Scéal : Seasonal Recipes and Stories from a Modern Irish Bakery

The Irish word scéal means “story,” and this cookbook reflects the layered, evolving narrative of the bakery it comes from. Written by Charlotte Leonard-Kane and Shane Palmer—founders and bakers at Scéal in Greystones, County Wicklow—the book blends Irish ingredients, seasonal rhythms, and global technique into a confident, contemporary approach to baking.

The recipes range from sourdough loaves and traditional tarts to laminated pastries and more complex combinations, like a rhubarb and sweet woodruff Danish or a bear claw filled with kimchi and Coolea cheese. 

The tone throughout is careful, detailed, and precise: the goal is not speed, but depth and quality. Instructions are clearly written and technically grounded, guiding both intermediate and experienced bakers through processes that prioritize flavor, structure, and feel.

It’s also a visually appealing book, with location photography and profiles of local suppliers that reflect the bakery’s connection to its community. However, be aware that the publisher’s choice to fit long, thorough recipes into a limited page count has resulted in small, slender type that may challenge readability—especially for bakers referencing the book mid-process.

Despite that limitation, Scéal offers a rewarding experience for readers willing to engage deeply. It’s a thoughtful, well-structured book that values craft, celebrates creativity, and invites readers into a working bakery where Irish produce meets wide-ranging culinary curiosity.

Hardcover. Color photographs throughout.