BEG from p 33 black-and-white-striped awnings. You need to be fully present for this luscious, rich swirl of vanilla and chocolate that resists under your spoon before melting between your tongue and palate and delighting your tastebuds. The ice cream comes in four-ounce Smile Size and six-ounce Happy Size cups. Cones (regular and gluten-free), drizzles, and toppings are also available. Everything at BEG is vegan; anything in a red wrapper is also gluten-free. The purchase of four or six items yields a discount, so take a box home to the family. Listen as they ooh and aah over how moist the cakes are and exclaim that the blueberry muffin is the best they’ve ever had. Ditto the coffee cake with its hint of almond. But this time, lactose-intolerant members — who would normally take a small bite and forgo the rest — will be able to indulge without worry. Life just got fair. How such moist texture is achieved with almond, coconut, and macadamia milks is Shawna’s secret. Aside from the texture, the flavors are incredible, and not cloyingly sweet. The Casino Blueberry Muffin, for example, isn’t just blueberry: It’s lemon, poppyseed, and blueberry, the perfect marriage of ingredients. Even the My Jam Cupcake has a mellow sweetness, despite the homemade berry jam in the middle. When you haven’t had dessert without pain since the Clinton impeachment scandal, eating vegan and gluten-free bakery treats that don’t sacrifice texture or flavor is utterly liberating. In addition to muffins, cupcakes, and ice cream, the bakery offers coffee, cookies, brownies, and cinnamon rolls. Behind the counter, a screen presents bits of informa- tion about the offerings. BEG has two separate kitchens in order to avoid gluten cross-contamination; both are located in Tempe. A third-party lab has tested the bakery and creamery’s products and certified them as vegan. The lab has also verified the absence of gluten in the gluten-free products. The bakery’s owners are looking to ramp things up at BEG in the coming months, with plans to have several food trucks outside, including ones that specialize in vegan/gluten-free food. They’re also scheduling more regular events. “I used to be in ministry and love to serve,” says Michelle. “We’re adding community events monthly for people with special needs (high-functioning autistic and Down syndrome), single moms, and caregivers.” The idea was inspired by Shawna’s daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. “I want people with special needs to feel included,” Michelle adds. “I want them to come in here and feel us love them with open arms.” BEG Bakery & Creamery 3030 North 68th Street, Scottsdale 480-590-0021 34 Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. MARCH 31ST– APRIL 6TH, 2022 PHOENIX NEW TIMES | MUSIC | CAFE | FILM | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | FEATURE | NEWS | OPINION | FEEDBACK | CONTENTS | phoenixnewtimes.com
