Dark Rye and Honey Cake – Regula Ysewijn

Regula Ysewijn has done it again! She is the queen of baking books in my opinion and has yet again written a gem of a cookbook. Each book that she writes is visually marvellous, both in terms of the photography and the artwork done by her husband Bruno and Dark Rye and Honey Cake is no exception. The book features photos from the low countries, historical art, and of course the recipes themselves.

I spent hours reading through Dark Rye and Honey Cake when it arrived in the post, as Regula delves into the history of the low countries and its recipes. It’s one of the things for me that sets her apart as a cookbook author. You not only get to discover new recipes, but you’ll also learn a thing or two about the history behind it. And in this case, it’s a history close to my heart as I am from Belgium myself.

There are plenty of recipes in Dark Rye and Honey Cake that I have grown up with and adore, like rijstevlaai, pistolets, boules de Berlin, and of course all the various types of waffles. The book also includes a handy guide on waffle irons which I plan on using to buy a better waffle iron than I currently have. Other than that there are also plenty of recipes I wouldn’t be too familiar with like nonnevotten, oublie, and guetelingen. I cannot wait to try it all!

Book description

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.

Book info

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Murdoch Books; 1st edition (2 Feb. 2023)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1922351814
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1922351814
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 20.3 x 3 x 26.3 cm

You can buy this book on Amazon UK