The Pastry Queen {Cookbook}

HOLY Kolache, I love The Pastry Queen (Ten Speed Press).  Her no-fuss philosophy, her scent (most days she smells of Applewood Bacon & Cheddar Scones), her life (can I BE her)?  I can tell she’s a hardworking, single-mom, who is over the top passionate about making food, and really really flavorful food at that.

Rebecca Rather, aka The Pastry Queen, has gone from baking  since she was just a young girl (bribing teachers for good grades – I like her style),  to  working under some of the top names in the restaurant world in Texas, to opening her very own Bakery & Cafe in Fredricksburg, TX.  But what’s even better, she makes her recipes easy and even encourages us to experiment with our favorite ingredients too.

Fourth of July Fried Pies

Yes, she features a great deal of savory items in her cookbook, but you’ll be so excited when you look through the plethora of desserts.  Her famous Texas Big Hairs Lemon-Lime  Meringue Tarts (on the cover), Creme Brulee French Toast, Fourth of July FRIED Pies, Tuxedo Cake. And even a section for the kids treats like PB&J Cookies with Honey Roasted Peanuts, Pretty-in-Pink Shortbread Pigs, and the one I MUST HAVE NOW is Franny’s Fave Peanut Butter-Banana Cream Pie with Hot Fudge Sauce.  I’m ironing, and hand-stretching, my turkey day pants right now.

Like what you see?  Show her some sugar…

Website

ps..“Reprinted with permission from The Pastry Queen: Royally Good Recipes from the Texas Hill Country’s Rather Sweet Bakery & Café by Rebecca Rather with Alison Oresman, copyright © 2004. Published by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group. Photo Credit: Laurie Smith.”