Kaffeehaus

Book excerpt: “Celebrates the sweet excesses of the Austro-Hungarian Empire . . . Sachertorte, Apfelstrudel and Croissants are among the creations Rodgers demystifies.” —Publishers Weekly Take a tour of the legendary cafés of Vienna, Budapest, and Prague where a rich tradition of masterful desserts and coffee lives on. For centuries, artists and philosophers have gathered around coffeehouse tables to complement their lively conversations with exquisite desserts. Modern cafés of this region remain loyal to this pastry tradition; though the décor has changed, it is still strudel—not lemongrass sorbet—that is served on the menu. In Kaffeehaus, Rick Rodgers celebrates 300 years of tradition with over 150 of the best classic Austro-Hungarian pastries. Using his celebrated skill as a teacher to present the recipes to bakers of all levels, Rodgers expertly shows how to create these glorious treats at home. Included are the explanations of the different kinds of batter, dough, and icing that form the foundation of this baking tradition, in addition to the many beverages—coffee or otherwise—that pair perfectly with the desserts. This revised second edition features new charts for ingredient weights and measures in addition to updated content and resource lists. One of the few books on authentic Austro-Hungarian baking written in English with recipes for American kitchens and their ingredients. Kaffeehaus beautifully captures the taste and elegance of these cafés, commemorating their culture, history, and the delectable legacy of their desserts. “Because the featured desserts (e.g., Apfelstrudel and Sachertorte) are steeped in tradition, this is as much a fascinating culinary history as it is a recipe collection.” —Library Journal