Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Just Jennifer

Sweeter off the Vine by Yossy Arefi

Blogger (Apt 2B Baking Co.) Yossy Arefi grew up in the Pacific Northwest, her tastes strongly influenced by her Iranian father moved to New York with dreams of going to culinary school; nightmares of mountains of college debt sent her to find a job in a restaurant, first as a receptionist, baking at home in her tiny kitchen, convincing her boss to give her a shot in the kitchen.  This gorgeously photographed cookbook takes home cooks on a journey through the four seasons using the fruits (and herbs) of each season to create spectacular, fresh desserts, some simple to put together quickly after a busy day, while others require a day off to spend the time with the ingredients for proper results.  Spring time includes the ubiquitous strawberry and rhubarb, but in completely new ways: rhubarb pairs well with a sturdy rye flour to create an unusual upside-down cake and strawberries purred with Campari make ice pops for grown-ups as the spring gets warmer.  Summer heralds the arrival of all manners of mixed berries and stone fruits for not only cobblers and buckles, but pies, frozen treats and filings for cream puffs.  Fall brings apples, pears and squash, but not forgotten are the persimmons and quince and harder to find Concord grapes to warm up the cooler days.  Winter celebrates the holidays with cranberries and dates, but citrus is the real star, brightening up heavier meals and days with shorter sunlit hours.  Even the most complicated recipes are easily explained, as is what to look for when selecting the fruit from the market or your own garden.  Arefi combines interesting ingredients in unusual ways with some most delicious results.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.


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