For the first Friday Food Reads Cookbook Review, I thought I would go with the cookbook Ovenly by Agatha Kulaga and Erin Patinkin. And I will say, this book did not disappoint. After finishing the book and testing four of the recipes, I can't even begin to imagine why I haven't been to the bakery! Then I remembered, they have only been doing what they do since 2010, and their New York's Best New Bakery status only happened in 2013. Considering it's only 2014, I don't feel too far behind the times.
How Many Cookbooks Does One Need?
Over the last week, I have finally taken the time to catalog all my cookbooks and get them into library software. WOW... I can't imagine why I waited so long to do this. I don't think I really understood the benefits of this until working at America's Test Kitchen with their 3,000 plus cookbooks. 3,000 cookbooks really do make my 200 cookbooks seem relatively small in comparison, but I'm already loving the benefits of just going into the software and finding all my recipes in one central location when I am on the hunt to make something new and looking for ideas. While I was cataloging, I thought it might be nice to devote a post to Friday Food Reads. No sense in having all these books if I can't share and make recommendations. Although, being a food photographer, sometimes I easily get sucked into the pretty pictures and forget why I opened the book to begin with. Hey, what's a gal to do?
About The Authors
The book starts with great stories about who Erin and Agatha are and how they ended up where they are today. I love reading these stories. As someone who spent many years in corporate America doing a job she was good at, but just didn't have a love for, I can understand someone's need to change careers and pursue their passions. The transition times, the hopes, the worries, the concerns, and the strong desire to turn their hobby into a business, are something a lot of people can relate to.
Their story seems genuine, and you can easily feel the passion they have for what they do. You can bet on my next New York trip, when I make it to the bakery, I don't want to just eat the food. I want to meet these two business women that bake with their hearts and don't bother trying to fit into a particular mold. Their story is an inspiration for all aspiring bakers.
Lesson From The Book
My favorite lesson learned from the book: "In every blundered recipe there is a culinary creation waiting to be discovered." This is so true. And I think as we become more and more comfortable in the kitchen and more familiar with the ingredients, we become much more flexible with just using what we have and making something work. As Erin and Agatha said, "Cooking is an adventure!"
Should You Buy The Book?
And after reading this cookbook, I would say, "Run with it. Create what you love and always...Eat Dessert First!"
Other Cookbook Reviews
Looking For More Baking Tips
Subscribe to my free newsletter to get new baking tips in your inbox monthly. Find me sharing new recipes and tips on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. What that means is if you click on one of our affiliate links, they may toss a few pennies our way for a commission.
Leave a Reply