Israeli baking encompasses the influences of so many regions—Morocco, Yemen, Germany and Georgia, to name a few—and master baker Uri Scheft seamlessly marries all of these in his incredible baked goods at his Breads Bakery in New York City and Lehamim Bakery in Tel Aviv. Nutella-filled babkas, potato and shakshuka focaccia and chocolate rugelach are pulled out of the ovens several times an hour for waiting crowds. In Breaking Breads, Scheft takes the combined influences of his Scandinavian heritage, his European pastry training and his Israeli and New York City homes to provide sweet and savoury baking recipes that cover European, Israeli and Middle Eastern favourites.
Scheft sheds new light on classics like challah, babka and ciabatta—and provides his creative twists on them as well, showing how bakers can do the same at home—and introduces his take on Middle Eastern daily breads like kubaneh and jachnun. The instructions are detailed and the photos explanatory so that anyone can make Scheft’s Poppy Seed Hamantaschen, Cheese Bourekas and Jerusalem Bagels, among other recipes. With several key dough recipes and hundreds of Israeli-, Middle Eastern-, Eastern European-, Scandinavian- and Mediterranean-influenced recipes, this is truly a global baking bible.
About the Author
Uri Scheft is the creative force and co-owner of Breads Bakery in New York City, which gained an immediate cult following when it opened in 2014. Scheft also owns Tel Aviv's Lehamim Bakery, which has been in operation since 2001. Born in Israel to Danish parents, Scheft grew up in both Israel and Denmark and now divides his time between Israel and the United States.
Industry Reviews
Uri Scheft is the quintessential Israeli baker. His breads, pastries, and babkas have been blowing my mind since I first ate them on the sidewalk of his bakery in Tel Aviv. This is the book that I have been yearning to read." Michael Solomonov, author and chef/owner of Zahav I've been waiting for Uri to reveal the secrets to his incredible babka and chocolate rugelach. He finally reveals them and more in Breaking Breads, which melds Middle Eastern flavors with modern tastes. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and baking my way through his groundbreaking book. David Lebovitz, author of My Paris Kitchen The ultimate modern guide to the world of global Jewish and Middle Eastern baking. Master baker Uri Scheft shares his craft and knowledge of craveable savory and sweet baked goods, inviting you to make them in your own home. Lior Lev Sercarz, author and owner of La Boite "Uri Scheft's reader-friendly instructions, gleaned from a lifetime of baking, lead would-be bakers into the kitchen. I love this book." Joan Nathan, author of King Solomon's Table "From challah to kubaneh, burekas to pita, this is the most definitive and important book on Israeli breads and baking." Einat Admony, author and chef/owner of Taim and Balaboosta"
