specialize in these different things.’”
The result, 50 Things to Bake Before You Die. This cookbook is a compilation of all the greatest desserts from makers here in Denver to across the world in Dubai. The book, which hits shelves (and kitchens) April 5, has recipes for everything from peach cobbler to crème brûlée, but Reedy says you don’t have to be a baking pro to try it out.
“I want [readers] to just try everything, even if they’re like me and they’re not a super-talented baker,” Reedy says. “My cakes look like a second-grader made them. They’re not beautiful, but if you have a great recipe, it’s going to taste great.”
The team here at Corken + Company felt these treats deserve a blog of their own for all our Denver residents in need of something sweet! Here are 6 of Allyson’s go-to Denver sweets.
1. Spring Fling Cake
Where to get it: Lala’s Bakery, 5604 Kendall Ct.
Why she loves it: “The three ladies behind Lala’s met while working at the Market in Larimer Square. When the Market closed, we all freaked out about where we’d get our Spring Fling cakes—the zucchini and sour cream cake topped with cream cheese frosting and gorgeous fresh fruit. Lala’s saved the day. Even though we all miss the Market, at least we can still get our beloved Spring Fling cakes.”
2. Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Where to get it: Right Cream, 3047 Larimer St., #101
Why she loves it: “It’s the best ice cream in the world. That’s it. End of story. I’m obsessed.”
3. Rice Krispie Treat
Where to get it: Pig and Tiger, 1401 Pearl St., Boulder
Why she loves it: “I’ve made a lot of treats, but I have never made a Rice Krispie treat, and I never will. They’re too delicious and too perfect, and I prefer to think of them as magical little squares made of magical things like pixie dust and unicorn marrow. I just love them, and I especially love Pig and Tiger’s version with fortune cookie bits mixed in.”
4. Chocolate Salted Caramel Cupcake
Where to get it: Happy Bakeshop, 3621 W. 32nd Ave.
Why she loves it: “Back when [cupcakes] were everywhere, I did a taste test of eight or so cupcake bakeries, and Happy was the clear winner.”
5. Pie
Where to get it: The Long I Pie Shop, treats available at pop-ups and via special order
Why she loves it: “Shauna [Lott] bakes her pies in a cast-iron skillet. How brilliant is that? It makes for a super flakey, buttery crust, so of course I had to steal one of her recipes for my cookbook. I think she only does occasional pop-ups these days, so if you see one, run to it for amazing pie!”
6. Cheesecake
Where to get it: The Greenwich, 3258 Larimer St.
Why she loves it: “Any list of my favorite desserts has to include cheesecake, and the one at the Greenwich is so special. I only had it for the first time a couple of weeks ago, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since! It’s lighter than normal cheesecake, but still perfectly rich and creamy. It’s drizzled with olive oil and sea salt, and then flambéed. You have to try it.”
Find more recommended Denver desserts at: 5280.com
