Rich Rewards: Treats for the Soul

Jo-Anne Mary Benson, the former book review columnist for Ottawa Parent
magazine, is an Ottawa-based freelance editor and writer.

The cover photo of the mouth-watering Strawberry Almond
Shortcake—amaretto cream filling on shortbread topped off with fresh
strawberries and lightly drizzled with dark chocolate—will entice
anyone with an interest in cooking to explore this book.

Using a format similar to that found in Jean Paré’s cookbook series
Company’s Coming, Heather E. Heather provides accessible recipes that
are complemented by personal comments, hints, and anecdotes. This
personalized style of presentation makes readers feel as if they are
getting a favorite family recipe from a friend. Heather, who in the past
operated a pastry shop with her mother, uses commonly found ingredients
in the dozens of recipes for cakes, cookies, pies, and other sweets. The
recipes frequently call for chocolate, liqueurs, creams, and butter,
making the book’s title very appropriate. The desserts are rich and
the rewards are plentiful.

From the complex recipe for Black Forest Cake (three pages) to the
simple instructions for Rich Toffee (one paragraph), there is a
tantalizing dessert to suit every time restriction and occasion. In
addition to such common recipes as Chocolate Cake, Banana Bread, and
Lemon Meringue Pie, there is a treasure trove of new delights, including
Coconut Christmas Cake, Dessert Rosettes, Mixed Berry Pie, or Rich
Turtle Chocolate Cake. There is something to satisfy everyone’s sweet
tooth in Rich Rewards.