The Sugar Plum Bakers: A Tale of 12 Holiday Treats, written by Patricia Tanumihardja with illustrations by Bonnie Lui, is a holiday-themed children’s book featuring treats from around the world!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Melissa de la Cruz Studio in exchange for my honest review. All comments and opinions are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Patricia Tanumihardja
Patricia Tanumihardja was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and grew up in Singapore before moving to the United States for college. She is now based in Northern Virginia with her family.
As a food writer, Patricia focuses on topics related to food history and culture. Her work has been featured in Edible Seattle, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, Saveur, and more.
Patricia is the author of the following cookbooks: The Asian Grandmothers’ Cookbook, Farm to Table Asian Secrets, Asian Pickles at Home, and Instant Pot Asian Pressure Cooker Meals; and the following children’s books: Jimmy’s Shoes and Ramen for Everyone.
Bonnie Lui
Bonnie Lui is an illustrator, storyteller, and cat enthusiast.
Her work can be found in books, games and television. She is currently based in Los Angeles with her family and is the author-illustrator of the book, ABC of Feelings.
The Sugar Plum Bakers
The Sugar Plum Bakers shares the story of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Gingerbread Man, and a team of bakerinas in the holiday kitchen. While encountering obstacles, they work together to make and deliver treats around the world all in one day!
The story is paired with whimsical illustrations, easy to follow print, and even the accompanying flag for each snack.
At the end of the book, Patricia shares a little history behind each of the treats plus a recipe to make one at home.
Brigadeiros
After reading The Sugar Plum Bakers, my daughter was delighted to find a recipe to recreate one of the tasty treats, the Brazilian Brigadeiro, in our kitchen.
Brigadeiros are Brazilian fudge balls with a combination of sweetened condensed milk, butter, and cocoa powder. With only four ingredients, they are a fun option for younger kitchen helpers.
As a disclaimer, this was not Claire’s first time making Brigadeiros so she went in knowing the basic steps, but the instructions are easy to follow with large print.
The parts with recommended adult help are also marked for steps requiring the stove and handling the hot fudge mixture.
After combining the ingredients, the mixture is stirred on the stove until thickened, then chilled briefly to set before rolling in a layer of sprinkles.
Claire picked some snowman and red and green sprinkle mixes to go with the holiday season.
Overall, The Sugar Plum Bakers is another beautiful book by Patricia with a story perfect for young chefs and food enthusiasts.
It is recommended for ages 3-7, preschool to second grade. Claire is just above this range and thoroughly enjoyed the book. She stated, “I like that the bakerinas bake different treats from different countries, especially the Japanese Daifuku Mochi and the Filipino Ensaymada. The pictures are festive too.”
Leave a Reply