I recently purchased Brave Tart by Stella Parks. This is a dessert cookbook that is dedicated to American classics, including oreos, snickerdoodles, fig newtons, puddings, 3 Musketeers, and, of course apple pie. The premise is to make very good versions that remain true to the original. And based on the items I have made so far, it is a success.
How does she make a very good version of an original? For an oatmeal cookie, the answer lies in heightening the oat flavor using rolled oats, steel cut oats and oat flour. This produces deep oat flavor and a perfect texture.
She introduces each recipe with a well researched history of each item and uses that information to inform her recipe.
For those that enjoy a simple American classic dessert, this may be worth your time to check out.