The Joys of Baking

November 4, 2019
Food writer Seneviratne (The New Sugar and Spice) begins her soulful, accessible baking collection with the story of her divorce and her brother’s death. The recipes are divided into chapters designated Courage, Grace, Bliss, Love, and Wisdom, and open with tender, down-to-earth essays detailing food-centered moments from her life. Stories and food come together in headnotes, including a remembrance of working at a doughnut shop that introduces glazed pear fritters and the early days of motherhood and nuzzling with her newborn that inspired her “pillowy” coconut buns. Sensory details often set the scene, such as her recalling how the music of Enya coupled with the smell of lavender relaxed her as a child, and how she now finds stress relief in baking pain au chocolat topped with an Earl Grey cream. Comfort for Seneviratne is found in baked confections (the closest to savory here are barley oat biscuits that can be paired with cheese), such as a company-worthy Sunshine Wreath—a roasted plum cloud cake, which is Seneviratne’s easy-to-prepare antidote for a cloudy day. This is a solid choice for those who want to share comforting, home-baked dishes.

November 1, 2019

Seneviratne (The New Sugar and Spice) instills her genuine passion for baking in the recipes and stories throughout this beautifully written cookbook. In the introduction, she recommends ingredients and the equipment needed to prepare the recipes she includes. For example, using unsalted butter is key to controlling the amount of salt in prepared items. She suggests using espresso powder in chocolate desserts to enhance the flavor of the chocolate. Instead of dividing chapters by specific desserts or pastries, Seneviratne titles the chapters after feelings and emotions: Courage, Grace, Bliss, Love, and Wisdom. Recipes include crème brûlée tart with pears and chocolate, Neapolitan ice-cream cake, and guava cream cheese rugelach. The gorgeous photographs will leave new and experienced bakers longing to make several of the featured recipes. VERDICT A truly exceptional first book geared for bakers of all levels.--Holly Skir, Broward Cty. Lib., FL

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