This cookbook spotlights the recipes, traditions, and tales of a popular New Jersey bakery that started as a tiny, hole in the wall but became a pillar of resilience for the community during the global pandemic. Montclair Bread Company not only offers bountiful baked treats to throngs of fans, and is a mecca for runners who line up each year to race for doughnuts, it is the epitome of adapting to survive a crisis.
Nine months after Rachel Wyman opened Montclair Bread Company in 2012, business was stale. She had spent years rising before dawn to perfect the combination of flour, water, yeast and salt, and she had the bread to prove it. But on a good day, only thirty people trickled through her door until one Sunday morning when one of her bakers asked her to make doughnuts. This was risky because her customers often begged for healthy foods. The doughnuts sold out in minutes, the number of customers continued to grow along with the line for doughnuts that stretched to the end of the block. Her business flourished until the global pandemic in 2020. Rachel had no choice but to adapt to keep her business going and even started a virtual bake-a-long to help support and communicate with the community during the lock downs.
This book shares the tried-and-true recipes Rachel spent three decades perfecting that are now the backbone of her bakery. The recipes are organized by Childhood Favorites, Breads, Doughnuts, Community Favorites, Recipes from Quarantine. Some of these include:
- Mombo's Carrot Cake and Cowboy Cookies
- Sour Dough Bread and Stollen
- Classic Brioche Doughnuts with Variations, Toppings, and Glazes
- Pizza and Energy Bars
- Cheese Crackers and Bagels
There
aren’t many things I’d run for, but I have to say, doughnuts would be right up
there. So, WILL RUN FOR DOUGHNUTS: The Montclair Bread Company Cookbook by
Rachel Wyman, is a book I simply had to have.
The
introduction was an interesting read as well as inspiring. You’ll learn how
doughnuts tie in with running. Not only do readers learn more about the author,
but Ms. Wyman also gives insights into all the must needs and tools of the
trade.
It
wouldn’t be a cookbook without recipes, so, check out some of these tasty
treats . . . Mombo’s Bread Pudding, Chocolate Mayonnaise, Peach Blueberry
Buckle, Cinnamon-Brown Sugar Pop Tarts, Currant Seeded Bread, Ciabatta, Apple Cider
Doughnuts, Maple Bacon Doughnuts (oh yeah), Hot Chocolate Doughnuts, Yum Buns,
Vanilla Glaze, Cream Cheese Frosting, and before you think your sweet tooth is
going to fall out of your mouth, there are recipes for . . . Pizza, Grain
Salads, Cheese Crackers, and so much more.
Though
you won’t see me out running anytime soon (unless I’m being chased), I will be
trying out some of the amazing recipes I read about.
I very much enjoyed, WILL RUN FOR DOUGHNUTS. Well balanced between story, beautiful photos, and enticing food, you’re going to enjoy this book as much as I did.
I’m not sure I’d run for a doughnut, but I’d probably need to run after eating a few! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Thursday, Lisa!
Pat T
Yeah, Pat, I sort of knew I wouldn't run for one either. Like I say, I don't see a reason to run unless I'm being chased.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful one for sure. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
You're most welcome, Kay!
Delete