DARK RYE AND HONEY CAKE : festival baking from the heart of the low countries

In Dark Rye and Honey Cake, acclaimed food writer and historian Regula Ysewijn turns her focus to the bakes and culinary history of her Belgian homeland. Known as an expert in British baking and culture, acclaimed food writer and historian Regula Ysewijn turns her attention to her native Belgium for an intimate look at the culinary traditions and classic baked goods—including classic Carnival and Renaissance treats, pastries, pies, biscuits, cakes, breads and, of course, waffles. Dark Rye and Honey Cake includes a lavish photo gallery of Belgian landmarks and landscapes, historical artifacts, and images of every recipe. Regula’s unique ability to capture the detail and beauty of Belgium in her recipes and photos provides readers with a breathtaking engaging, and personal account of food culture in Belgium. 80+ RECIPES: Discover dozens of Belgian bakes including, pastries, pies, biscuits, cakes, breads and, of course, waffles BAKE FOR EVERY OCCASION: Create cozy breakfasts, decadent desserts, hearty breads and snacks as well as festive Carnival treats and authentic Renaissance recipes INSPIRING IMAGES: Beautiful photos of every recipe help ensure success A VIRTUAL VISIT: With historic facts detailing Belgium’s culinary history, lavish photos of landscapes and landmarks, and a compelling narrative from a native Belgian, Dark Rye and Honey Cake gives readers an inside peek into the country’s culinary history and current sceneEXPERT AUTHOR: Regula Ysewijn is a judge on the Flemish version of The Great British Bake Off and the author of The British Baking Book and has recently published The Official Downton Abbey Christmas Cookbook. with Weldon Owen Celebrated author Regula Ysewijn explores sweet and savoury bakes from Antwerp to Amsterdam. "I have utterly fallen in love with this beautiful book." NIGELLA LAWSON "The scholarship here is astonishing. It is an engrossing, original and beautiful book." DIANA HENRY From the heart of the Low Countries of northwestern Europe, Belgium has long forged a distinctive culinary identity through its seasonal feasts and festivals. In this follow-up to her internationally lauded Pride and Pudding and Oats in the North, Wheat from the South , Regula Ysewijn turns her attention to the baking traditions of this unique country - the place of her birth. Regula uses history and art to guide the reader through a fascinating period, and paints - through her stunning photography and recipes - the landscape of the region's rich baking culture. Dark Rye and Honey Cake explores a whole year of rustic bakes, unearthing long-forgotten recipes and reviving treasured favourites. There are waffles and winter breads for the 12 days of Christmas, pancakes for Candlemas and Carnival, pretzels for Lent, vlaai and fried dough for Kermis and all the special sweet treats that make up Saint Nicholas and Saint Martin. With this collection of timeless recipes, Regula reveals the origins of her country's ancient food culture and brings a little Belgian baking into every home. "This is a gorgeous book; full of recipes I want to cook, foods I want to eat, and pictures I want to lose myself in for hours on end." DR ANNIE GRAY, BBC The Victorian Bakers and The Sweetmakers and author of The Greedy Queen "A rare glimpse into the rich and fascinating food culture of one of our closest neighbours - a work of scholarship, but also a work of art." FELICITY CLOAKE, Guardian and author of One More Croissant for the Road and Red Sauce Brown Sauce "An irresistibly tactile book, and a work of art in its own right, filled with detail and description, glorious photography and curious tales, surprise and satisfaction. I cannot think of a single person that it would not appeal to." CAROLINE EDEN, author of Black Sea and Red Sands