POTLUCK DESSERTS: Justin Burke in conversation with James Schend

Name: POTLUCK DESSERTS: Justin Burke in conversation with James Schend
Start: 2025-09-23T18:30:00-05:00
End: 2025-09-23T20:30:00-05:00
Location: 5915 6th Ave A, Kenosha, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53140

Schedule

Tue Sep 23 2025 at 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

5915 6th Ave A, Kenosha, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53140 | Kenosha, WI

Calling all potluck aficionados, bakers, and dessert superstars- join us on Tuesday, September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. for a truly scrumptious event. Justin Burke, food writer, recipe developer, queer food activist, and award-winning pastry chef and baker will be at Blue House Books to discuss his book, "Potluck Desserts" with James Schend.
Pick up the book before the event and try your hand at one of the desserts to bring with you! Fill out the google form with what dessert you are bringing. When bringing your dish to the event, make sure to include all food allergen information.
*Don't forget to bring the book with you to the event to get it signed by Justin!
This event is ticketed, check out the details and grab your ticket here: https://www.blue-house-books.com/events/3232020250923

About POTLUCK DESSERTS:
Justin Burke credits his first queer potluck with changing his life. Gathering around a table piled high with homemade food evoked a sense of unity that bridged individuals beyond societal norms, sparking within him a passion for food that launched his career as a baker. Now a potluck pro, Burke shares his playful, delicious recipes in Potluck Desserts, from Lemon-Thyme Bars and Hummingbird Blondies to Snickerdoodle Peach Cobbler and Cranberry-Orange Fluff Salad.
Refined yet approachable, these stylish sweets are organized by baking dish—sheet pans, rectangular pans and foil tins, loaf pans, casserole dishes, and bowls, bundts, and other round things—and tagged by time to further simplify the process. Complete with charming personal anecdotes, reflections on the social importance of potlucks—particularly in the queer community, and stunning photography of an abundance of good food, "Potluck Desserts" gives the home baker the tools, confidence, and pride to serve beloved, nostalgic dishes that everyone will love—colleagues, friends, families, and chosen families included.

About JUSTIN BURKE:
Justin Burke is a food writer, recipe developer, queer food activist, and award-winning pastry chef and baker. They have contributed to publications including Eater, Food & Wine, Garden & Gun, Simply Recipes, Bake from Scratch, and more. Burke makes their home in Columbia, South Carolina, with their husband and son.

About JAMES SCHEND:
After a delicious decade at Taste of Home, James has hung up his editor's hat for a well-deserved retirement, bringing his culinary adventures full circle right back to Kenosha! His journey with Taste of Home began as a food editor, where he quickly became a familiar face in the Test Kitchen. Through the years, he moved up the ranks, ultimately reaching the pinnacle as the editor of Taste of Home. In this role, he had the privilege of leading the culinary editorial teams, orchestrating major recipe contests, and steering the direction of Taste of Home's food content.
This thrilling ride built on a career that started after he left Kenosha to pursue a culinary degree and exciting jobs across the US. His experience included serving as Content Director at the Williams-Sonoma corporate office in San Francisco and working as a food editor and culinary specialist at Southern Living in Birmingham, Alabama.
And now the aprons are off, but James's passion for exceptional cuisine is stronger than ever! While his professional kitchen days are behind him, his global quest for incredible flavors has just begun. He's excited to explore the world's culinary landscapes, all while enjoying the vibrant community and familiar comforts of his hometown.