Starred review from September 6, 2021
“You can bake like a Southerner no matter where you live,” writes Day (The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook) in this impressive compilation of baked goods hailing from and adapted in Southern states. Inspired by the handwritten recipes passed down from her great-great-grandmother and a passion for collecting old Southern cookbooks, Day supplements her delectable offerings with fascinating historical context: “Before vanilla extract was widely available,” she writes in her apple rose pie recipe, “the most popular flavoring in America was rose water.” Alongside Southern staples peach cobbler, hummingbird cake, and golden buttermilk chess pie, she shares enticing savory options as well—such as summer tomato pie, parmesan-rosemary-pecan shortbread, and cornmeal cheese waffles. Other palatable choices include salty honey bars, crispy cheese crackers (an “addictive party snack” made with crisped rice cereal), and strawberry black pepper butter. Day also devotes a detailed section to jam making and teaches readers how to can for long-term use. Her easy-to-follow steps and tricks (like blanching peaches to perfectly peel them) will boost confidence and help refine baking techniques so that “every day is worthy of a special treat from the kitchen.” This is an excellent guide for novice and experienced bakers looking to add a little Southern charm to their repertoire.
October 1, 2021
Written like a love letter to the roots of Southern cooking, the history of Southern baking is documented in this beautifully crafted compilation. Award-winning author Day, co-owner of the Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, Georgia, offers over 300 recipes that connect readers to the ingredients and methods that make Southern baking stand the test of time. Stunning photographs show off flaky sweet-potato biscuits, mouthwatering cornmeal Parmesan waffles, sweet glazed cakes, and more. With a blend of both sweet and savory recipes, Day utilizes traditional Southern staples like sorghum syrup, peaches, and peanuts, while also offering fresh takes using ingredients like rose water and cardamom. This treasury is filled with a handy list of baking rules, as well as tool and equipment recommendations. Day breaks down seemingly complex recipes and makes them accessible and easy to accomplish--her collection of recipes is an essential library addition for at-home and professional bakers alike.
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Starred review from January 1, 2022
Day (Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook; The Artisanal Kitchen) has written an informative and authoritative volume on Southern baking, with recipes compiled from her landmark bakery in Savannah, GA, from her family, and from other storied Southern bakers. The book is beautifully photographed and full of her baking knowledge, from breads to cakes. The collection includes a beautifully written introduction by Day about her family and how she became the baker and bakery owner she is today. The "Southern Baking Rules" section offers essential guidance for home bakers making these recipes; some of it also applies in general to any baking. In addition, Day makes recommendations on essential and optional kitchen tools and appliances. The book is divided into 13 chapters, including a chapter about recipe basics and a chapter on homemade jams. Standout recipes include Scallion and Cheddar Cathead Biscuits, skillet cornbread, blueberry buckle, hummingbird cake (a pineapple-banana spice cake with Jamaican roots), and chicken pot pie. VERDICT A comprehensive, well-executed volume, perfect for bakers of all levels. Those new to Day's books will find this to be a welcome introduction.--Holly Skir
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