The Violet Bakery Cookbook

Starred review from July 20, 2015
A foreword by Alice Waters touting the talents of Ptak begins this stellar collection from the owner of the London bakery Violet. Ptak worked for Waters at Chez Panisse before moving to England and working as a food stylist and later selling baked goods at a farmers’ market. Her dedication and efforts morphed into a quaint permanent bakery on Wilton Way. The Morning chapter includes muffins , healthful scones (blueberry, spelt, and oat), as well as special morning indulgences including the chocolate croissant bread pudding and a yellow peach crumble cake. Midday features the British-centric “toasties” (a kind of grilled cheese sandwich) popular at Violet, such as the cheddar and green onion with quince jelly, along with savory tarts and quiches. Waters’s own apple galette has its place in the Evening chapter. Ptak’s love of violets comes through loud and perfectly sweet in the violet icing recipe, made with the floral syrup and used to top cupcakes that helped bring the bakery to success. Full-page color photos and the author’s down-to-earth tone will make readers want to dive into this beautiful collection and, perhaps, even plan a culinary visit for some freshly baked treats.