Cassata Siciliana by author Giovanna Bellia La Marca

At the beginning of the month, the extended Hippocrene family got together to celebrate the 87th birthday of George Blagowidow, our President and Publisher. George founded Hippocrene Books 40 years ago, and the number of languages and cultures represented in our catalogue is a reflection of his own travels and multilinguistic talents. After singing "Happy Birthday" in English, Polish and Russian, we enjoyed a fabulously sweet and moist Cassata Siciliana made by Giovanna Bellia La Marca, author of Sicilian Feasts.


"This party cake is best made one day ahead and allowed to well absorb the marsala wine; although it can also be made and served the same day," Giovanna notes.  Having tasted the results of a day of soaking, I say: be patient! The candied fruits are colorful and festive, and combined with the size of the cake, it makes a beautiful centerpiece for a party of ten or more.


Happy Holidays from Hippocrene Books!

Cassata Siciliana (Sicilian Cake)

adapted from Sicilian Feasts, page 159

Free Kindle Cookbook Downloads until 12/31!

If you're looking for a way to treat yourself this holiday, look no further! Enjoy free downloads for your Kindle from Hippocrene Books until December 31st! These cookbooks are included in the special:

Nile Style: Egyptian Cuisine and Culture: Ancient Festivals, Significant Ceremonies, and Modern Celebrations

Amy Riolo
Kindle ASIN: B003JTHY5S

Christmas Cookies in "Sweet Hands"

Sweet Hands author Ramin Ganeshram has been featured on NPR's Kitchen Window, sharing new recipes for holiday baking! While a variety of other sweets were a part of her family's traditions, cookies were not  put out for Santa or given as gifts.

"Slowly, I began to incorporate cookies into my holiday baking that, until then, mostly involved making up to 40 Trinidad Christmas fruitcakes for family and friends. Once I resolved to make cookies part of the season, it only seemed right to start with the kiffles. It was part of my in-laws' traditions and also seemed like a singularly American thing to do: a cookie native to Hungary, kept going in an Irish family and passed on to me."

Ganeshram has created 7 delicious kinds of cookies: Aunt Fran's Kiffles Redux, Caribbean Sugar Cookies, Tropical Jam Thumbprints, Chocolate Chili Stars/Chocolate Ginger Stars (above), Coconut Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Coconut Thumbprints and Cocoa Tea Cakes. See the article for all the recipes!

Flavors of Malaysia Launch at Nyonya Restaurant

Tuesday evening Nyonya, a Malaysian restaurant in Manhattan, hosted a launch party for Flavors of Malaysia. Guests enjoyed wine and hors d'oeuvres while hearing Wan Latiff, Suvir Saran, and Marion Nestle speak about the book and it's impact on Malaysian cuisine. The author shared her experiences and inspirations that led to the writing of her first cookbook, from growing up in Klang, Malaysia to creating her own brand of spice blends, Taste of Malacca. (click to enlarge)

Clockwise: Chef Suvir Saran; book cover; author Susheela Raghvan; Madhur Jaffrey and Sanford Allen with a guest; Sanford, Susheela and Madhur



From top: Author Marion Nestle with Chef Suvir Saran, MATRADE Trade Commissioner Wan Latiff, guests enjoying the Malaysian appetizers



Corsican Cuisine Highlighted in Midwest Book Review!

Another great cookbook review in Midwest Book Review!

"Corsican Cuisine looks at the delicacy potential of Corsican cuisine, a branch of Mediterranean cooking that is rarely explored. With one hundred recipes for reproducing authentic cuisine such as Stuffed Calamari, Anise Biscuits, Braised Pork with Juniper, and so much more, "Corsican Cuisine" is a collection that shouldn't be missed for those looking for a new flavor in their cooking."

Available at your local bookstore, on Amazon.com and our website!

(You can also read author Art Meyer's blog post here.)

Flavors of Malaysia in Midwest Book Review!

From the Midwest Book Review:

"...Flavors of Malaysia: A Journey Through Time, Tastes, and Traditions is a cookbook guiding readers through how to embrace Malaysian cooking to their own ends and enjoy the very unique flavors that the country has produced over the years, using its power as a spice trading capital to its fullest. With excellent recipes like spicy peanut [sauce], Chicken Rendang, Savory Red Rice, and so much more, Flavors of Malaysia is a top pick and very highly recommended addition to any cookbook collection focusing on international gourmet."

Available now on Amazon.com and our website, hippocrenebooks.com!