First Sample

My mom always finds gifts that delight me, gifts I would not get for myself. She splurges on the Primal Elements soaps I love. She locates books I enjoy. At Christmas, she got Julie Richardson's VINTAGE CAKES for me, and I open it often, just to look at the delicious photographs of what are certain to be scrumptious cakes. Yesterday, I finally baked Malted Milk Chocolate Cupcakes, and they are lovely to view and excellent to eat, especially with a glass of milk.

The author runs a Portland, Oregon bakery, and the prefaces to each recipe provide a bit of history and a few tips for success. Did you know malted milk powder became available in 1897 and was considered a health product? Or that cassata cake made its way to the U.S. at the start of the twentieth century? From hasty cakes and everyday cakes to flips, rolls, and party cakes, this cookbook has a wonderful selection of familiar recipes and unique ideas to keep me trying new things - and repeating some - in the coming months.