Baking Old School

Bakeries can be a dime a dozen (pardon the pun), but one that has staying power can be hard to find. The Back in the Day bakery has been serving up comforting dishes of sugar and spice for 10 years. To celebrate that amazing anniversary, owners Cheryl and Griff Day are showcasing some of their top recipes in the new Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook.

The old-fashioned fare has a distinct Southern accent and a sense of community, as if the duo is lending you their dog-eared recipes to copy down over a cup of coffee.
As Cheryl writes in the introduction, "We are inviting those who can't make it to our bakery to slow down and taste the sweet life in their own kitchens."
And how sweet it is – with recipes for Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes, Drunk Blondies, Lavender Shortbread, and Salted Caramel Apple Pie.
Savory dishes aren't ignored, but are celebrated, including Vegetable Potpie, Pancetta Fontina Bread Pudding, Southern Corn Cakes, and Hot and Spicy Mixed Nuts.
There's a genuineness to the Days that makes this a more-than-special cookbook with a piquant charm. (Artisan - 2012)