Kentucky Sweets: Bourbon Balls, Spoonbread & Mile High Pie

Kentuckians fromfrontiersmen to modern-day pastry chefs have put their marks on the stateâ??sbaking history. Residents of the commonwealth have plenty of rich recipes andtime-honored traditions, like pulling parties, where folks would gather to maketaffy. Stack cakes originated from Appalachian weddings, where guests wouldeach offer a layer of cake to the bride and groom, who then added the jam tohold the creation together. The decadent Modjeska confection gets its name froma Victorian-era candy makerâ??s crush on a popular Polish actress. Join authorSarah Baird on a whirlwind tripâ??complete with recipesâ??that examines thedelectable history of unique Kentucky treats from pawpaws to chocolate gravy.

Sarah C. Baird a freelance food writer. She is a weekly contributor on Serious Eats, where her wheelhouse is sweets and baked goods from the Southeast. She is a columnist at Okra Magazine, where she writes about the intersection of Southern cuisine and music. Baird was also formerly the Governor's press secretary.