Diner Desserts
Diner fare has become mythic. Though much of this food is best left to nostalgic recollection, the desserts served at places with names like the Silver Top or Miss Albany's were often choice. Tish Boyle'sDiner Dessertscelebrates this fact with its collection of more than 60 favorite recipes that includes old favorites like Banana Cream Pie and newer enticements like Chocolate Cheesecake Bars. In such evocatively titled chapters as "Under the Cake Keeper," "From the Soda Fountain," and "Dunkables--Doughnuts, Muffins, and Pastries," Boyle presents a wide range of tempting recipes. Standouts include the Sky-High Lemon Meringue Pie, Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake with a gingersnap crust, Apple-Raspberry Crisp with Pecan Crunch Topping, and, of course, that Banana Cream Pie. There's a nice collection, too, of cookie, bar, and brownie recipes, as well as a section devoted to the likes of the Root Beer Float, Hot Fudge Walnut Sundae, and a Triple-Threat Banana Split. Photo-illustrated throughout and laced with diner anecdotes (the sundae began in reaction to the Sunday prohibition of soda drinks),Diner Dessertsoffers both browsing fun and cooking satisfaction.--Arthur Boehm