I have my world famous apple cake slightly altered from our church cookbook in the 80’s. This cake is an icon, a Christmas morning staple, gifts for my friends and teams and a great way to make some extra cash on the side (I sold 10-30 per holiday season). This cake never fails me and is burned into my memory. I regret that I can’t share my recipe - especially when you always share yours!
I'm reading Allegra Goodman's new book too, after seeing her speak recently! I haven't read Isola yet either but I highly highly recommend her book Sam. Coming of age is my favorite, so it was perfect for me.
I don't even remember how I came across this recipe but I've made it many times now and it is always perfect. A little crunchy but light on top, soft and chewy in the middle. I don't like rum so we never have it in the house - I use cognac which is more French anyway. :) https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/french-apple-cake.html
I lived in Berkeley for 20 years and there was a Mexian restaurant on the Tiburon Peninsula called Guaymas and they made a red snapper in banana leaf with mushrooms and tomatoes that was out of this world. Sadly they are permanently closed.
My favorite apple cake recipe appeared in the SF Chronicle in 2007. I’ll try adding a link here, but just in case the link doesn’t work, you can find the recipe by googling “SFGate Marlena Spieler Sweet Thoughts for Rosh Hashana” — and if that doesn’t work, you can try adding “Polish Apple Cake” to the mix of search terms.
I LOVE Allegra Goodman - I've been reading her since she started publishing, in 1998, and highly recommend Kaaterskill Falls, her first book! I LOVED Sam. Isola was great, but I prefer her other books. I bought a signed copy of This is not about us from my local bookstore, and can't wait to dive in.
There’s an article about Allegra Goodman in Vogue that might be of interest: https://www.vogue.com/article/after-my-mothers-death
I have my world famous apple cake slightly altered from our church cookbook in the 80’s. This cake is an icon, a Christmas morning staple, gifts for my friends and teams and a great way to make some extra cash on the side (I sold 10-30 per holiday season). This cake never fails me and is burned into my memory. I regret that I can’t share my recipe - especially when you always share yours!
I'm reading Allegra Goodman's new book too, after seeing her speak recently! I haven't read Isola yet either but I highly highly recommend her book Sam. Coming of age is my favorite, so it was perfect for me.
I’d love to know the titles in the “bag o’ books”!
I can't tell you that, but if you read this newsletter carefully you might find two clues :)
I don't even remember how I came across this recipe but I've made it many times now and it is always perfect. A little crunchy but light on top, soft and chewy in the middle. I don't like rum so we never have it in the house - I use cognac which is more French anyway. :) https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/french-apple-cake.html
I lived in Berkeley for 20 years and there was a Mexian restaurant on the Tiburon Peninsula called Guaymas and they made a red snapper in banana leaf with mushrooms and tomatoes that was out of this world. Sadly they are permanently closed.
This is technically an apple bread, not a cake, but so yummy and gooey, you could top it with a sour cream cheese frosting and I bet it would be delicious. https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/maggie-austins-apple-bread/
Melissa Clark’s apple pie cake is delicious, quick, and easy to make!
Are those dates tucked in with the carrots?
Thank you for all the recent Bean photo inclusions. The world feels kind of hard now and a dog photo makes it a little better.
No! They are purple carrots. And you’re welcome about Bean. We often wonder what we’d do without her. ♥️
Fascinating that they are carrots. They fooled me.
Dogs are a vessel for love.
My favorite apple cake recipe appeared in the SF Chronicle in 2007. I’ll try adding a link here, but just in case the link doesn’t work, you can find the recipe by googling “SFGate Marlena Spieler Sweet Thoughts for Rosh Hashana” — and if that doesn’t work, you can try adding “Polish Apple Cake” to the mix of search terms.
https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/sweet-thoughts-for-rosh-hashanah-2522631.php
Deb Perelman's Mom's Apple Cake is amazing. I make it every year for Rosh Hashanah and cannot say enough good things about it!
I LOVE Allegra Goodman - I've been reading her since she started publishing, in 1998, and highly recommend Kaaterskill Falls, her first book! I LOVED Sam. Isola was great, but I prefer her other books. I bought a signed copy of This is not about us from my local bookstore, and can't wait to dive in.
I loved Sam so so much! I want to go back through her entire backlog.
Kaaterskill Falls is my fave too!
Smitten Kitchen, Mom's Apple Cake! So, so good, even if you don't bake it in a bundt pan. :)
This is Not About Us is due in my mailbox today. I have never read any of her other books, but am not sure why.
David Lebovitz has a great apple cake recipe. I can't say exactly where to find it but I'm sure it won't be hard. Paula in San Franciso.
The Cookbook Collector and Sam are both great Allegra Goodman titles.
Good to know, thank you.