Getting Our Just Desserts

...And about time, too.

On Saturday, November 20, from 3 until 6 p.m., a showcase of culinary talent is set with nearly two dozen top women chefs from across the state.

The Art Institute of Phoenix, 2233 West Dunlap Avenue, hosts this stellar event , complementing fabulous food with a showing of top works from AIP students.

Tickets, just $35, available in advance from All proceeds benefit C-CAP (yes! A tax deductible dessert!)

http://www.blacktie-arizona.com/rsvp www.blacktie-arizona.com.

Meanwhile, we'll be posting quotes and notes from participating chefs - and we'll update this blog every day or so with new information. Photos, too.

First up, though, is some background about one of Phoenix' leading women in the culinary arts, Barbara Fenzl. Barbara's been an integral part of the culinary world for - let's say a good long time, emphasis on the good. Here's some more about her:

Barbara Fenzl, CCP, Honorary Chef for Just Desserts

Founder, in 1983, of Les Gourmettes Cooking School in Phoenix, Barbara Fenzl is anacclaimed cookbook author, magazine writer and television personality. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu (London), Ecole LeNotre andLubron Colelge, she teaches at schools throughout the U.S. and Mexico, and also in the Perigord region of France.

How she got her start: “My mother wasn’t a very good cook and I had free rein in our kitchen. While my husband was in law school, I was the only wife who cooked.”

What she loves about it: “You nourish people’s souls as well as their bodies. It’s important to remember the company is as important as the food!”

How the industry’s changed: “It was a very small community then – Julia (Child), Jacques (Pepin), Martin (Yan) were all in the kitchen, but it was before chefs became movie stars.”

What the future holds for women chefs: “The glass ceiling’s not gone yet, and working the line is still difficult. But the opportunities are getting bigger for women.”

Next....Heidi Lee, of Into the Soup.....

WAIT!! There's more....coming soon - kitchen tricks from top women chefs. AND - what do these women want for dessert??? You'll find out here.