Stella Parks’ Reddit AMA

EYB Members went wild over Stella Parks’ cookbook BraveTart: Iconic American Desserts, which ranks in the top 10 dessert books in the EYB Library by popularity. It’s no wonder; her precise methodology and warm, funny writing style help take the intimidation out of baking while offering standout desserts.

Today Parks hosted an AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit. Hundreds of people (including me) have posed questions for the unflappable and engaging pastry guru. As of publishing this post, there is still time to throw your question into the fray, but even if you do not have a burning baking question to ask, the thread is an informative and entertaining read. 

One of the great tidbits I picked up from a quick perusal of the thread is the Parks, the ‘pastry wizard’ at Serious Eats, is working on a comprehensive guide to frosting. In response to a query about frosting, Parks wrote:

Hurray, the world of frosting! I’m happy to say I’m working on an in-depth guide to all the major frosting styles for Serious Eats, including the pros and cons of each, how they’re best flavored, and what circumstances may make them a better choice over others. I think that’s coming out in October? I still have a few more frosting recipes to get up on the site before then, so the guide will be complete on its debut.

Parks has responded to hundreds of questions, offering everything from specific recipe advice to listing her favorite cookbook (The Flavour Thesaurus: Pairings, Recipes and Ideas for the Creative Cook), favorite unusual dessert ingredient (currently pistachio oil), and which of the recipes she has developed is her favorite (Homemade Oatmeal Creme Pies, available online and pictured above). Check out the AMA to learn more.