Presented by California Prunes
This week calls for almond croissant rugelach, and we know exactly who to call.
Leah Koenig is the award-winning cookbook author of eight books on Jewish cooking and the Substack newsletter The Jewish Table, where she shares recipes like Maple-Tahini Rice Krispies Treats (yes, please). That one is actually from her latest book, The Dessert Table: 100 Joyful Jewish Sweets, out September 1st.
What’s special about this cookbook is that because Leah comes from a journalist background, she loves to dig deep on the cultural history of iconic dishes. Her recipes span classics, like her mom’s Back-Pocket Apple Cake (on the cover!), and her globally inspired takes, like the Almond Croissant Rugelach she shared with us. Each recipe tells a story of migration, adaptation, and generational shifts.
“Desserts are indelibly woven into the Jewish calendar and the Jewish year and the Jewish life cycle,” she said. Learning to bake them carries them forward. If baking doesn’t run in the family, that’s okay, too, said Leah: “That’s what Entenmann’s is for.”
This week on She’s My Cherry Pie, Leah talks to host Jessie Sheehan about her move from journalism into recipe writing, the new cookbook, and the fascinating history of rugelach—an American invention, as it turns out.
Catch Leah in conversation with Jessie for her book launch at Books are Magic in Brooklyn on Sept. 2nd, 7:00 p.m.—tickets here!
Shop the show & more
Leah suggests slicing rugelach with a pizza cutter or, her favorite, a mezzaluna knife (do you know this one?)
Catch up on her other cookbooks, such as Modern Jewish Cooking and The Jewish Cookbook
This convo will make you crave a chocolate turtle
But also, babka
Leah made us realize that having a baker’s “speed rack” at home would really come in handy for holiday cookies…
”If I want these dishes to continue in my life, I have to learn to make them.”
–Leah Koenig
Tip of the week
In savory baking, a little sugar helps enhance the flavor of the dough—don’t skip it!
Fresh baked news
RIP, Dolly Parton
We’ll always love your cookbooks, baking mixes & buttercreams
In her honor, butterfly sugar cookies from Lauren Dozier
These cupcakes at SusieCakes benefit Dolly’s Imagination Library
Copy-cat Dollywood cinnamon bread to spread that Dolly joy
The East Village’s Hani’s Bakery is opening an ice cream shop
This cake is literally the cherry on top
The cherry on top
🍒 You’re invited to Cherry Bombe House! Our 10-day pop-up of food, fashion, and fun arrives in NYC Sept. 9th–18th. Schedule and tickets here.
🥐 Join us for Coffee Break with Caroline Schiff on Sept. 11th—pastries, coffee, and a convo with Jessie
🎧 SMCP Live + book signings with Lucie Franc de Ferriere of From Lucie & Dona Murad of Librae Bakery on Sept. 13th
Please note, some of our links may earn us a small commission.