The 1901 Cookbook Archive
No. 3029 — Temperamental Baba
English historical translation of Molokhovets recipe No. 3029 from the 1901 Russian cookbook, retaining original methods and measures.
Beat 6 cups of yolks, strain into a stone bowl, add 6 heaped tablespoons sugar and work until white. Add 6 cups flour and 6 tablespoons of the thickest yeast mixture, mix and let rise.
Pour in 2 cups warm butter and the foam of 10 beaten whites; add a flavouring of choice and beat very thoroughly. Fill one-third of a mould. After rising, bake for an hour. For six people use one-third of the quantity.
The source remarks that this baba is extraordinarily delicious when it succeeds, but that it seldom does.
Original source: Read Russian recipe No. 3029. Historical quantities and terminology are retained. See the measurements guide. Period preparation and storage methods are not modern safety guidance.