Résumé

There is an unbeatable thrill to be found in baking, and with Sweet Levantine, her second cookbook, Lara Ariss explores the joy of creating sweet treats – something that has fascinated her since she was a child on visits to the old souk of Saida in Lebanon. Sweet Levantine continues down the path taken in Lara’s previous Levantine Harvest with a further celebration of freshly harvested local ingredients and clever medleys of flavor. Whether the desire is a plate of cookies to offer friends over coffee, a comforting pudding to round off an evening meal, or an elegant centerpiece to mark a significant life event, this selection of recipes will satisfy the need of any sweet tooth, and will give a sense of accomplishment and confidence to bakers of all levels of experience. “Burnt Sugar and Caramelized Cashew Cheesecake: This cheesecake is an adaptation of the caramel and pistachio version featured in Levantine Harvest. My cheesecakes are generally the bestselling items from my catering kitchen – each bite is worth every minute it takes to make. It will give you immense satisfaction and pride to see it disappear from your dessert table. (P. 156 - Sweet Levantine) “Pistachio and Semolina Cups (Mafroukeh): This sweet delicacy can be found on many dessert tables during the Holy Month of Ramadan. I have altered the recipe slightly by replacing the traditional garnish of toasted nuts with fresh berries.” (P. 186 - Sweet Levantine)