Milk Bar Life

Starred review from April 6, 2015
This everyday cookbook establishes Tosi, chef and co-owner of Momofuku Milk Bar, as an exciting and original voice. Tosi's second outing (after Momofuku Milk Bar) steers away from the whimsical desserts she creates for David Chang's restaurant empire, and instead focuses on the daily dishes she makes at home: "Think Desperation Nachos" and a fauxâsous vide "Bird in a Bag." Tosi continues to showcase her singular flavor combinationsâthere's unmistakable wow factor in miso butterscotch sauce and burnt honey butter served alongside kale with sesame seeds. As is to be expected, her fondness for mass-produced flavors informs recipes such as Fruity Pebble Meringues and Ritz Cracker ice box cake with Cool Whip." A reliance on ready-made ingredients like crescent roll dough and cake mix, along with simple presentations, means Tosi's guilty-pleasure creations are more accessible to the home cook this time around. A sense of humor and a love of cheese (literal and processed) are required. Color photos.