Something Sweet Cookbook
INTRODUCTION
New York City is a magical place. From my early childhood in the south, I sensed the magnetic pull to “be a part of it.” Arriving in New York nearly twenty years ago, baking and collecting recipes were already a fervent avocation. Twelve years ago, recipes from this book began being offered at The American Place Theater, when the theater’s Artistic Director, Wynn Handman, graciously allowed for a “dessert bar” in the theater’s café space. Theater Week Magazine later coined the counter “Sweet Charity” because it was begun without concern for profit. Now, with over a decade in the culinary industry, a dozen New York theater dessert counters and countless catered events later, thousands of party and theatergoers have experienced the recipes in these pages.
A lifetime of interest in sweets motivated the book’s focus on a time-honored cherished realm of gastronomy. Throughout the years, sweets have been a specialty of our culinary core. Often just dessert suits the appetite. There are, however, times when dessert is not on the menu and the sweetness of fruits, honey and even maple syrup added to chicken, vegetables or seafood satisfy the sweet tooth.
On these pages, you are introduced to dishes and even desserts that demonstrate a rational approach to something sweet. And then there are the decadent holiday favorites. Herewith is a sensitive and sensible way to satisfy a sweet tooth. It incorporates the best all-natural ingredients and health conscious alternatives. A true reflection of 21st century life in new york, some of the recipes are healthier than others and they reflect the cuisine of Africa, asia, Europe, the American south and California. But they all will satisfy the sweet tooth. It’s like eating your cake and having it, too.
This book offers recipes for an array of dishes- it includes, but is not limited to those I have developed. Most of these recipes have originated elsewhere and many have been adapted and revised. The dishes come from a variety of sources. They all share one characteristic – something sweet!