Lillian Kaplun's Kitchen

Christy Conte is a Toronto-based freelance writer.

This is a wonderful, practical guide to cooking and baking from one of
Canada’s leading authorities on the subject. The 200-odd recipes in
this volume have been culled from the author’s previous bestselling
books on cooking, baking, and entertaining. Combined in this form, they
serve as an indispensable primer for the beginning or intermediate cook.

Lillian Kaplun’s Kitchen is a Jewish cookbook and much more. The
recipes adapt easily for the kosher kitchen, and suggestions for Jewish
holiday meals are offered throughout. Recipes for all the standards
(brisket, challah, cheesecake, latkes, teiglach, etc.) are included. Any
cultural barrier that might exist is transcended by Kaplun’s practical
approach to food preparation. There are no pretensions here, and Kaplun
spends ample time on such basics as how to beat eggs, correct
temperatures of ingredients, how to measure properly, and the importance
of timing. Her approach is exacting, but rest assured, your Sour Cream
Coffee Cake will be a showpiece if you can resist the urge to cream the
batter for less than the full 10 minutes.

The recipes are categorized in the usual manner—soups, appetizers,
casseroles, vegetables, breads, and quick breads—and the book includes
a brief glossary and equivalencies chart. Although recipes for
entertaining are offered, the emphasis in this volume is on home-style
family fare. Chicken Pie with Sweet Potato Crust, Carrot Cutlets, Mocha
Mousse Cheesecake ... every family should be so lucky!