April 2019 Cookbook Previews

It happens every time. Every month, the anticipation of new cookbooks arriving builds and I am amazed by the “must have” designation I assign to many of them. But in the same measure, I have a tiny wish that so many of the new releases wouldn’t be keepers. Why would an avid cookbook junkie say such a thing? It is simple, I long to spend time with them all, I need to cut back on my collection for my husband’s sanity. But I can’t. Cookbook publishers and authors are on their A game, releasing one fascinating title after another.

Late last year when I started my 2019 Preview post, I was overwhelmed with the wealth of interesting books coming our way and today I realized it will be a blink of an eye before I am preparing my best books of 2019 list and my 2020 Preview post. Cookbook time goes fast. It is faster than ordinary time.

Let’s try to enjoy and savor April’s titles before another month rushes by. Please note, if I have the book, I will share a blurb – if I do not have the book, I hope to bring you more information at the end of the month in the Cookbook Review.

Lastly, please note, I have recently updated our calendar of author events and our EYBD pages – be sure you check those pages frequently for updates. Any author with current events are noted.

Tessa Huff’s first book, Layered, is one of my all-time favorite baking books. To say I was excited to learn she was working on book two, is an understatement. Icing on the Cake: Baking and Decorating Simple, Stunning Desserts at Home is a testament to the writer behind Style Sweet CA‘s talent for all things dessert. 

What’s to love? Step-by-step technique photos that guide us through creating a classic lattice pie crust to decorating a show-stopping cake. Tutorials such as “getting to know genoise sponge cakes” to piping buttercream flowers. One decadent recipe after another: Pistachio truffle cake, Rainbow no-bake cheesecake and a Berry pistachio pavlova cake. Bonus: Tarts, macarons, mirror glazes, pastries, cupcakes and more are covered. Tessa’s events are shared on our calendar.

République in Los Angeles has been named one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles (Eater) and also is the recipient of countless accolades from Bon Appetit to Forbes. Margarita Manzke’s Baking at République: Masterful Techniques and Recipes for Bakers provides a guide to doughs and batters that make the baked goods and desserts of this restaurant shine. There are 100 recipes geared to elevate the home baker’s skill. 

What’s to love? The stunning cover is reflected of the 125 photographs contained inside. Margarita is a four-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Pastry Chef award, has been named LA’s best pastry chef by LA Weekly and co-owns three restaurants in LA plus eight other cafe/bakeries in her native Manila. Recipes that include Banana-nutella crostatas, Florentine croissants, and the Brioche fruit tarts from the cover. 

EAT COOK L.A.: Recipes from the City of Angels by Aleksandra Crapanzano shares 100 recipes from Los Angeles’ restaurants to food trucks. The author hand selected the chefs and recipes to feature because the food is fresh, simply prepared, and packed with flavor, texture and nuance. 

What’s to love? A book that highlights a city through its food and people is always a keeper in my estimation. Profiles of greats such as Nancy Silverton or Suzanne Goin, spectacular photos and approachable recipes round out this book.

Heirloom Kitchen: Heritage Recipes and Family Stories from the Tables of Immigrant Women by Anna Francese Gass is thoughtful, important and timely. 

What’s to love? Anna weaves together forty strong, exceptional women, all immigrants to the United States, whose heirloom recipes have helped shape the landscape of American food into one stunning book. Fall in love with Gina and her Bocconotti Calabrese (Italian hand pies) or Bea’s Swedish Palacinka torta and soak up their experiences through their recipes and stories. This is a book you will cherish. Anna’s events are on our calendar.



My Mexico City Kitchen: Recipes and Convictions
 by Gabriela Camara brings the vibrancy and flavors of Mexico alive in a beautifully photographed and approachable cookbook. 

What’s to love? Gabriela for starters. The love of her heritage and cuisine shines here. From her no-waste philosophy and passion for sustainable food, you will immediately respect this chef. The photographs of family, young and old, creating meals and memories, fills the reader with promise and hope. The Lemon and ricotta tart is on my menu for Easter.

Happiness Is Baking: Favorite Desserts from the Queen of Cake by Maida Heatter is a beautiful tribute to the recipes of the baking icon. Filled with illustrations and Maida’s best recipes, it is a true collector’s item and must have for bakers, both novice and experienced. 

What’s to love? Dorie Greenspan opens the book with her recounting of attending a James Beard award ceremony where Maida was being honored that ended with the famed queen of cake tossing brownies into the adoring crowd. Dorie swears by Maida’s recipes as do countless fans. The bonus here are the lovely illustrations and “keeper” recipes.

 

 

Other titles of interest:

Post a comment

4 Comments

  • Kristjudy  on  April 8, 2019

    What a fabulous review! My wish list just had a few new books added!

  • laureljean  on  April 8, 2019

    After you read this preview of most recent and upcoming cookbooks, you'll hunger for most (or all) of them. I love Jenny's reviews, using them to add to my wish list and happily, reduce the balance in my bank account.

  • Foodycat  on  April 9, 2019

    I've got Baan – it's absolutely gorgeous!

  • Rosesrpink50  on  April 13, 2019

    I just got Save me the Plums. Excited to start reading it!

Seen anything interesting? Let us know & we'll share it!