Sweet Stroll: Shelley's Specialty Desserts Bakery Review

Part of the World:     5845 W. Palmaire, Glendale, Arizona www.shelleysdesserts.com

Sight:        The exterior of the little historic home in Catlin Court Historic District, with its happy pastries painted on one of its sides, lets you know you’re near some joyful treats. Upon opening the door, and hearing the buzz sound that a customer has arrived, I felt as though I had walked into an historic jewel box. Given its cozy interior, you’ll find yourself among a pretty pink wall, a dainty crystal chandelier, little black iron café tables, a chilled glass case with many fresh items ready for purchase, and then the front counter itself which displays cakes, pies, bars, cake pops, petit fours.

Aroma:    The aroma was delicate. No scent was overpowering, and there was a slight hint of confectioner’s sugar mingling in the air.


Taste:        I tried the Lemon Bar. Complete lemony perfection. Try to just take a single bite of this lemon bar and walk away. You will be right back. Shelley makes everything from scratch. The lemons are plentiful and fresh, the crust is flaky and crisp in the right areas. (Below is my first personal culinary photo. I'm learning!)

Bakery
Bonus:     Buttermilk Pie. Shelly makes a delicious buttermilk pie, and this is her trademark treat. She'll offer you a sample. It is a cool, refreshing treat especially welcome on a hot summer day.   


Kid-Friendly:    With an upcoming cookie decorating event and the pirate and princess cake pops on display, this felt like a definite kid-friendly place. I brought home a rice krispie, chocolate, marshmallow, peanut butter, and chocolate brownie bar for my kids to share for dessert after their dinner. These bars are large enough to share. They LOVED this decadent, dense, multi-flavorful bar. Our after dinner dessert conversation brought on a lovely discussion about the importance of peanut butter and rice krispies for the kid in all of us.

Cost: About $3.25-$3.75 for each item.

This review is also on Urbanspoon.

Cake or How This All Started

Cake. When I was a little girl, my mom would take me to the local bakery and have me choose a cake for my birthday party. I don't remember my party (or parties) at all. But I do remember the little journeys we took to the bakery. I remember getting into the car to drive to this small, sweet place of good people. I remember the store-front parking and the slightly steamed windows that looked into the bakery. I remember the sound of the little bell that jingled signaling our arrival as we opened the door. I remember the fresh-baked aroma of giant circle cookies as they cooled off on trays on the counters. I remember looking at the cakes on display, specifically, the tiered, round white icing cakes, with delicate, pretty yellow, red, and pink roses piped on their smooth surfaces.  I would choose exactly this kind of cake, shyly speaking to the baker herself. Ever since, be the event a very special occasion or simply an after school treat made directly from a box, I have understood cake. It's not some escape for me, it's not that life is uncertain - so eat dessert first (although why argue with this?). Nope, it's cake - made from people who love to bake for people who appreciate their efforts and sing their praises. Love what we do, do what we love. Cake.