Celebration Breads: Recipes, Tales, and Traditions

by Betsy Oppenneer, John Burgoyne (Illustrator)

A collection of international baked bread recipes for all occasions by a respective culinary instructor presents detailed steps on how to prepare more than seventy-five sweet and savory breads, from the Passover matzoh and festive Russian kolach to the Christmas stollen and British hot cross buns. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Cookbooks

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Tanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I never baked a loaf out of this bread, I would still consider it one of the very best ... for the stories alone.
But the recipes look fantastic. Terrific new (and even simple) shaping techniques.
I found a recipe I made ages ago when our two boys were little and I can't wait now to bake it for my grand children. Saint Lucia's Crown!
Even though there are no photos ... NO PHOTOS! the illustrations in this book are excellent. My only complaint might be that not every recipe is illustrated but a two day exam makes me believe that recipes without much shaping issue probably don't need illustration. That is my hope.
My crazy wish for one bread to bake is Korovai, a Ukrainian Wedding Bread. I just don't know anybody to bake it for.
This book appears to be out of print but I got a copy in good condition (from Amazon) for less than $3. I checked back and this may not be out of print.

[Cissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited by this cookbook! I love to make breads for festivals and celebrations, and there are so many options here!

I am especially interested in the Christmas season breads from northern Europe- they are part of my heritage, and I'm always curious about variants.

But- where I grew up there was a significant Eastern European and Slavic presence, and I have missed many of those treats so much since moving to New England!

While at least half of the book is Europe-based, there are fascinating recipes from Africa, the Americas, and even one from Asia. I appreciate the lore included with each recipe.

It's a well-designed book with clear and thorough directions for each recipe, and illustrations when needed.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for bakers. There are several really great traditional recipies for celebrations around the year from different parts of the globe. While some of these recipies are a bit fussy,none of them are impossible.

[Pedro · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a cookbook/cultural anthropology book. She shares the stories and culture behind the bread. Excellent realisitic recipes, with some exotic more involved recipes to spice it up. I have to admit I'm a bit biased though. I tested recipes for this book. My name is in the credits :-)