The Dessert Table

The dessert table is the star of any Jewish gathering: sprinkle cookies and honey cake, airy meringues and flaky rugelach, sweets brimming with tender apples and bright pops of pomegranate. Eager to bring extra sweetness to all our tables, Leah Koenig takes us on a tour through the 2,000-year-old tradition of Jewish sweets. She shares recipes and stories from historic Jewish communities in Venice, Syria and Curaçao; home bakers from Hungary and Poland; and up-and-coming diaspora bakeries across the United States. Her 100 all-new recipes include creative takes on familiar favourites like Chai-Spiced Cheesecake or Chocolate Turtle Babka, and lesser-known gems, such as a lush Orange and Almond Cake and Fluffy Apricot Jam Doughnuts. Beloved for her well-researched storytelling and clear, encouraging directions, Koenig energises the dessert canon as no one else can. Leah Koenig’s Portico (9780393868012) was praised as: “[F]rom its typeface to its photography, [Portico is] a classy, beautiful volume that feels upscale but approachable (read: your mother would approve).” – Adam Rothbarth, Vice “A gorgeous, heartfelt book that shines light on a uniquely delicious corner of Roman cuisine. A fascinating read—and a delight to cook from!” – Gwyneth Paltrow