OP: Sweet Times

William Morrow and Company, Inc., New York, 1991. Hardcover. Near Fine. First printing.

Dorie Greenspan’s first cookbook, Sweet Times (1991), is an exciting debut and one that presciently anticipates the snacky bakes and cooking-by-craving craze by more than 30 years.

True to Greenspan’s style, every dessert has an impressive quality about it, despite not demanding complicated techniques. Whether for a total beginner or for an experienced baker looking to satisfy a sudden hankering or an unexpected demand for dessert, Sweet Times is a handy resource.

Blintzes; coffeecakes; chocolate, peanut butter, and oat cookies; cinnamon fudge brownies; puddings; sherbets and ice creams; orange caramel mousse; banana-pumpkin pie; and a mulled wine tart are just some of the treats one can expect. The added bonus is a “quick-fix matrix,” which organizes the recipes by flavor or texture (spicy, creamy, fruity, crunchy, etc.), so no matter the inspiration, you can find your sweet match. 

Ours is a Near Fine first printing of a book we just don’t see around that much anymore but is a worthy addition to the pastry fanatic’s shelf. Recipes by volume only.