Crisps, Cobblers, Custards & Creams

Anderson (From a Southern Oven) here covers the world of desserts beyond cookies, cakes, and candy. After reading the “Pudding Primer” and information on equipment and tools, readers are well prepared to delve into recipes, including the tried-and-true cherry cobbler, chocolate mousse, rice pudding, classic baked custard, and chocolate bread pudding. Regional and international flavors shine in the capirotada, a bread pudding from New Mexico made with white bread, raisins, and cheese, and the pudim molotov, a Portuguese meringue baked in a cake pan. The author delves into the history of sweets with the “Tipsy Parson,” an 18th-century dessert made with wine-soaked bread, and includes some savory selections, such as a green tomato and corn bread crisp. A call to friends for recipes yields gems such as “Bill Smith’s Butterscotch Pudding.” A final chapter titled “Sauces & Toppings” provides a gluten-free streusel topping, among many others. This is a delightful and well written title from a veteran author. (Apr.)