Lewis, Jenny. Midwest Sweet Baking History: Delectable Classics around Lake Michigan. Charleston, SC: The History Press. 2011.

SUMMARY:
Travel back in time with author Jenny Lewis and discover how different ingredients, styles and traditions of many immigrants, entrepreneurs and chefs helped create the baking history of the Midwest. Full of pictures, delicious recipes and interesting history, Midwest Sweet Baking History helps demonstrate and explain how baking today emerged.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Though not always a  fan of studying history, I do like the interesting tidbits on history, especially such relevant history as baking. I found the information included on the businesses very intriguing (the Kellogg Company, Hostess Brands, Karo Syrup), the simple yet delicious recipes enjoyable (Elephant Ears, Biscotti,Crullers), and the specific history of items to be compelling (Civil War Tastes, Flavorings, Fruits). Coupled with older pictures, I appreciated the timeline of the book showing the inventions, changes and generations of baking in the Midwest. Interviews with business owners from the past are also very engaging. Put together quite nicely with lots of fascinating information on a subject I fancy (baking).

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Midwest Sweet Baking History from The History Press for my honest review*