The Real Food Cookbook: The Soda Fountain: Floats, Sundaes, Egg Creams, & More—Flavors and Traditions of an American Original

With the soda fountain revival in full bubble nationwide, this cookbook from the founders of Brooklyn Farmacy arrives just in time, bearing all sorts of drinkable confections. The authors honor their subject’s long legacy with a well-researched history of soda fountains from the 19th century to their decline in the 1960s and 1970s. Then it’s on to the recipes, some of which call for specialty gear such as a whipped cream dispenser or a banana split boat. Soda syrups run the gamut from typical cherry and vanilla cream to hibiscus and concord grape. Even recipes for homemade cola and ginger soda are included. The creations veer from the traditional egg cream to the Brooklyn artisanal-minded Hog on a Hot Tin Roof with bacon peanut brittle. Classic baked goods—Chocolate Whoopie Pies, ginger snaps, and an apple crumb pie round out the offerings. The discussion throughout is lively and humorous yet reverent, but the appeal of some of the recipes depends to an extent on the reader’s enthusiasm and commitment to making these labor-intensive treats. 70 color photos. (May)