Biscotti cookies are best enjoyed with either hot coffee or tea. The twice-baked biscotti originated in Prato, Italy, where they are known by the name "cantuccini." In the United States, chocolate chip cookies are the most popular of all. Chocolate chip cookies were made by accident in 1933, when the baker replaced nuts with chips of chocolate in the cookie dough.
Bakeries are sweet in more ways than one: As of 2011, there were more than 6,000 retail bakeries in the U.S. and 2,800 commercial bakeries serving grocery stores and institutions like hospitals and schools. The combined revenue from both topped $311 billion.
Although eaten at any time of week or year, rugelach is a pastry most particularly enjoyed on the Sabbath. Also, in spite of the fact that it is not fried in oil, rugelach is traditionally associated with Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.
Yeast is the most common leavening process for bread. Leavening makes bread easily chewable, and leavened bread is most commonly consumed in the West. Unleavened bread has a symbolic importance during Jewish Passover and referred to as "matzo."
If you're thinking about baking a kosher cake, make sure you check the ingredients carefully. Most pre-packaged frostings aren't kosher, and many cake mixes include dairy ingredients (not acceptable if the cake is to be eaten directly after a meat meal). Purchasing a cake from your local kosher bakery may be more convenient.
Did you know chiffon cakes were a featured item on the menu of the famed Derby Restaurant? As this was THE place to be in Los Angeles, it added to the popularity of this cake that had only been around since the 1920s.