Pan y DulceThe Latin American Baking Book (Pastries, Desserts, Rustic Breads, Savory Baking, and More)


From star baker Bryan Ford, a “vast and vibrant” baker’s guide to Latin America (Maurizio Leo, author of The Perfect Loaf), sharing the cultures and stories behind every recipe: artisan bread, pan dulce, cookies, pastries, and more.

Bryan Ford, the acclaimed author of New World Sourdough and judge on Netflix’s Blue Ribbon Baking Championship, is changing how the world bakes with recipes that are “full of deep expertise” yet “unusually warm [and] friendly” (New York Times). In Pan y Dulce he helps home bakers embrace the extraordinary world of Latin American baking and break free of Eurocentric approaches to the craft.

Enter medialunas: full of tender layers, glazed with sugar. Alfajores sandwiched with dulce de leche. Fluffy conchas and pan de coco—and so much more:

  • Golfeados, sweet-salty soft rolls twirled with queso de mano and drenched in syrup
  • Flaky pastelitos stuffed with guava
  • Crisp empanadas filled with juicy chicken
  • The fugazzeta, an addictive flatbread stuffed with cheese and topped with charred onions
  • And all sorts of rustic loaves, from pan Cubano baked with a palm leaf to blue masa sourdough to gluten-free chocolate quinoa bread

Ford delivers practical know-how alongside the history and culture behind each of 150 “mouthwatering” recipes (Pati Jinich, author of Treasures of the Mexican Table). This is an essential book for home bakers looking to expand their understanding of the craft—while tasting the best of México, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

BRYAN FORD is an award-winning Honduran-American baker “leading a sourdough revolution” (Food and Wine) whose first book, New World Sourdough, “brings the joy back to bread” (Epicurious). He has judged Netflix’s Blue Ribbon Baking Championship, hosted Magnolia Network’s Baked in Tradition and The Artisan’s Kitchen, and guest starred on Waffles + Mochi. He co-created The Flaky Biscuit Podcast with his wife, Bridget Kenna, and together they run Pan y Café, a manifestation of this book as a bakery.

“Bryan Ford knows what he’s doing when it comes to bread.” – Time Out

“Cultural and historical context-setting infuses and enriches the book…” – Food & Wine

“Enter, Ford’s alfajores de maicena, a buttery sandwich cookie filled with homemade dulce de leche that will melt in your mouth.” –  Good Morning America

“Ford’s warmth, love, and passion radiate from the page. With his contemplations on the history of colonization and slavery that has influenced many of these recipes—and how Native peoples have adapted them—there is so much to be learned here besides how to make bread.” – Booklist (starred review)

“Novice bakers will appreciate Ford’s precise… step-by-step instructions for mixing and shaping methods while the more experienced will revel in the extensive variety of sweets on offer.” –  Publishers Weekly

“A feast for the senses… definitely a must for the holiday season.” –  LA Times

“In-depth… with 150 accessible recipes—in sweet, savoury and gluten-free chapters—that showcase Latin America’s baking traditions.”-  ELLE Canada

“A must have for anyone interested in Latin American baking.” –  Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Pan y Dulce opened my eyes to a vast and vibrant world I’ve been missing out on. Bryan’s detailed step-by-step directions make each recipe accessible and never leave you wondering what to do next. My to-bake list just became quite large—I can’t wait to explore all the flavors and passion this cookbook offers.” – Maurizio Leo, James Beard Award-winning author of The Perfect Loaf

“A beautifully written introduction to the world of bread and sweetness; a love letter to Latin American baking…The book is part historical discussion, part personal journey, all delicious.” – Jennifer Huberdeau, The Berkshire Eagle

Pan y Dulce  marks a new era of visibility for Latin American baking, a category as vast and diverse as the region’s thirty-three countries. In this collection of 150 recipes, Bryan generously shares his encyclopedic knowledge of the magical baked goods that define the art of panadería and repostería. From popular empanadas and pastelitos to lesser-known recipes like pan de sorgo and beiju de tapioca, this breathtaking book promises a journey of discovery, enchantment, and utter deliciousness.” –  Roxana Jullapat, author of Mother Grains and owner of Friends & Family (LA)

“Bryan brings a straightforward, conversational, and modern take on traditional recipes. Pan y Dulce is a lightning rod for pan-Latin baking traditions and history, and Bryan’s pride in his heritage and exploration of the baking traditions of the Latin world shine through. He masterfully blends traditions culled from Indigenous cultures with the baking customs of the colonizers, creating a unique and rich fusion of flavors and techniques. Complemented by lush photography, this book is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.” – Jim Lahey, James Beard Award-winning baker and author of My Bread

“Bryan Ford brings a much-needed and refreshing perspective to the world of baking with this thoughtful and inspired compilation of Latin American baking traditions. Pan y Dulce pays tribute to the vast and deep historical and cultural significance bread has throughout the continent. This remarkable cookbook provides a harmonious blend of classic and innovative recipes of extensive breads and pastries, captivating and essential for home and professional bakers alike.” – Arturo Enciso, head baker, Gusto Bread

Pan y Dulce is the book I have been waiting for! Bryan Ford takes you on a deep dive into the beautiful breads and pastries of Latin America. With each page you turn, I guarantee you will get more and more hungry and start baking—I know I did!” – Nina Compton, James Beard Award-winning chef

“Bryan Ford does it again! Not only does he share mouthwatering recipes for panes y dulces that people love, but he makes baking them easy, fun, and approachable—while also giving you their amazing backstories. A must have!” – Pati Jinich, James Beard Award-winning chef, TV host, and author of Treasures of the Mexican Table

Pan y Dulce  offers so much more than just delicious baked goods; it takes you on a sweeping journey through history, from the origins of bread through its transformation by Black, Brown, and Indigenous hands across Latin America. From the jalapeño quesillo bolillo filled with creamy Oaxacan cheese to coconut milk tortillas de harina (which have set a new standard for any future tortilla I’ll ever eat), Bryan’s recipes are layered with comfort and a deep gratitude for the past. This is an essential cookbook for new and experienced bakers alike, teaching not just how to bake but also why we bake.” – Frankie Gaw, author of First Generation

 

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