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484th out of 2,388 books
—
15,578 voters
Saved by Cake
by
Marian Keyes
From one of the best-loved novelists in Britain comes a book for all of us who love to bake (or would love to learn).
After a difficult period in her life, Marian Keyes found solace in baking. The precision of the measurements, the light spring of a well-baked cake, the prettiness of the frosting and decorations: the whole process was soothing. She immersed herself in the...more
After a difficult period in her life, Marian Keyes found solace in baking. The precision of the measurements, the light spring of a well-baked cake, the prettiness of the frosting and decorations: the whole process was soothing. She immersed herself in the...more
232 pages
Published
March 2012
(first published February 28th 2012)
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Saved by Cake is how Marian Keyes pulled herself from depression to somewhere a bit better. She's the first to admit that she isn't "cured" per say but in a better place than she was before she discovered that baking was a way of concentrating her mind and making her focus on what was in front of her and it helped. She also says that before baking she had tried other things that didn't work, but that this was what worked for her and that that's what you should do for yourself if you find yoursel...more
Straight away the intriguing title starts to draw you in. How can you be saved by cake? A lovely thought but how…?
The book touches briefly on some troubling personal problems that the author has experienced during her battle against depression, yet fortunately baking was a particular outlet to help her get through the day. Each day onwards and a little bit stronger and this all came through by a chance discovery after the author, a self-described novice, had decided to make a cake for a friend....more
The book touches briefly on some troubling personal problems that the author has experienced during her battle against depression, yet fortunately baking was a particular outlet to help her get through the day. Each day onwards and a little bit stronger and this all came through by a chance discovery after the author, a self-described novice, had decided to make a cake for a friend....more
Marian Keyes's SAVED BY CAKE is one of those cookbooks that's so delightfully written and so beautiful as a physical object filled with lush photography, it almost doesn't even matter whether the recipes actually work! I don't know yet whether they do work, because I haven't had a chance to try them. But I spent my free time today devouring the whole book with pure pleasure. I already know (after reading a library copy) that I want to buy myself a copy to keep - not just to try out all the yummy...more
I adored this cookbook. Yes, it's a cookbook and I read it in one sitting as if it were a novel!
Cookbooks are strange little beasts - you usually buy one for a specific reason ~ you need a new idea for how to cook chicken for instance, but you're not normally buying it to read from cover to cover, and honestly, when I checked this book out of the library, I had no clue it was a cookbook. I had just put the authors name into the search engine (she's one of my favourites) as I wanted to see if she...more
Cookbooks are strange little beasts - you usually buy one for a specific reason ~ you need a new idea for how to cook chicken for instance, but you're not normally buying it to read from cover to cover, and honestly, when I checked this book out of the library, I had no clue it was a cookbook. I had just put the authors name into the search engine (she's one of my favourites) as I wanted to see if she...more
I know I usually review fiction and this is a cookery book, but I have a weakness for cookery books – a passion, actually – with the emphasis being on delicious baked goods. When I’m stressed, I bake. And so I was intrigued to learn that the bestselling fiction author, Marian Keyes, actually used baking to haul herself out of a deep depression. And be honest. Who could possibly resist a pink-covered cookery book titled
Saved By Cake, over 80 ways to bake yourself happy.
When I buy cookery books,...more
When I buy cookery books,...more
This is not a novel. It's a cookbook which (unsurprisingly, given the title) is full of recipes for cake. Marian Keyes has a great 'voice' as a writer and that is evident in this work. The recipes were all stuff that home cooks of various skill levels could make, which is great because although aspirational cook books are nice to look at sometimes I resent all the shelf space that is taken up by beautifully photographed, gorgeously presented, probably wonderful-tasting food that I will never eve...more
I can't even begin to describe how much I love this book. I love cake - of course - and I am - I have to confess - a good baker - which means that I hate most formal recipe book because they make the whole thing seen so convoluted and complicated. Keyes not only introduced me to recipes that I actually wanted to make, but her witty, friendly style guided me through them in a way that made even the most complicated thing - macaroons - like I would NEVER have attempted them before this book - seem...more
Beautifully designed book, gorgeous photographs- but unfortunately the recipes just don't work very well. I tried three out; and only one turned out edible- and I'm a very experienced baker.
The cupcakes were thick and gluggy, the caramel frosting could have broken my teeth, the cakes don't rise well and the upside down cake is just uninspired.
And while some of the flavor combinations, like the white chocolate and wasabi, sound fun and creative, the recipes were poorly balanced and you just ende...more
The cupcakes were thick and gluggy, the caramel frosting could have broken my teeth, the cakes don't rise well and the upside down cake is just uninspired.
And while some of the flavor combinations, like the white chocolate and wasabi, sound fun and creative, the recipes were poorly balanced and you just ende...more
If you've got this book in your hands then I'd like to make this recommendation: Go to Marian's website and watch some of the amusing baking demonstrations. That way you'll have Marian's delightful irish voice in you head when you follow her witty baking instructions.
Apart from the humour I'd also recommend this book for its wide variety of recipes. It is not an all encompassing baking manual, although it does include lots of useful tips and instructions aimed at beginners. If you haven't been...more
Apart from the humour I'd also recommend this book for its wide variety of recipes. It is not an all encompassing baking manual, although it does include lots of useful tips and instructions aimed at beginners. If you haven't been...more
Sweet, simple - and nothing new. It's a shame: I think if Marian's voice had come through more, or this had been a blend between anecdotal stories, short fictions and the actual recipes, it would have been a far better book. As it was I found myself skimming through the bland writing, although the pictures of the finished products were definitely inspiring - I may even make a few of them, which is saying something! (I am a terrible baker.)
All in all, not a bad book as such, just unoriginal and...more
All in all, not a bad book as such, just unoriginal and...more
I have yet to try all the recipes in this book, but so far its delightful and a lot more fun than most of the cookbooks I've read. Its reasonable and the recipes are grown up yet youthful.
I love that its more than a gift, but an experience. My lil sister and I have been having fun with it. I love how the writer stops and explains things. I don't get the obsession with the edible glitter but hey if it makes her smile, she can have at it. I like that she's a writer in her own respect and has a co...more
I love that its more than a gift, but an experience. My lil sister and I have been having fun with it. I love how the writer stops and explains things. I don't get the obsession with the edible glitter but hey if it makes her smile, she can have at it. I like that she's a writer in her own respect and has a co...more
I read this book from my local library and before I finished it I went out and bought my own copy.
I too bake every Sunday to take cakes to work on Mondays. My job is not the fun thing it once was and it will take over my life if I let it. Having also battled cancer some days are stress filled and gloomy.
I related to this book from the first page. The writing is honest and fun and almost had me in tears in places. And I've baked recipes from the book which are divine.
A book that truly spoke to m...more
I too bake every Sunday to take cakes to work on Mondays. My job is not the fun thing it once was and it will take over my life if I let it. Having also battled cancer some days are stress filled and gloomy.
I related to this book from the first page. The writing is honest and fun and almost had me in tears in places. And I've baked recipes from the book which are divine.
A book that truly spoke to m...more
I loved the forward and find it oddly disconcerting that I prefer cookbooks with story rather than just a whole jumble of recipes. I don't know how she stayed so slim whilst baking all those delicious treats. Although I didn't bake any of the recipes myself (as it was a library book it had to go back before I had an opening in my baking schedule) there were quite a few I already had recipes for that I agreed wholeheartedly with the authors views of these dishes, ie espresso and walnut cake etc.....more
this book is about Marian keyes struggle with depression and while she herself has said she isnt 'cured' has said that baking has helped her.
as a keen baker i grab many different books and the cover of this one jumped out of me, the recipes are good, i havent made any yet but there are a few im going to try
my only critiscm is that compared to other cookery books Marian sometimes goes off piste, and you have to read around bits to get to the actual recipe but other than that a great cookery book
as a keen baker i grab many different books and the cover of this one jumped out of me, the recipes are good, i havent made any yet but there are a few im going to try
my only critiscm is that compared to other cookery books Marian sometimes goes off piste, and you have to read around bits to get to the actual recipe but other than that a great cookery book
If you love Marian Keyes (and who cannot?) you will love this book. She knows her stuff so it is a great guide for beginners, but also has different from the norm recipes, lots of tips, lots of giggles in the introductions, and all in all a JOY. Just also bought Dan Lepard's 'Short and Sweet' also lovely and recommended but with quite a serious tone. If you need a baking book to encourage you, that feels like it's giving you a hug as you peruse it - this is the one for you!
As a keen baker/cook i read cookbooks like a novel, from start to finish, every word of every chapter. I loved this book because of the story behind it & the reason Marian started baking as I can relate to that, but I also love how girlie it looked & marian's wit throughout the book was something new for a cookbook (I've read many). I also gave this book to a friend as a gift & they loved & appreciated the thought. Oh & the recipes are lovely 2!
Wow, I'll tell you what, this book is fantastic! I thought it looked interesting, so entered to win it here on goodreads, and did... I am SO GLAD I did!
It's a wonder! Marian Keyes is funny and helpful, and her recipes are brilliant! Some of them are unusual, but even they look interesting.
Look, no matter what kind of cook you are [or if you're not one at all], you will be pleased with Saved by Cake.
Please, whether or not you have an easy opportunity, you must get this cookbook SOMEHOW! You wil...more
It's a wonder! Marian Keyes is funny and helpful, and her recipes are brilliant! Some of them are unusual, but even they look interesting.
Look, no matter what kind of cook you are [or if you're not one at all], you will be pleased with Saved by Cake.
Please, whether or not you have an easy opportunity, you must get this cookbook SOMEHOW! You wil...more
This book is not a "story book" more of a recipe book, however I think the Author is very brave. In the introduction she describes her fight with severe Depression and how she baked a cake for a friend and she didn't stop baking. It includes some brilliant recipes (I borrowed the book from the Library so I have photocopied the recipes) I enjoyed this book and would recommend, I also wish Marian all the best fro the future.
I decided I would count this book towards my reading challenge because I ended up reading it cover to cover! I loved it. Not only is it full of yummy recipes-- they sure sound yummy, I have not made any of them...yet!-- the book is full of Keyes warm charm and wit. I also learnt some helpful hints and enjoyed the lovely photography. I have read quite a few cookbooks in my time, but this one is extra special.
I thought this book was great. I like the honesty and humour included in the personal parts of the the book. I loved the simple and delicious cakes. The chocolate lava cakes were amazing. I have cooked many of these cakes and stayed in the moment for each one. Focusing all my thoughts on the wonderful task of making something nice to share with friends and family is an amazing way of being mindful.
Most entertaining cookbook I've ever read! My bet is Marian's changed the way recipes will be written forever, have never before seen a recipe where you laugh out loud while reading the instructions.
The recipes are also mouth-wateringly lovely with a lot of challenges in amongst them for the bakers amongst us.
Highly recommend to everyone that loves to bake, and especially to all fans of Ms Keyes.
The recipes are also mouth-wateringly lovely with a lot of challenges in amongst them for the bakers amongst us.
Highly recommend to everyone that loves to bake, and especially to all fans of Ms Keyes.
I was a mite disappointed that this was a straight up recipe book, but only in as much as I miss Marian Keyes' books so much, not that I don't wish her the very best on her journey to get well. The recipes look gorgeous, and I'm very glad that she has found something that helps so much. The intro was very well written, and it made me pine for more. Even better than some of the short stories I've read in multi author compilations! An introduction or a short story is much less demanding than a nov...more
This is a beautiful cookbook that i was lucky to win from Goodreads Giveaways! I love when cookbooks have photographs (color) to go along with the recipes so I know what everything is meant to look like once finished. Some of the recipes are quite British and don't personally appeal to me, but many look delicious and I can't wait to try some this summer. I like Marian Keyes fiction books very much and her same breezy style of writing is evident here. It's like sitting in a kitchen with a friend...more
Judging by the pictures of the yummy cakes in this book, it might be a good thing that my oven broke down a short while after buying this book!
Scrumptious cakes paired with Marian's trademark humorous voice makes this a unique cookbook.
I can recommend the Consistently Reliable Cupcakes and the Coconut Milk Cake!
Scrumptious cakes paired with Marian's trademark humorous voice makes this a unique cookbook.
I can recommend the Consistently Reliable Cupcakes and the Coconut Milk Cake!
Mar 31, 2012
Cara Murphy
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
hard-cover,
bought-new
Definitely the most entertaining cookery book I have ever read - it had me crying with laughter! Marian Keyes writes with charm and wit, bringing her self-deprecating humour (and a stock of 'Irishisms') to her experience of baking her way out of depression.
This is an excellent introduction to the world of baking, packed full of useful hints and tips alongside a host of gorgeous recipes. My favourite has to be the Fridge-Set Honeycomb Cheesecake... or maybe the Blondie Cupcakes. And then there's...more
This is an excellent introduction to the world of baking, packed full of useful hints and tips alongside a host of gorgeous recipes. My favourite has to be the Fridge-Set Honeycomb Cheesecake... or maybe the Blondie Cupcakes. And then there's...more
I borrowed this cook book from the library and literally read it cover to cover and then went out to buy it! The intro is honest (about her depression) and the blurbs before each recipe endearing and humorous but even the instructions were great as she "talks" to the reader.
I've only made one recipe so far (the breakfast bars) which were delicious but look forward to trying more.
I've only made one recipe so far (the breakfast bars) which were delicious but look forward to trying more.
What a lovely and amusing cookbook! It's great to dive into a cookbook written by one of my favorite authors, because she sprinkles her writing style into everything.
The only drawback is that I will be hard pressed to find many of the ingredients she used, since she is based in the UK. I would also have to convert every single recipe from metric into imperial measurements. But it's nice to look at the photos and dream...
The only drawback is that I will be hard pressed to find many of the ingredients she used, since she is based in the UK. I would also have to convert every single recipe from metric into imperial measurements. But it's nice to look at the photos and dream...
I love Marian Keyes and was really worried about her when she announced she had stopped writing due to a serious bout of depression. This book chronicles her fight back from the breakdown, listing her treatments - even the way she carried a "suicide bag" with pens and paper so she could write a note to whoever found her. But her ultimate way of pushing the black thoughts at bay turned out to be baking.
Full of gorgeous recipes, every page has her trademark wonderful Irish humour and you can't he...more
Full of gorgeous recipes, every page has her trademark wonderful Irish humour and you can't he...more
I don't like cook books but this one is different. I loved the honest introduction and writing throughout the book. I probably won't ever make any of the recipes but will read it again.
This one was wonderful. Sweet and funny but also very real. Marian Keyes writes about something that is very true for many of us and does it well.
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Marian Keyes, born September 10, 1963, is a popular Irish writer, considered to be one of the original progenitors of "chick lit". Keyes' first novel, Watermelon, was published in Ireland in 1995. Since then she has published seven further novels and two collections of non-fiction, and has sold 15 million copies of her books in 30 languages.
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May 26, 2012 06:33am