This profile is part of a series of interviews chronicling the experiences of researchers who use The New York Public Library's collections for the development of their work.

Rabbi Debbi Prinz  lives in New York City and lectures about chocolate and religion around the world. She also blogs at On the Chocolate Trail, The Forward, JW Food & Wine, and ReformJudaism.org.   

What brought you to the Library?

I first used the New York Public Library at 42nd Street to research my first book, On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao . I continue to explore resources for my current Chocolate Babka project about celebratory yeast breads by looking at food history, encyclopedias, ancient texts, and cookbooks.

Describe your research routine

I use my local branch as well as the Schwarzman Building. To maximize my time at the 42nd Street Library, I generally photograph the documents. I try to get to the Library when I have a particular question to look into or when I have accumulated a bunch of references. Later I read and file the photos at home. Truthfully, I always feel behind with my list and also at “processing” what I have gathered at the library. Also, I keep a bunch of the book request forms at home so that I can fill them out as I find a reference I want to review.

What's your favorite spot at the Library?

I love sitting in the Rose Main Reading Room. More recently I settled into the Dorot Jewish Division since I learned that my requests could be delivered to me there, too. It is quiet and the staff is extremely helpful. (Maybe I should keep that secret?)

When did you first get the idea for your research project?

My current project started with chocolate, specifically questions around the chocolate in New York’s plentiful babkas.  

What's the  most interesting thing you learned from a book recently?

That ancient Egyptians enjoyed sophisticated skills in baking leavened breads. And, their bakeries and breweries were located next to the other, with beer and bread providing significant sources of nutrition. 

How do you maintain your research momentum?

I just plug away. I also balance the research with selecting and trying recipes as well as writing short form pieces. This pushes me to to clarify my thoughts and questions. In 2019 I baked over 50 distinct recipes and wrote more than 10 stories.

What's your guilty pleasure distraction? 

Streaming videos and a nibble of chocolate.