The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook Launch Party: Sweetness in Seattle!

The latest cookbook from Tom Douglas makes its official debut Tuesday, but the open-to-the-public pre-funk was a real blast. Everyone was invited to sample goodies -- both sweet and savory -- prepared from recipes from this weighty tome, co-authored by Tom's longtime collaborator, Shelley Lance.

The entertainment went above and beyond the snacking and having copies of The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook signed. This open house was held in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood at the Dahlia Workshop, the massive pastry kitchen that shares space in a building with Serious Biscuit and Serious Pie. Friends and fans were encouraged to wander around and to roll up their sleeves and DIY.

There was a station for shaping English muffins, a cookie decorating corner -- which was hopping -- and a doughnut dipping table featuring homemade jams, all featured in the book. The crowd ate it up.

When I got home, it was such a treat to thumb through the pages and find so many of my favorite Dahlia Bakery cookies, pies and cakes included. But what impressed me most on the initial first look was that the whole baking team was given props, and a two-page spread of individual mug shots. So cool!

Can't wait to give these recipes a go, but it might be a challenge because I'm spoiled. If I get a hankering for a Chocolate Truffle Cookie or a piece of the world-famous Triple Coconut Pie, I can always walk to the Dahlia Bakery.

-- Leslie Kelly

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Ode To The Summer Tomato Salad

I've been pigging out on tomato salads, including the amazing dish pictured above but yesterday's dinner at Palace Kitchen was the absolute limit.

After a peach sangria and appetizer, I ordered a tomato/burratta salad, topped with basil and a little harissa. But before that arrived, chef Dezi Bonow brought out leftovers from a cooking demo he did earlier that afternoon. It featured beauties from Tom Douglas and Jackie Cross's Eastern Washington farm, as well as shaved sweet onions.

But here's the twist: those gorgeous tomatoes were dressed in ponzu sauce, a citrus-y soy sauce, and delicate seaweed. So light and refreshing and unusual. Conversation stopped and admiring mmm's began.

Can't wait to try this novel preparation at home! But the days are numbered for taking advantage of the special seasonal treats. That's why a double order of tomato salads was just right for dinner last night.

-- Leslie Kelly

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