XO, Sweet Dee May '23

xo, Sweet Dee LIFESTYLE

MAY 2023

May 15

I believe that every day is filled with celebration, but the days of May I find particularly full of vitality. May the fourth, Cinco De Mayo and Mother's Day... to name a few. We can only begin to fully encompass the art of daily celebration by setting our intentions, creating and living vicariously through the things we love deeply. Follow me through awe-inspiring May encapsulated into one single day.

24

2

Contents 4

who is sweet dee? a formal introduction

6 10

17 30 38 40 42 43

You may COFFE MU(G)SINGS Mother's Day Mom-Osa's, tREAT boUQUETS and sentiments Cinco de mayo Margaritas, decor, and the art of garnishing a taco mAy the fourth be with you A dinner party full of force.

When the party is over prose rEFlection, what do you do when the party is over? ask sweet dee I'm answering your questions! Have one to add? styling where did you get that? I'll tell you... happenings Find out some of the events going on around town and at Sweet dee's bakeshop!

3

wHO IS Sweet Dee

Hi there! Upon self publishing my first magazine, I feel it is only appropriate to cordially welcome you to the party and to introduce myself.

I'm Danielle O'Day (aka, Sweet Dee!) I'm a self taught chef and pastry chef. I began Sweet Dee's out of my Cave Creek home when I was a teenager working at a fast paced restaurant that offered me the opportunity to experience every aspect of this wild industry. I fell in love.

In love with rich and bright flavors, intriguing new and trendy ideas, rare and indulgent ingredients, vibrant colors, and the all-encompassing warmth and love that food can give. While working full time at this restaurant I explored creative writing on a college level and sought summer classes through the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.

My journey has led me right here in front of you. The Sweet Dee's Bakeshop brick and mortar location opened five years ago and I've been given the opportunity to share some of my journey with you. It has been so fulfilling for you all to see the pastry case as my blank canvas and to create custom orders for extremely significant events in the community.

I had the honor of competing on Food Network's Chopped Sweets, was featured on highly acclaimed publications in the likes of Forbes, USA Today, Epoch Times, and Pastry Arts Magazine, and was invited to participate in the phenomenal experience of The James Beard Taste America Gala dinner as one of their pastry chefs.

This magazine is the pastry case of sorts, that particular blank canvas to spill the creative ink of my mind onto these pages. I'd love if you joined me. In hopes of sparking the art of celebration, creative good-for-yoursoul food and desserts, gifts that will paint a radiant smile on the recipients face, tips and tricks that i've learned over the years, while encompassing the depth of thoughtful sentiments- essentially the pink ribbon to wrap all of this up.

Thank you for being right here.

XO, Sweet Dee

4

you may

May shall embody the goddess it was named after, and you may bask in the growth that this month's namesake brings us. You may fail, you may relinquish, you may sink, you may fall down...

Current Coffee Playlist Firefall/ Bjear Holocene/ Bon Iver sunburn/ Niko Rose June, After Dark/Elliot Root Girls Like You- Stripped/ The Naked and Famous

...and from this you may succeed, you may take heed, you may swim and you may get back up. May you just be.

May growth guide you.

6

Rose

orange + pistachio Latte Sweet orange blossom with the ethereal notes of rose swimming harmoniously together with espresso and milk is succulent on it's own.

However, once you add the nutty pistachio cold foam on top- the birds chirp even louder.

Ingredients: 2 shots of espresso or 4 oz cold brew 1/2 oz rosewater 1 oz orange simple syrup (add more if you like a sweeter coffee) 6 oz milk of choice Cold foam: 1/2 cup of heavy cream or dairy alternative 1 tablespoon of sugar pistachio extract + pinch of green food color (optional) Stir flavors into brewed espresso or cold brew, add milk of choice and ice.

In a blender or whisk by hand combine cream, sugar, extract and color until the cream turns into a lava like consistency. Adjust consistency to your liking, the more you whip, the more you'll have whipped cream! Which ALSO works. Dollop on top of ice and enjoy!

7

"Creativity is sacred and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave.

Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege. Only when we are at our most playful can divinity finally get serious with us. Make space for all these paradoxes to be equally true inside your soul, and I promise —you can make anything. So please calm down now and get back to work, okay? The treasures that are hidden inside you are hoping you will say yes.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear

8

"WHAT CONVERSATIONS DO YOU WANT IN YOUR HOME?" Art Unified Venice, CA artunified.com

MotheR'S

dAY

Pop the champagne, write a letter, make something endearing. Mother’s Day is May 14th this year!

10

MOM-OSAS

The Sorbet Mimosa Isn't sorbet classified as a palet cleanser in between courses?

I see another excuse to add champagne to something...

Add a scoop of your favorite bright, fruity or floral sorbet to a champagne glass. Add the bubbly and voilá! Garnish with appropriate fruits that coordinate with the flavor of sorbet.

Prickly Pear and Rose Prickly Pear + Rose simple syrup Splash of Grapefruit juice Splash of orange juice TINIEST squeeze of a sweet meyer lemon Champagne, of course.

Garnish with rose petals and strawberries

11

Treat + Floral Bouquet

Raise your hand if you have a mom who has EVERYTHING and you are constantly dumbfounded on what you could possibly get her for Mother's Day? (A variation of what you get her every year won't cut it anymore) Amazing. Now the majority of our hands are up...high. I have a handmade, beautiful solution to this problem.

Flowers, treats, messages all wrapped up together in one vase.

Supplies: Vase (size depends on how full you want to fill this thing up- also how much you love your mom, size matters here.)

Bouquet of flowers (Trader Joes is your BFF here) Does momma have a fav? When selecting flowers you want dimension in a vase. Choose a bouquet with large blooms, medium blooms and filler blooms. I went with big roses, spring blooms, baby's breath and some dried florals from Amazon.

Sticks-large cake pop sticks or skewers White Chocolate Treats! You can either handmake or purchase these treats. I will guide you on how to make one of them- the most sentimental one.

Examples of treats you can use: Chocolate covered strawberries, French macarons, chocolate chip cookies, dipped Oreo cookies, chocolate dipped marshmallows. Try and channel your momma's favorite treat here, chances are you can either skewer it or adhere a stick to the back with the white chocolate on deck.

This customized cookie addition really brings home the sentiment of this handmade gift. A perfect chance to tell your mom how much you love and appreciate her!

Begin by rolling out your sugar cookie dough, store bought or made from scratch is totally fine here. Cut out a few hearts (just in case!) we only need one perfect one, and the others can be a little snack for your hard work and dedication to the craft ;) You'll find my go-to royal icing recipe at the end of this snippet. You need two consistencies- a thicker consistency for an outline and a thinner consistency to fill in the cookie with. Pipe a thin border around the cookie with the thick consistency first. Let the tooth pick guide the thinner icing to the edges of that border.

Let cookie dry over night.

Once your cookie is completely dry (HAS to be overnight) you can then write your personalized message on top. I found these edible markers on Amazon and they are the best out there. Believe me, I've tried almost every one on the market! Glue your stick on the back with chocolate and insert into your bouquet!

Royal Icing: Beat 2 egg whites and approx two cups of powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. To adjust consistency, add more egg white to thin out and more powdered sugar to thicken up.

colate o h c r u o y Dip covered s AFTER e i r r e b w a str ick in t s e h t t u you p ld them o H ! p o t e th dry y e h t e l i h up w

en ed t t ri ri r d w nd on a ie fo a H ge ook cial a c s r s e me suga a sp r t d x e e ic ch e u h o t t

Skewer the buttercream in the center of the macaron while room temperature, then freeze to harden t before putting in your arrangemen

Mix fresh florals AND dried florals in a funky vase to bring the WOW factor into this gift.

13

shoes To fill one day you're standing in front of a big mirror in shoes that belong to your mother they don't fit your little feet but you two share the excitement of the day they will

Dear mAma

beyond love, fear, regret or anger into that realm children go who want to care for/protect their parents as if they could and sometimes the lucky ones do

Call your mom

when did we become friends? into the realm of making every moment It happened so gradually I didn't notice important maybe I had to get my run out first laughing as though laughter wards off take a big bite of the honky world death and choke on it each word given maybe that's what has to happen with received like spanish eight some uppity youngsters if it happens at all treasure to bury within against that shadow day and now when it will be the only coin I possess the thought stark and irrevocable with which to buy peace of mind of being here without you shakes me Wanda Coleman

your naive little reflection dancing with this big future bond with your number one. and before you know it these shoes she once thought would inevitably fit, don't.

You don't have the same foot shape, or perhaps two left, and somehow that's just what happened.

Anonymous

14

MY SCENTED GARDEN

HAND POURED

GIFT GIVING

WONDERFUL SMELLS

Soy wax candles that are hand ooured here locally in Phoenix.

These candles are 100% soy wax meaning they have not been processed by any chemicals or paraffin, giving you a longer lasting clean burn.

Candles make the most perfect gift, no matter if it’s a birthday wedding, new home, baby shower or simply just because you could never go wrong with a beautiful candle.

My Scented Garden creates one of a kind unique blends for their fragrance candles. These toxic free, premium fragrances will leave a long, lasting wonderful aroma.

MY SCENTED GARDEN

WWW.MYSCENTEDGARDEN.COM

Cinco De

Mayo

Decorating tip!

Repurpose your cans into floral vases!

The more colorful, the better. Choose colorful florals with different dimensions. Use for buffet decor or table centerpieces.

17

te amo quila

Cinco de Citrus Margarita Recipe: Page 21

18

Let me set the scene.

It is currently sunny and 75 degrees, the door to my less-than-spacious apartment patio is wide open, I hear birds chirping. There is a smell in the air, a feeling as if there's a new clarity that the sunshine is aching to bestow upon us. It's the height of spring. All of the seeds you have planted in the winter are beginning to grow, even if you may not see them quite yet- you may just freshly squeeze one into a beverage after this read.

However, we will have faith that they are there.

And I'm not sure about you, but this feels like a day to be celebrated. They say that life is about balance, and today the only thing I'll worry about is balancing a mini tequila bottle on top of this piña colada flavored margarita.

As a self proclaimed cocktail connoisseur, I feel that the margarita can be one of the most versatile drinks out there. It is a classic cocktail that has truly stood the test of time, and if you want to talk herby with me, the test of thyme as well.

When I'm developing a new margarita flavor, I generally begin with the same base. Tequila and Citrus. From here we grow like wildflowers into the endless possibilities the stunning agave plant has gifted us.

You can keep idling upon the path of bright, citrus and floral notes with the addition of oranges, rose petals or lavender. Perhaps wander into the woods deeper with warmer notes of blackberries and sage, spices such as cinnamon.

Or even a replacement of local honey instead of agave. Pine through this metaphoric forest to only see the palm trees and beach peaking through, and you’ll find pineapple, mango and other tropical fruit additions. We call this the “on vacation, do not disturb” realm of margarita recipes.

As you can see, you really can't take a wrong turn.

There's beauty everywhere you look, in every flavor that grows, and especially sharing a drink with good company.

19

piña colada

Ingredients: 1 oz lime juice 1 oz pineapple juice 1 oz canned full fat coconut milk 1/2 tsp coconut extract 1 oz agave nectar

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously .

For the garnish: Broil shredded coconut on the low setting of your oven for 3-5 minutes until a nice golden brown kisses the surface.

Slide a lemon or lime on parts of the glass that you'd like the toasted coconut to stick to. Do this prior to filling your glass. Stick the coconut.

Pour the contents of the shaker into your glass.

Skewer pineapple leaves + limes and add to the top.

Pick a mini bottle of your fav reposado or anejo tequila and remove the lid.

Stick it upside down into the top of your cocktail.

*if you want to omit the tequila bottle garnish, add 2 oz of tequila to your shaker in the first step.

20

Seis

Citrus First and foremost we need to prep the FRESH citrus juice! Get your citrus squeezer out for this one: Juice of: 1 key lime 1 lime 1 blood orange 1/2 grapefruit 1 meyer lemon 1 navel orange

Ingredients:

2 oz reposado tequila 1 oz orange liquor 1 oz agave nectar 1/2 oz rose water All the juice from the six different fruits 1 egg white

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Begin with a shake without ice to break up the egg white. Once egg white becomes frothy in the shaker, add ice.

Garnish with fresh citrus, dehyrdated citrus and hey, even an extra tajin in a little mini bottle.

Because in Margarita season we are EXTRA !

Ingredients: 2 oz tequila 1 oz lime juice 2 oz mango, watermelon, guava, or grapefruit juice 1 oz agave nectar Popsicle of your choice!

(Ideally one that correlates with the flavor)

TIP: Easiest garnish: Throw a fun flavored popsicle in ANY margarita flavor that corresponds with the pop flavor! Added points for a fresh herb sticking out saying hello.

Mango

Popsicle

22

the art of garnish

When it comes to tacos, it’s tried and true that the meat is the main character, the star of the show. and while It’s important that this starring role is tender, cooked to perfection, and contains flavor that absolutely SENDS you, it’s also important that we accompany that with some stellar back up talent. I’m talking crunch, acidity, spice, cream, earthy or sweet notes and more. So pour yourself one of those margaritas and take a seat. We therefore a swap from cabbage to broccoli slaw is a staple in are going to have a discussion about Cinco De Mayo and my home (page 25). A few more delightful examples of crunch you’re coming to play this holiday! are pepitas, radishes, green onion, tortilla strips or melt in c r u n c h your mouth- fried jalapeños (page 25).

Let’s discuss crunch first, as there are a handful of s a u c y different types to add to your taco!

So you have the boss; the meat, seafood, or rich plant based Veggie crunch comes with bursts of organic, earthy and “meat” in your shell, you have the crunch, now I feel we need natural flavors. Traditionally you can do the standard diced white onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This is something to tie all of this together… so you can fully embrace the meat when it’s truly the star It’s time for the creamy, saucy and potentially cheesy topping portion of this party. Of course we have the more known and of the show. Building off of this standard base, you can add mango, red pepper, jalapeño, and red onion to create common guests that generally always have a seat at the table, no matter who is throwing the party. Guacamole, salsa, sour a mango salsa crunch. This accompanies seafood cream, or cheese. We’ve been there and we’ve done that. I will beautifully!

Alternatively, coleslaw is a great companion for seafood. I never knock this iconic combination of taco additions, I’m just personally am always finding an added nutritious benefit saying I think we can elevate it a tiny bit. whenever I’m cooking that doesn’t compromise taste-

23

Let’s first discuss the hot topic here…salsa (Pun intended). With salsa, I also like to bring in our friend, hot sauce. Now, when you go to the grocery store there is an entire aisle dedicated to these items. You probably have the go-to brand and temperature that you usually go for. And again, there is no problem with that. But if there is a time to branch out of your normal routine, this is it.

Once I made the leap of choosing more independent, small batch or locally made hot sauces and salsas, the entire flavor profile of my tacos changed.

Not only can you use salsas and hot sauces right out of the bottle or jar, but you can also use it as an ingredient. I often use these as the base of my tortilla soup, creamy based taco sauce, salad vinaigrette, or even in your coleslaw base. The opportunities are endless here.

Once you have chosen your new favorite hot sauces and salsas, we can officially let the science experiments begin! I say experiments because these should require goggles or eye protection... have you ever accidentally touched your eye after cutting a jalapeno? This is your friendly reminder to purchase gloves prior to the holiday.

I use a really nice extra virgin olive oil, two Meyer lemonswhen they are in season! If not, normal lemons work just fine, dijon mustard, a little sweetness and finally, a few seasonings.

1/3 cup White Balsamic Vinegar 1/3 cup Champagne Vinegar 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Juice of one Meyer Lemon 2 tbsp Honey 1 tsp Dijon Mustard 2 cloves Minced Garlic 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning Salt and Pepper to taste (or even add a dash of hot sauce!)

Place all ingredients into a mason jar and shake really well.

Keep airtight for 5 or so days! Put on EVERYTHING.

My favorite taco sauce only has a few ingredients: 1/4 cup Sour Cream- or dairy alternative 1/4 cup Mayo 1 tsp Cutino Habenero Hot Sauce 2 tsp Cutino Verde Hot Sauce 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro, chopped up Juice of one Lime 1 Clove Minced Garlic 2 tsp White Balsamic Vinegar Salt and Pepper to taste Mix all that goodness together. Best application: everything Add more hot sauce if you're like me and a spicy B!

a c i d i t y

One of the most forgotten additions into your meal will always be acid. I see it all the time. An acid should be equally as important as salt when you’re cooking. My favorite applications include citrus or a homemade simple vinaigrette. separate vinegars, Citrus can illuminate any flavor profile and add the final touches to a dish while the vinaigrette dresses up your favorite greens or veggies.

24

Fried Jalapeños Ingredients: 4 Large Jalapeños Buttermilk Seasoned Flour Oil These are So easy and absolutely phenomenal on their own or in a taco.

Slice the top off your jalapeño and remove as many seeds as you'd like.

Proceed to slice strips about a 1/4 inch thick.

Soak in buttermilk for about 5 minutes.

Dip in seasoned flour until the entire strip is coated. Fry until golden brown.

Brocolli Slaw Ingredients: 1 bag of already grated broccoli slaw and carrots, 1/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup of vinaigrette (page 23), 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 diced jalapeño, 1 entire sliced red onion, juice of two limes, (maybe some more hot sauce, but hey, that's just me), garlic salt and pepper to taste. Mix together in bowl, try with a chip to make sure it doesn't need anything else. Enjoy!

25

Classic

Churros

Ingredients: - 1 cup Water - 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter - 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar - 1/4 tsp salt - 1 cup All-Purpose Flour - 3 Large Eggs - 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract - Vegetable oil, for frying - 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar - 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Instructions: 1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.

2. Reduce the heat to low, and add the flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. 6. Spoon the dough into a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip.

7. Pipe about 4-inch lengths of dough into the hot oil, cutting the dough with scissors or a knife. Fry the churros until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.

8. Remove the churros from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

9. Mix the sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. Roll the warm churros in the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.

10. Serve immediately.

26

dippin it

and doin' it Dulce De Leche Ingredients: - 1 can of sweetened condensed milk - Water Remove the label from the can of sweetened condensed milk.

Fill a large pot with water and place the can of condensed milk in it. The water should completely cover the can.

Place the pot on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil.

Reduce the heat and let the can simmer in the water for 2-3 hours. Make sure to keep an eye on the pot and add more water as needed to keep the can submerged.

After 2-3 hours, remove the can from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon and let it cool to room temperature.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE

Ingredients: - 8 oz. of High-Quality Chocolate (dark, milk, or semi-sweet) - 1 cup (240 ml) of Heavy Cream Instructions: Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl.

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to boil.

Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate.

Stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and shiny.

27

Floral Design Studio

Curated & Luxury Arrangements Scottsdale’s very own floral design studio has been creating impactful florals since 2017. Specializing in luxe boxed bouquets, fresh flowers + Luxury Roses are available for local delivery + US nationwide shipping.

Get in touch: www.loveboxaz.com | @loveboxaz

DEAR MOM..

LOVE BOX

May the be with you fourth

30

Lace up your boots and get your lightsaber ready, we’re having a themed dinner party! Those are your favorite words too, aren’t they? Putting this ship in hyperspace, let’s get right to it.

Welcome to my home! I have a no shoe, hat or helmet inside rule.

The tablescape has an intelligent theme, I’d say. A wise, age old and timeless look to it. Much like a character that I can’t seem to put my finger on at the moment. Come to me, I’m sure it will.

“Drink or Drink Not. There is no try.”

This character gives us a stunning olive green, dried floral, organic aesthetic that inspired the decor. Most of which I was able to grab from a local craft store, amazon or my home! I added a sheer table runner, taper holders, vases of dried florals, mini succulent cacti, and an entire succulent agave leaf (also good for the inevitable burns while cooking this dinner), and miniature figurines that I found on Amazon.

Before, I get into the entire menu.. can someone check on Darth? Apparently he NEEDED to wear the helmet and I haven’t seen him since cocktails were served.

First Course: the intergalactic Starchuterie board Paired with: Spiced Rum Green Milk Second Course: Squid Ink and Shrimp Pomodoro and shaped brioche dinner rolls Paired with: Tattooine Sunset or Galaxy Far, Far Away Final Course: Darth by Chocolate Cake Paired with: The Sith Manhattan, Red Wine or an Espresso

Dippe Choco d pre tzel s late f ticks irst, t ! hen s andin g sug ar

Melt butter and place in an ice cube mold of your choosing. Freeze. Pop right out!.

32

Put your favorite dinner roll or brioche recipe in this pan! Grease it well and they’ll pop right out. williamssonoma.com

Any of your favorite squid ink pastas will do the trick here! It’s the natural hue of the squid ink infusion into the noodle that makes this dish so sci-fi, and for this application, we LOVE that.

33

Sith Manhattan GRAPEFRUIT AND PRICKLY Patience you must have, my 2 oz gin When you get home from a PEAR MARGARITA CENTER young Padawan.

1 oz Prism powder infused long day of being a Sith In a cocktail shaker combine 2 Fill your glass 1/4 of the way Violet Cocktail Syrup Lord and need a drink… this oz grapefruit juice, 2 oz full with the lemonade 1/2 oz Maraschino Liquor one is for you. tequila and 1 oz of our house mixture. Slowly add the next 1 oz fresh Lemon Juice 2 oz of Bourbon or Rye Prickly Pear and Rose syrup. layer of grapefruit margarita, Shake ingredients with ice in Whiskey Shake well. Set aside. almost completely filling the cocktail shaker. Strain into 1 oz Sweet Vermouth BUTTERFLY PEA TEA glass. Leave a little bit of room glass. Occasionally stir while 1 oz Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop Brew a small bit of this for the butterfly pea tea. you sip to see the magic of the Cherry Syrup beautiful tea in a separate Now delicately pour your deep galaxy dance upon your drink 4 drops of Chocolate Bitters glass with hot water. Let tea blue tea on the very top. once more. The force is Garnish: Black sugar for the steep for 3-5 minutes. You’ll Watch carefully as the deep strongest with this drink. rim, lightsaber cocktail see the water dyed a deep blue tea turns a wonderful Green Milk picks (found on Amazon) blue. Discard the tea shade of purple. Enjoy before This sweet, tropical blue and Hibiscus flowers. leaves/sachet and once again, a group of Jawa’s swindle this delight will have you feeling set aside. right out of your hands. like you just walked into the Tattooine Sunset NOW WE WATCH Black Spire Outpost and This STUNNING cocktail Galaxy Far, Far Away T H E S U N G O D O W N . . Once you shake up this headed straight for Oga’s has several parts, but it’s breathtaking, delicious and Fill your glass all the way up cocktail and pour it into your Cantina! absolutely worth the steps… with ice. The ice helps break glass, you WILL see the entire 2 oz Pineapple Juice 1 oz Lime Juice also quite refreshing when up the liquid when we layer galaxy in your cocktail.

2 oz Spiced Rum you are embarking on the all three parts to get the No, that doesn’t mean you’ve sunset look. Tip: make sure had too many ;) It’s just that 2 oz Sweet Dee’s Green Vanilla hot desert terrain of this you are pouring all three Bean Syrup planet. amazing! mixtures very s l o w l y!

LEMONADE BASE A take on the classic Aviation 2 oz Light Canned Coconut Milk 2 oz of Lemon Juice cocktail.

Shake ingredients with ice in 2 oz of Water cocktail shaker. Pour into glass 1/4 cup Sugar with fresh ice. Garnish with Mix together until sugar is basil leaves and chocolate dissolved. Set Aside discs.

34

Don’t underestimate the power of the dark choc, er, side. Dark side.

Here we have a three inch in diameter and a three layer tall, decadent chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache and a fluffy mousse. Frosted with buttercream, topped with a dark chocolate drip and a solid dark chocolate helmet. Finished with silver and white splatters.

Before you ask the questions….

It’s three layers tall because we need a wow factor.

This will serve one chocolate lover, two moderate sweet tooths, or three “I ate one too many dinner rolls”.

No, the squid ink doesn’t really have a flavor, it’s very light. Yes! Vader ended up being okay, he just had to catch his breath. ....And the character finally came to me! Boba Fett, inspires a good table, eh?

Ah, I had fun today with you all.

Please do come again soon and may the force be with you, today and every day.

35

French inspired Bakery and Cafe. Serving novelty treats, breakfast and lunch all day. Full coffee and tea bar. Custom cakes, cookies, macarons, doughnuts, and SO much more! Visit us at sweetdees.com or @sweetdees.bakeshop to keep up with our mouthwatering goodies and rotating specials.

7350 E. Stetson Dr. Suite C101 sweetdees.com (480) 994.6733

DEE'S NUTS Hah, got 'em

Gluten Free. Dairy Free.

All natural ingredients.

Baked, never fried.

Deelicious.

when the party is over 38

on my way I’m parked outside of the restaurant and everyone’s gone home and I can’t come over until the right song comes on.

You understand, right?

when the

is over party

when the rose petals of our handmade centerpieces fall When the disco ball stops turning

One of my favorite things about a new romance is our delicate dance around the word “love.”

How we avoid it Not because it’s untrue But because it’s too soon Too heavy Too consequential And so we use our hands instead.

When the popsicles melt

I play Strawberry Swing And suddenly have nowhere to be

When the tequila is gone

But here Thinking about you Thinking of me.

When your heart hurts When your heart is happy When the party is over

-Danielle Amann

I call you.

The floor is yours. Just sweep up the confetti first.

-from one Danielle to another, editor note to my best friend

39

ask sweet dee

The delicate ribbons of whipped cream on top of a cheesecake slice, intricate details on a cupcake or cookie. OR a PITA. When there is an order or specialty items that have 5 different colors, 5 different tips. .

It can be a task I often put off. The nerves in my hands greatly feel the effect of piping as well. Some days they don't want to show up to work.

What is your favorite time while you're 100% certain that the of year at the shop? measurement variable is fixed. jen My favorite tip along the way is to discern when your batter is ready. It This is such a difficult question because I genuinely feel so inspired by will fall off your spatula and into the bowl, making a figure 8 without any each season, holiday or event that breakage. comes up. They are all so exciting!

Which is a big reason why I began this If it breaks right away you'll need to magazine.. so many ideas. But if I were fold the batter 5-6 more times. If it to choose I'd say fall. I'm all about the breaks later on it only needs 1-2 more folds. season change, the cozy flavors, and the aesthetic that it brings. Even if it's Don't give up with these tricky little cookies! You'll get there :) still in the 90's!

There are so many types of cute sprinkles! What are the best applications for sprinkles? madI

Because there are so many shapes, sizes and colors, there are right and wrong applications (in my opinion). For example, a white cupcake or cookie sprinkled with black non pareil sprinkles could look like little ants having a picnic on top of your treat. On the other hand, these particular sprinkles make an amazing center to a buttercream what is your favorite Your favorite treat to sunflower. I could do an entire magazine taylor swift album? make section on sprinkles alone, and Madi, I nicolette iValerie think you just inspired a piece of the next QUEEN! Currently I'm going off on I'm currently loving tarts! This may issue! In the mean time here are a few Midnights. But Reputation, Folklore, have to do with the season as the tips: Lover, and Red (Taylor's Version) are flavor profiles I'm diving into have -Rainbow jimmies look best on heavy floral and fruit influence. Final always top tier for me. And Evermore lighter/pastel colors (with the exception really. But alright, if I HAD to choose decor on top has given me the of chocolate) one I'd say Reputation. opportunity to play with a more - Sprinkles are not plate garnish and organic approach with fresh fruits, don't belong on desserts such as tarts, What arE YOUR FAVORITE edible flowers and herbs. cheesecakes, or other desserts of that TEChniques you use daily stature. The dichotomy of it is all wrongas a baker?

How long did it take there are also exceptions to this rule- but mrs. b you to learn how to those only apply to specialty sprinkles. make such perfect Ah! I love this one! Particularly -Always keep in mind the integrity of macarons? -A because there are parts of my daily your dessert prior to adding sprinkles.

It took me a few years of making them techniques that i'm not fond of, and They do add a texture and taste. out of my home to really get other parts that still excite me and get -While bearing all of this mind, have fun comfortable with the technique. me out of bed at 5am. with them! Go to your local cake or craft Measuring out all of your ingredients Would you believe me if I told you store and see the variety. I let sprinkles in grams will greatly help the success that they were the same answer? dictate the treat sometimes! of your own macaron journey. This Piping! was life changing; You're able to alter Piping can be a gratifying, soothing, different variables of technique beautiful experience.

40

what advice would you give to someone who is trying to become an entrepreneur? paizley

When you’ve taken the plunge of beginning your own business there’s some questions you have to answer.

What am I doing? What is my mission? Does this business align with my heart, my head and my journey? What solution does my business offer? And finally, are you willing to put your entire being into this new adventure?

be a part of the next issue! WE all have them...

I want you to take your time when answering these questions as they will be profoundly significant. When times get tough, when it seems like there may be a failure, xosweetdee.com and when the reality doesn’t fit the ethereal dream that you created when starting your business. The answers to these questions will not only guide you through the scary, arduous and incredibly discerning times but they will remind you why you are here.

Success is measured by constantly being aligned with what YOU’VE created. And when it becomes quiet, you feel that maybe this was a mistake… remember you can’t f*ck up what’s meant for you.

StYLING through the issue Bryce Woven Blazer Sanctuary Revolve.com

Sosha Off the Shoulder Feather Silk Top CULT GAIA Nordstrom.com Baublebar Ring Stack Baublebar.com

Hazel Pointed Toe Heel in Dark Grapefruit Sam Edelman samedelman.com

Styling// Yours truly, Sweet Dee Makeup and Hair// Artistry by Azure www.artistrybyazure.com Photography-Editing-Creative director// Tracy with Fully Alive Photography, Fully Alive Creative www.fullyalivecreative.com Photo studio// Beloved Studios Mesa, AZ

42

happenings Around the

May 1st

first issue DROPS! Physical copies available at Sweet dee's bakeshop

May 2nd teacher appreciationo day

May4th STar wars themed goodies at Sweet dee's bakeshop

May4th hippo campus @ the van buren

May4th tow'rs @ valley bar

May 5th first friday artwalk in dtphx

May 5th cinco de mayo themed goodies at Sweet dee's bakeshop

May 5th obitchuary podcast live! @ stand up live

May 6th lewis capaldi @ Arizona financial theatre

May 7th cinco de mayo festival downtown phoenix

May 8th cursive @ crescent ballroom

valley May 8th pixies @ the van buren May 9th avy tare @ valley bar May 9th lil Wayne @ the van buren. welcome to tha carter tour

May 10th mothers day pre-orders close sweetdees.com

May 19-28th

spring restaurant week

May 20th the merchantile vip shopping event @ cacara

May 22nd international be you day *beautiful day for reflection, journaling. A reminder of how wonderful you are!

May 24th lizzo @ Footprint center. the special 2our

May 24th office trivia @ valley bar

May 13th red hot chili peppers @ state farm stadium

May 25th

May 13th & 14th

May 25th

mothers day themed treats. Cases will be filled with the perfect gift for your momma.

national world wine day

May 14th rotraut exhibit ends at desert botanical gardentoday is your last day to check out this installation

May 16th national mimosa day

tove lo @ the van buren

May 28th phxart family funday at the phoenix art museum

May 29th Memorial Day

WED + Saturdays in may uptown phoenix farmers market

43

Thank

For coming

you

xo, Sweet Dee Editor in Chief Danielle O'Day Senior Copy Editor Danielle Amann For subscription information, visit xosweetdee.com.

For business inquiries or ad space, contact Danielle@sweetdees.com.