Hands-on Pie Baking Class.

Hello Tucson friends! I’m teaching another cooking class to benefit the Tucson Village Farm 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors (HLA). HLA is a teen leadership program serving hundreds of regional youth each year. What could be better than investing in our young people?

Please join me on Friday, March 14 — 3.14 is Pi(e) Day — from 10:00am-12:00noon for a hands-on pie baking class in which each participant will make both a pie and a batch of hand pies to take home. (Bring your own 9-inch pie plate!) I will teach two methods of pastry crust-making, as well as the Arizona Sunshine Pie filling (with my secret ingredient) and Cinnamon Brown Sugar Hand Pies (with or without nuts). Use this REGISTRATION FORM to sign up; every penny of the class fee benefits the program (I provide all the ingredients).

I know this benefits the local Tucson community, so thank you to all my worldwide subscribers for reading this. NB: If your community has a program like this, please support it and make a difference for the young people where you live. If you are so moved by Tucson’s program, you are welcome to make a gift through their website, Support the Healthy Living Ambassadors. (Write in 4-H HLA as the designation)

  • Cocoa & Lavender Hands-on Cooking Class to benefit the 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors
  • Friday, March 14, 2025 (3.14) from 10:00am-12:00noon
  • Tucson Village Farm Kitchen
  • Angel Charity for Children Culinary Education Center
  • 2201 E Roger Road, Tucson
  • Cost: $75 per person (100% benefits the 4-H HLA Program) — sign up : REGISTRATION FORM
  • Each attendee will bring home an Arizona Sunshine Pie plus a batch of hand pies.

I hope to see you there! Space is limited to 12 Participants— so register early! 

13 Comments

  1. Mimi Rippee

    February 19, 2025 at 7:15 am

    What a wonderful charity!!!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      February 19, 2025 at 8:16 am

      Thanks, Mimi — it really is. And one of the best parts about the Farm is the Wednesday afternoon market that sells all the vegetables the students help raise… so fresh, so good, and completely organic.

      Reply
  2. Barb

    February 19, 2025 at 8:17 am

    David, I looked at the recipe for the Sunshine pie in the C&L archive, as it was published before I found C&L. I’ve perused the archive many times, but admittedly didn’t pay much attention to the deserts, which was an oversight on my part! The pie sounds incredible! You are such a dear for sharing your cooking skills and recipes with the HLA members and anyone who wants to support HLA.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      February 19, 2025 at 9:44 am

      The pie is really good, Barb. It’s a favorite during citrus season here…

      When I retired, I wanted to make sure I found a place to spend my energy in a positive way. The Tucson Village Farm and the 4-H HLA program is a perfect match for me. I’m incredibly passionate about education and food, and combined, I’m able to do a lot of good for Tucson’s youth.

      Reply
  3. Robin Pinto

    February 19, 2025 at 8:35 am

    David: Thank you for all that you do for the Tucson community! Alas, Philip and I are no longer in Tucson. When he retired, we moved to the (now) frozen northeast where there is less availability for good chiles in our markets but the diver caught scallops are twice the size of silver dollars and so sweet fresh off the boat. Come visit when next you and Mark are downeast!

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      February 19, 2025 at 9:45 am

      Thanks, Robin. It’s really nice to hear from you (and Philip) and I’m glad you are happy in the frozen Northeast! We happily left it when we moved to Tucson, but maybe someday we’ll get back and visit you downeast. I’m glad we can still keep connected, even if it’s only through food. Stay warm!

      Reply
  4. Mad Dog

    February 19, 2025 at 8:35 am

    That sounds like fun! I’m making pies for 12 Carmelite Sisters on Friday – Empanadas de Atún.

    Reply
    • Cocoa & Lavender

      February 19, 2025 at 9:47 am

      How fun that you get to cook for the Carmelite nuns, Mad Dog! The empanadas sound wonderful. I have to check and see if that recipe is on your blog…

      Reply
  5. angiesrecipes

    February 19, 2025 at 12:00 pm

    That’s wonderful, David. All the best to your class!

    Reply
  6. Eha Carr

    February 19, 2025 at 1:47 pm

    Absolutely great to read about this! Am certain this gives you great satisfaction. Thanks for allowing us to learn and perchance copy if able.

    Reply
  7. Jeff the Chef

    February 19, 2025 at 7:11 pm

    I wish I could be there! Happy Pie-ing!

    Reply
  8. sherry

    February 19, 2025 at 7:23 pm

    that’s fabulous David. Have fun! It is great when we retire to find useful and marvellous ways to contribute. Good on ya – as we say here in australia. (or just – onya!)
    sherry

    Reply

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