Modern Jewish Baker

January 1, 2018

Food blogger Sarna's debut takes an appealing theme-and-variations approach to Jewish baking. Chapters on challah, babka, bagels, rugelach, hamantaschen, pita bread, and matzah include basic recipes and a wealth of reinterpretations. S'mores babka, jalapeno cheddar bagels, harissa and goat cheese rugelach, and turmeric matzah are among the more inventive offerings, and there are bonus recipes for complementary accompaniments such as dips, spreads, gravlax, and chopped liver. Plan to have a stand mixer and pasta roller on hand--while not strictly essential, they'll make quick work of kneading and rolling. VERDICT An approachable entry to contemporary Jewish baking. See also Uri Scheft's Breaking Breads.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.