Meet Tracy Rodgers | Pastry Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracy Rodgers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracy, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?
As my children grew up I was always volunteering and doing things to support them because I thought that was important, and it was. I wouldn’t change any of that, but honestly, the most important thing that I have done as a parent was going back to school, culinary, at the age of 52 and deciding to work my own business. I feel like I have given my children the message that it is never too late to learn and that reinventing yourself at any age is ok.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Out of high school I went to college to be a music therapist. I worked in that field for 11 years, and specialized in Alzheimer’s and dementia. I loved how music could be a catalyst in bringing back memories, and bringing out parts of people’s personalities that had been taken away by the disease. I have realized that food can do this exact thing. When I make a batch of molasses cookies or bake a coconut cake, customers will eat them and then tell me stories of their favorite cookie or cake that their grandmother made. I love to provide those smiles and memories on a plate of delicious treats.

Starting a new career in your 50’s is not easy. I sometimes doubt myself and my abilities, but my family is always there to cheer me on. My strength is not in advertising. My kids have taught me a lot about social media, and branding myself. It is a continual challenge to promote oneself, as I have never been good at that.

I like to support local businesses. So my BBB Chocolate Chip Cookies (Brown Butter Bourbon) and Oatmeal Rum Raisin Cookies use liquor from Longmont Distilleries. I also use carrots from Miller Farms in my Carrot Cakes, and I use Longmont Dairy Farms dairy. Most of my baked goods come in a handmade box. Packaging makes a difference, I think it makes it special and memorable. I think these steps adds a personal touch to the baked goods.

I hope that I can be an inspiration to other adult women that have spent their whole life serving others. It is so important to take care of yourself and do something that brings you joy.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is perfect! My best friends from college were visiting this summer and I showed them around Longmont and the surrounding area.

We would start with an afternoon of shopping in downtown Longmont. There are so many cute boutiques to find clothes or tchotches that no one else will have. Lunch at Hefe’s Tacos and Tequilla is a must. I always order their chip & dip quatro and a toasted coconut margarita. Because it is imperative to have some visiting time, evening drinks a patio would be in order. It would probably be at our home as my husband has put in so much work on our backyard and we have our own little oasis, but a close second would be Wibby brewery, they have such a great outdoor area.

For breakfast the next day I would prepare pastries that I ordered from The Family Bakeshop in downtown Longmont. They have take and bake French pastries that you bake in your own oven. A little bit of France in your own kitchen. Following breakfast we would venture out on an open Jeep ride to the mountains. We would head up to Nederland, probably ride on the Carousal of Happiness, one is never too old for this! We would go across the street for a giant ice cream cone at Blue Owl Books, then continue on the Peak to Peak highway for a beautiful scenic drive.

The next day we would take a day hike at Button Rock. There are so many beautiful views and great places to have a picnic lunch. On our way home from the hike we would stop at Spirit Hound distillery in Lyons for a well-deserved cocktail.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, Art, deserves a lot of credit. He has always been very supportive, he let me make my decisions in my own time. With his support I finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up.

Website: www.allfortreats.com

Instagram: @trodgerseats

Facebook: TRodgers Eats

Image Credits
Art Rodgers