A World of Cake: 150 Recipes for Sweet Traditions from Cultures Near and Far

What's a cake? If you're living in the United States, a cake is a sweet, often layered dessert treat, usually frosted and served at a celebration such as a birthday, a wedding, or an anniversary. In France, patisseries offer edible works of art, combining architectural skill with a facility in combining sugar and flour. China is home to the mooncake, England gives us puddings (which are often cakes ), Australia perfected the Pavlova meringue cake in honor of the Russian prima ballerina, and bite-sized fruit fritters are popular in West Africa.

Author Krystina Castella became intrigued by the cultural history of cake when she hosted a bake sale with the international students she teaches and each student brought a cake from his or her family's heritage. This collection of international cakes was the beginning of A World of Cake, an adventurous exploration of global cake culture. The fascinating culinary journey includes all kinds of fun-to-read facts, such as A Field Guide to Cakes, A World Tour of Cake Holidays, and Family Trees for each kind of cake. Clear instructions, illustrations, and hundreds of color photos accompany the recipes. Who knew that edification could be this much fun? Or this delicious?

Including doughnuts, fritters, dumplings, milk treats, candy, and frosting, A World of Cake is more than a cookbook, more than an anthropology lesson, and way more fun than a textbook. Where else could readers Find an entire section devoted to cakes named after famous people? With subcategories? Castella embraces the spirit of celebration with this big, must-have book for anyone who loves making, eating, or just enjoying any version of a sweet treat.

An adventurous exploration of global cake culture, "A World of Cake" takes readers on a fascinating culinary, cultural journey with fun facts, clear instructions, full-color photos, and 150 recipes.

Travel with Krystina Castella on a sweet journey of cake discovery. Enjoyed by cultures the world over, cakes are as varied and fascinating as the pastry chefs, home bakers, and street vendors who prepare them. In France, patisseries offer edible works of art. England gives us puddings, which are really often cakes, and a bite-size lamington is a treat with tea in Australia. In Africa, golden fritters bursting with sweet fruit are popular street snacks. honey cakes celebrate new beginnings in Jewish tradition, and peach buns are a symbol of longevity in Taiwan. Fruitcakes, from Germany's stollen to Italy's panettone, are popular Christmas fare throughout much of the world.

For these desserts and many more, A World of Cake offers recipes, variations, and entertaining historical and cultural facts. Cake family trees, "world tours" of cakes served for holiday celebrations, and a centuries-long cake timeline offer fresh perspectives on cake and the place of honor it holds on the worldwide dessert table. Lovingly baked everywhere for life's special occasions, cakes are enjoyed where families and friends gather. Adopt a tradition from another country for your next cake gathering.

Tour the world of cake! Cakes are at the center of life's celebrations in every corner of the globe. A bite-size lamington is a treat with tea in Australia. In Africa, golden fritters bursting with sweet fruit are popular street snacks. Honey cakes celebrate new beginnings in Jewish tradition, and peach buns are a symbol of longevity in Taiwan. Fruitcakes, from Germany's stollen to Italy's panettone, are popular Christmas fare. This delectable cookbook offers more than 150 irresistible recipes accompanied by mouthwatering photographs, ideas for delicious variations, and fascinating historical and cultural facts. This is a must-have for anyone who loves making (or eating!) cake.

 

 

Krystina Castella is a professor at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. She is the author of A World of Cake, Pops!, Crazy About Cupcakes, and Discovering Nature’s Alphabet, and she has been published in Craft magazine.

Chapter 1: Cake Walk. A Sweet Tour of Cake History, Culture, and Language

Chapter 2: North America. Sugar and Spice and Doughnuts Are Nice

Chapter 3: Latin America. Street Sweets and Festive Quinceanera Cakes

Chapter 4: Western and Central Europe. Pastry Artistry and Cafe Culture Get Married

Chapter 5: The British Isles. Comfort Cakes and High-Society Delights

Chapter 6: Scandinavia. The Romance of Berries and Liqueur, Topped with Cream

Chapter 7: Eastern Europe. Marzipan, Gingerbread, and Other Fairy-Tale Cakes

Chapter 8: The Mediterranean. Epic Confections from Balmy Climates and Ancient Cultures

Chapter 9: Africa. Deep-Fried Nibbles and Crunchy Bananas

Chapter 10: The Middle East. Ancient Treats and Sacred Sweets

Chapter 11: The Indian Subcontinent. Milk Sweets, Dumplings, and Candy Confections

Chapter 12: The Far East. Good-for-Your-Soul Sweets

Chapter 13: Southeast Asia. Welcome to the Spice Islands

Chapter 14: Australia and New Zealand. Cakes with Character