If you’ve ever wandered the halls of a modern art gallery, you might have found yourself mesmerized by the bold colors, unexpected shapes, and thought-provoking installations. Now, thanks to pastry chef Caitlin Freeman and her team at San Francisco’s Leaḧs Bakery and Cafe, you can experience the magic of modern art in an entirely new way – through delicious desserts.
Inspired by the works of iconic artists such as Piet Mondrian, Wayne Thiebaud, and Joseph Albers, ‘Modern Art Desserts’ is a book that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also unleash your inner artist. From layered cakes that mimic Mondrian’s famous color blocks to chocolate tarts that resemble Thiebaud’s luscious paintings of cakes, these recipes are a true feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Each dessert in the book is a carefully crafted work of art, with every layer, swirl, and brushstroke meticulously executed. The recipes found within its pages are not just instructions for making something sweet; they are blueprints for creating edible masterpieces. Whether you’re an experienced baker or an enthusiastic novice, the book’s detailed instructions will guide you through the process, ensuring that your own artistic vision comes to life in the form of a delectable dessert.
One of the standout recipes in ‘Modern Art Desserts’ is the Mondrian Cake, a tribute to Piet Mondrian’s iconic abstract paintings. This whimsical confection is made up of layers of brightly colored cakes, separated by a whipped cream filling. The final result is a dessert that looks like it belongs on the walls of a gallery, but can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home.
To create the Mondrian Cake, you will need a little patience and a lot of creativity. The first step is to bake the colored cakes, using a simple vanilla batter and food coloring. Once the cakes have cooled, they can be cut into even squares and stacked together, creating a colorful tiled effect. A layer of whipped cream is then spread between each square, adding a creamy, indulgent element to the dessert.
When the Mondrian Cake is completed, it truly is a sight to behold. The vibrant colors, the perfectly even layers, and the luscious cream filling all come together to create a work of art that you can not only admire, but also enjoy. As you take your first bite, you will be transported into the world of Piet Mondrian, with each forkful reminding you of his bold use of color and his innovative approach to art.
‘Modern Art Desserts’ is much more than just a cookbook; it is a journey through the world of art and pastry, where the two come together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a fan of modern art or simply have a sweet tooth, this book will inspire you to whip out your mixing bowls, grab your palette of food coloring, and start creating your own edible masterpieces. So, put on your apron and get ready to unleash your inner artist – one delicious dessert at a time.
Chocolate Food Art: Starry Night
One of the most famous works of art in the world is Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” The swirling colors and vibrant brushstrokes make it a captivating piece that has captured the imagination of many. But did you know that you can recreate this masterpiece in the form of a delicious chocolate dessert?
Inspired by van Gogh’s painting, the team at Modern Art Desserts has come up with a recipe that will allow you to bring the Starry Night to your plate. This unique dessert is not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds.
The Process
To make the Starry Night chocolate dessert, the team started by making a chocolate cake base. They then whipped up a mint-flavored whipped cream to create the swirling colors of the night sky. In order to mimic the stars, small holes were made in the cake where the cream could be piped in.
The colors in van Gogh’s painting were matched using a palette of dark and yellow chocolates. The whipped cream was carefully piped into the holes, creating a beautiful and edible interpretation of the artwork.
The Inspiration
The team behind Modern Art Desserts drew inspiration not only from van Gogh’s Starry Night but also from other famous works of art. They created recipes based on the works of artists such as Wayne Thiebaud and Joseph Clay, among others.
The idea behind the book “Modern Art Desserts” came from a desire to bring art and food together in a unique and delicious way. The team wanted to create desserts that not only looked beautiful but also tasted amazing.
A Tour of Modern Art Desserts
In the book, you will find a tour of the Modern Art Desserts team’s creative process, as well as step-by-step recipes for each dessert. The book is a visual delight, with stunning photographs taken by photographer Mike Freeman.
The Modern Art Desserts team invites you to step outside your comfort zone and try something new. Whether you’re a pastry enthusiast or a curious foodie, this book will take you on a mouthwatering journey through the world of art-inspired desserts.
So why not take a page from their book and whip up your own masterpiece in the kitchen? Don’t be scared to experiment and let your creativity run wild. Who knows, you might just create the next chocolate masterpiece that will hang in galleries for years to come.
So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into the world of Modern Art Desserts. Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be in awe of your edible artwork.
Note: The copyright for the picture of Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” belongs to its respective artist. The photo used in this article is for illustrative purposes only and is courtesy of Mike Freeman.
Mike Mills and Bags of Biscuits
When it comes to creating edible artworks, Mike Mills doesn’t hold back. His unique approach to cakes and desserts has caught the attention of many, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).
Mills’ inspiration for his creations often comes from the artworks he finds in the museum. He would match the colors and patterns he sees on the canvas with the flavors and textures he wants to incorporate into his recipes.
One night, while working late in his kitchen, Mills decided to make a dessert to celebrate the occasion. He made a layered cake inspired by Joseph Thiebaud’s “Cakes” painting. The cake had the same vibrant colors and whimsical swirls that Thiebaud’s artwork featured.
Mills took a photo of his dessert masterpiece and posted it on his Instagram, where it quickly gained attention. The SFMOMA team noticed the cake and invited Mills to share his recipe and baking process with their audience.
As a nod to the museum, Mills decided to make individual biscuit desserts, shaped like bags of clay, inspired by Wally Hedrick’s “Auer-Crack-ers” installation. The biscuits were layered with a mint chocolate filling, creating a taste that was as unique as the artwork that inspired it.
Mills found that these biscuit desserts were not only delicious but also a hit among his followers. The yellow color and the nail holes on the biscuits added an unexpected twist, making them even more visually appealing.
With all the creativity flowing, Mills thought about making another dessert for his upcoming book launch. This time, he took inspiration from a painting by Wayne Thiebaud, known for his colorful and whimsical depictions of desserts.
Mills decided to create a layered dessert called “Starry Cake,” featuring different flavors and textures that would excel in taste and presentation. The cake was a true reflection of Thiebaud’s art, with each layer representing different elements found in the artist’s work.
The process of creating these edible artworks, according to Mills, was a labor of love. While it might be challenging to find the exact flavors to match the colors of the paintings, he never gave up and always experimented until he found the perfect combination.
Thanks to Mills’ dedication and talent, his desserts have become a sensation. They have been featured in various food magazines and even showcased in the SFMOMA cafe.
Mills’ bags of biscuits and layered cakes are proof that modern art can come to life, not just on the wall, but also on your plate. The unique blend of flavors and colors in his desserts is a testament to the endless possibilities that baking can offer.
So if you’re looking for something free-spirited and out of the ordinary, give Mike Mills’ recipes a try. Who knows, you might just find yourself indulging in a dessert that is both a feast for the taste buds and a work of art.
Photo courtesy of Leah’s Pantry
The Glamorous Wall of Cookies
When it comes to modern art desserts, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. In the case of the “Modern Art Desserts” cookbook, it came from the colorful tiles of the SFMOMA’s cafe wall. Pastry chefs Leah Rosenberg and Tess Wilson, along with photographer Clay McLachlan, were invited to document the process of making the Mondrian-inspired cake featured in the book.
The idea for the cake came to Leah when she saw the wall of the cafe covered in Mondrian-esque tiles. She wanted to take the colors and shapes of the artwork and translate them into a dessert that would make people stop and stare, just like the paintings did.
The process of making the cake started with whipping up a batch of yellow cake batter, which was then divided into separate bowls to be colored with the vibrant hues found in the artwork. Using an assortment of piping bags and paint brushes, Leah and Tess meticulously painted layers of colored batter onto the cake pans, creating a stunningly vibrant and dynamic image.
Once the cake layers were baked and cooled, it was time to assemble the final masterpiece. Taking inspiration from the layered cakes in the book, Leah and Tess carefully stacked the cake layers, adding a light and fluffy whipped cream filling between each one. The end result was a stunningly beautiful and delicious dessert that was almost too pretty to eat.
But it wasn’t just the cake itself that was a work of art. The team behind the book also wanted to document the entire process, from start to finish. Clay McLachlan, the photographer, carefully documented each step, capturing the excitement and enthusiasm of the pastry chefs as they transformed the plain cake batter into a modern masterpiece.
The book, “Modern Art Desserts,” not only features stunning photographs of the finished desserts, but also includes step-by-step recipes for recreating these works of art in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this book will provide you with all the inspiration and guidance you need to create your own glamorous wall of cookies.
Auer-crack-ers
When it comes to creating art-inspired desserts, the “Modern Art Desserts” book by Caitlin Freeman is a must-have for any enthusiastic dessert lover. In this book, you will find recipes that excel in bringing the world of art and food together, and one of the standout creations is the Auer-crack-ers.
Named after the artist Josef Albers, who was known for his stunning color theory paintings, the Auer-crack-ers are a whimsical take on traditional chocolate chip cookies. Inspired by Albers’ color blocks, these cookies are layered with different shades of dough, creating a delightfully artistic treat.
To make the Auer-crack-ers, Freeman and her team start by making two batches of dark chocolate dough and mint dough. The doughs are then rolled out and layered on top of each other, much like Albers’ color blocks. After chilling in the fridge, the dough is sliced into cookies and baked until perfectly crispy. The result is a cookie that not only tastes amazing but also looks like a mini modern art masterpiece.
The Auer-crack-ers are just one example of the creative desserts you will find in “Modern Art Desserts.” From Mondrian cake to Thiebaud cupcakes, this book is a treasure trove of art-inspired treats that will impress any dessert lover. And if you’re not confident in your baking skills, don’t worry; Freeman carefully walks you through each recipe, making sure you have all the tools and techniques you need to create beautiful desserts.
So if you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth and explore the glamorous world where art and dessert collide, “Modern Art Desserts” is the book for you. It’s a unique and delicious way to experience art, one bite at a time.
FAQ
What is “Modern Art Desserts” about?
“Modern Art Desserts” is a book that teaches you how to create artistic and visually stunning desserts inspired by famous works of modern art.
Who is the author of “Modern Art Desserts”?
The author of “Modern Art Desserts” is Caitlin Freeman, who is also the pastry chef for the Blue Bottle Coffee Company in San Francisco.
Can you give an example of a dessert mentioned in the book?
One example of a dessert mentioned in the book is the Mondrian cake, which is inspired by the work of artist Piet Mondrian and features colorful squares of cake arranged in a grid.
What other famous artists are featured in the book?
In addition to Piet Mondrian, the book also features desserts inspired by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Frida Kahlo.
Is the book suitable for beginners?
Yes, the book is suitable for beginners as it provides step-by-step instructions and tips for creating the desserts, along with beautiful photographs to inspire and guide you.
How did the author learn to make modern art desserts?
The author learned to make modern art desserts through trial and error, as well as by studying the techniques and styles of famous artists.
