Beulah Levy Ledner facts for kids
Beulah Levy Ledner (born January 5, 1894 – died March 30, 1988) was a very talented dessert and pastry chef from New Orleans, Louisiana. She is most famous for creating the delicious Doberge cake. This cake was her special version of a Hungarian/Austrian cake called dobos torte, made to suit the tastes of people in Louisiana.
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The Story of Beulah Levy Ledner
Her Early Life and Family Bakery
Beulah Ledner was born in St. Rose, Louisiana. Her family were Jewish immigrants from Hungary who were also bakers. She grew up learning about baking from her family.
In 1931, Beulah started her own baking business in New Orleans. At first, it was called "Mrs. Charles Ledner's Superior Home Baking." She ran the business right out of her family's home.
Growing Her Business
As her bakery became more popular, it moved to different locations. This allowed her business to grow even bigger.
During World War II, times were tough for many businesses. Because of these difficulties, Beulah sold her bakery to Gambino's Bakery. But after the war ended, she opened a new bakery in Metairie, Louisiana.
Beulah Ledner's recipes showed how German and Jewish cooking styles influenced the food in New Orleans during the mid-1900s.
The Famous Doberge Cake
Beulah Ledner is best known for inventing the Doberge cake. This cake has many thin layers, just like the traditional dobos torte. It became a very popular dessert in New Orleans.
People sometimes called Beulah Ledner the "Doberge Queen of New Orleans." Her recipes have been collected and published. You can even find different versions of the Doberge recipe online today. There are also videos showing how to make Doberge cakes, following her traditional methods.
Her Family's Legacy
Beulah Ledner's son, Albert C. Ledner, also became famous. He was a well-known architect.
