Potluck Desserts: Joyful Recipes to Share with Pride with Justin Burke​

Indulge in dessert for dinner with an inclusive, joy-filled dessert potluck hosted by baker, LGBTQ+ activist, and TV personality Justin Burke, in conversation with WAMC’s Sarah LaDuke. The region’s hottest pastry chefs including Michele Hunter of Familiar Creature, Sam Pierre of Standard Fare, and Vanessa Traver of The Reading Room will offer sweet creations such as icebox cakes, layered desserts, self-saucing puddings and slab pies from Burke’s new cookbook Potluck Desserts.

In Potluck Desserts, Burke offers simple, nostalgic recipes infused with personal stories from his life in both the world of baking and the queer community. Inspired by his first queer potluck—a gathering that sparked his passion for food and its power to unite—Burke shares playful yet stylish treats such as Lemon-Thyme Bars, Hummingbird Blondies, Snickerdoodle Peach Cobbler, and Cranberry-Orange Fluff Salad. Throughout, Burke reflects on the social importance of potlucks, particularly in queer spaces, and celebrates the joy of serving beloved dishes to friends, families, and chosen families alike.

Champagne and a specialty cocktail will be curated by Saratoga Springs’ Bocage and Standard Fare. Wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available. A book signing will follow.

The conversation will be recorded for future broadcast on WAMC’s The Roundtable.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a copy of Potluck Desserts: Joyful Recipes to Share with Pride and have it signed by the author.

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, and Bake from Scratch. Burke makes their home in Columbia, South Carolina, with their husband and son. 

This event is sponsored by

Thank You To Our CulinaryArts@SPAC Sponsors & Supporters

Culinary Arts@SPAC is produced by Culinary Consultants Pam Abrams and Kevin London.