Cook the Collection #2: Macrina Bakery & Cafe Cookbook

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Meghan

(Disclosure: The cookbook links below are affiliate links and if you happen to make a purchase through them I’ll receive a small percentage of your purchase – and of course would be so grateful!)

Apparently I’m on a Seattle bakery kick, because the next book up is the Macrina Bakery & Cafe Cookbook. Macrina is a longtime Seattle institution, located in the trendy Belltown neighborhood (with two more popular locations on Queen Anne Hill and in SODO as well). The bakery is known most for its breads and cakes – the special occasion cakes are absolutely divine – but its cafe turns out delicious meals as well, and this cookbook highlights both the savory and sweet.

I tried out the Challah recipe the other day – I’m a big challah fan but I never make it at home for some reason. The recipe was easy to follow and the bread looked great. It was a bit dry and the crumb seemed lighter in color than I’m used to, like it wasn’t quite eggy enough. I’d make it again if I didn’t have another recipe, but as it is I’ll probably try another source next time. I feel like I’m selling this book a bit short though, because its pretty comprehensive and all the recipes sound great. I actually wish I had made one of the bread pudding recipes because it might have wowed me a bit more. The final verdict is that this book will stay on the shelf, and I’m looking forward to the next recipe I try from it.