Show 382, July 18, 2020: Pastry Chef Angela Garbacz, Goldenrod Pastries & Perfectly Golden Cookbook Part Two

Angela Garbacz of Goldenrod Pastries“Creating baked goods for everyone can be a challenge—from dairy intolerances to gluten-free lifestyles, peanut allergies to vegan diets, there are so many factors to consider when trying to come up with something to bake for a friend’s birthday, bake sale, holiday, or just to give someone a treat. Luckily, Angela Garbacz, the chef and owner of Goldenrod Pastries in Lincoln, Nebraska, felt the same way, and in Perfectly Golden: Adaptable Recipes for Sweet and Simple Treats she provides inclusive recipes that are meant to fit any lifestyle, regardless of dietary restrictions.”

“Angela includes all the classic recipes that have made Goldenrod Pastries a household name, as irresistible as they are adaptable. Goldenrod’s Favorite Vegan Bun Dough is one of her signatures—and one sampling will tell you why. You may have never thought that a Babka could be made vegan, but Angela doesn’t just provide one version, she gives three variations to make this classic even more exciting. Of course, she includes standards like Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, and Coconut Berry Thumbprints, but she also gives more unique cookies, such as Buckwheat Chocolate Chunk Cookies and Turtle Cookies. If you’re looking for snack cakes, then look no further than recipes like Lemon & Almond Torte, Blueberry Buckle with Pecan Streusel, and Chocolate “Thunder” Cake.”

“If you’re heading to a party, then you could bring one of her fancier party cakes, which include classics, such as Carrot Cake and Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream, and new flavors, like Champagne Cake with Almond Buttercream, Orange Blossom Cake with Lemon Buttercream, and Cardamom Cake with Pistachio Streusel & Strawberry-Rose Glaze. Angela’s chapter for Pies, Tarts, and Bars includes all the familiar favorites, along with Rice Custard Tart, Pomegranate Tart, and Strawberry Pretzel Pie.”

“Angela is reworking the classics to fit with any diet, while creating new and interesting flavors throughout. Whether you’re a baking novice or an expert, a seasoned vegan or a newly diagnosed dairy intolerant, this book provides treats, cakes, cookies, and more to fit in with your diet. Angela helps you do you and gives you the freedom to enjoy something sweet.”

The book is sprinkled with memorable personal stories about the recipes’ heritages. Particularly poignant is the Peach Coffee Cake which was faithfully adapted by Angela over the years from her Baba’s cherished recipe. Yum…!

Pastry Chef Angela Garbacz continues, whisk in hand.

Show 105, January 10, 2015: Logan Levant, author, The Kitchen Decoded

Logan LevantFirst-time cookbook authors and cookware experts Logan Levant (ex-Buttercake Bakery) and Hilary Hattenbach have penned The Kitchen Decoded – Tools, Tricks, and Recipes for Great Food. The handy new book unravels the mystery of home kitchen equipment and saves the home cook countless hours.

The Kitchen Decoded takes the mystery and intimidation out of gadgets and shows how proper cookware can actually streamline the cooking process. The key lies in breaking down the best tools for each task.

Chapters are organized by gadget, and each tool is paired accordingly with instructions and an arsenal of time-tested recipes. Featured equipment ranges from high end tools like the KitchenAid stand mixer to low-tech gadgets like the Microplane and cookie sheets.

Logan Levant, owner of Los Angeles’ famous Buttercake Bakery (now departed) for ten years, spent countless hours showing friends how to use the kitchen tools they received as gifts. With a self-taught passion for cooking and baking, Levant’s tasty recipes made Buttercake the go-to bakery on Los Angeles’ Westside for a decade.

Recipes for many of Buttercake Bakery’s most popular items are in the book including the signature Lemon Bars and Coffee Cake!

Co-author Logan Levant is our helpful guide.