I finally purchased a copy of Sarabeth's Bakery, From My Hands to Yours. I have fond memories of Sarabeth's in New York and when the book was released recently, I decided that I had to have a copy. The book is a massive treasure trove that begs to be read again and again.
Sarabeth Levine is a woman who has mastered her craft. I often get befuddled when I read cookbooks today. To me, many of them seem useless and fairly light. While reading recipes in many of these books, I read between the lines and often question how carefully the recipes have been tested. I wonder if the author really mastered the recipes at hand or if the recipes were conveniently "tweaked" at the keyboard.
Thankfully, I didn't sense any of that editorial nonsense when I read Sarabeth's book last night. Sarabeth started her New York-based business in her apartment in 1981. The business eventually had to be moved to a bigger location and thus her delicious empire was born. She has been baking at the helm ever since. Such experience and dedication to her craft permeate every recipe and every word in her book, which, by the way, is her first. Although the recipes appear quite long and sometimes go on for two pages, they are incredibly detailed and remarkably informative.
Sarabeth includes the nuances that make the difference. For example, she clearly tells her reader which speed to use on the KitchenAid and then tells them exactly how long to run the machine. She also clearly states her preference for traditional kugelhopf molds and explains why the thinner pans produce a better product than some of the other tube pans on the market. Many of the steps in the recipes clearly correspond to numbered photographs, which aid considerably in more difficult time-consuming recipes. And, when it comes to making jam, Sarabeth tells us that it's okay for the jam to be runny because a looser jam retains more of the natural flavor of the fruit.
I must admit that I haven't tried any of the recipes just yet, but I have earmarked quite a few. At the top of my list? Sarabeth's Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies. I grew up visiting Sarabeth's...it is nice to have a delicious and carefully crafted taste of home!
--Melissa A. Trainer
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