Pancake: A Global History (Reaktion Books - Edible)
The first hurdle Albala must overcome in this comprehensive history of the pancake is differentiating the pancake from similar dishes. Does the pancake include the doughnut, the popover, the funnel cake, the crêpe, the Mexican tortilla, Ethiopian injera, Russian blini, and the ubiquitous waffle? Albala makes thoughtful distinctions, allowing some within the definition and excluding others. He then proceeds to trace the development of the pancake from the earliest recorded sources through modern times. He notes pancakes’ key role in many people’s earliest childhood-breakfast memories. Albala’s inquiries into the evolving image of Aunt Jemima as a trademark for pancake mixes have much to say about America’s enduring and evolving race stereotypes. He presents recipes for all sorts of pancakes, from Japanese okonomiyaki to elegant crêpes suzette. Albala’s bibliography lists much more than books; he inventories commercial Web sites and even includes some music videos. --Mark Knoblauch