Cambridge celebrity Sari Boren had a backyard dessert party on Saturday where she and friends used recipes from the new cookbook by the owner of Jeni’s Ice Cream.  Jeni’s is located in Columbus, Ohio  and sells pints at Formaggio’s.  Both of which constitute endorsements.   Jeni’s uses a recipe base that is similar to the unique gelati of Sicily, which is thickened with starch or starches.  You can also sample this type of  gelato at Oleana on Hampshire St. where pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick’s marvelous’s list is often a survey of frozen desserts form different nations.  Jeni’s cookbook is a good story about a woman finally succeeding with her own business and an excellent guide to making ice cream at home.  Sari and her friends made a variety of flavors including what the book calls Kona Stout and a Basil Pine Nut ice cream.  The book notes the importance of quality vendors and the happiness of being part of a vital food community.  Columbus has long had a reputation as the home of many fast food concepts and the book describes a great artisanal food center.

One surprising complaint is that some copies of the book may be printed with non-waterproof inks so while working in a wet kitchen you can discover that you own a collection of watercolor recipes.