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4.06 of 5 stars
James Beard Award—winner Karen DeMasco, who first came to national attention as the pastry chef of Tom Colicchio’s Craft, Craftbar, and... read full description

reviews

Feb 26, 2010
Mary rated it: 2 of 5 stars
The title excited me, making me think that it would be more than a recipe book. The book does a fair job of laying out some fundamentals of a good baking pantry. However, there are two types of unsweetened cocoa powder: natural and Dutch-processed, and the author doesn't specify which kind is called for. After I noticed that, I didn't trust the recipes. I finally chose the Lamington Cupcakes because I love things with specific names instead of modern titles such as "braised pork with carrot More...
Mar 14, 2010
Jenny rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I really like the perspective of Karen DeMasco and Mindy Fox in The Craft of Baking, where the baker is urged to make their own versions of the recipes they have provided. In general, the recipes are creative and a little trendy, which is good for a baker like me who doesn't simply want one more chocolate chip cookie recipe. You will find 'salted' and 'browned butter' spins on recipes, as well as some custards that I can't wait to try making. Since the recipes are so varied, you might find yours More...
May 16, 2010
Marcella rated it: 3 of 5 stars
The plus was there are some interesting flavor combinations and suggestions for changing some of the recipes to match what is in season.

We tried the graham crackers. Meh. I am not a fan of buttery graham crackers. They were more like honey shortbread. Short on graham flour, heavy on butter. We also tried the coconut marshmallows. They are pretty good, but just not something I think I will be craving. I also question how a batch of marshmallows that completely fills to the brim More...
May 05, 2010
Jodee rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Such a good reference book. Many of the recipes have a "perfecting your craft" addition that explains how to play with the recipe without goofing it up. I think its on my Mother's Day wish list.
Apr 03, 2011
Carrie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book is amazing! I've only made a few things, but they have all been delicious. I'll have to buy myself a copy. since I imagine the library will be wanting this back at some point...
Sep 22, 2010
Sarah is currently reading it
anyone made the jellies recipe from this? I am trying to figure out "fruit paste" or "pate de fruit"-- or fruit jelly candies as she calls them
Dec 30, 2009
Sarah added it
So I realize cupcakes are somewhat passe, but I'm still excited to make the gingerbread cupcakes (using Guinness) with candied ginger frosting!!
Nov 15, 2011
Asma rated it: 3 of 5 stars
i liked the part of the book where the author gave explanation for the baking pantry and layed out all the different ingredients you have to have and the best brands for each.
the section of baking methodes was very informative.
May 05, 2010
Becky rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Need to buy this for myself because I've been cooking my way through the library copy and the library would like it back.
Chocolate-hazelnut panna cotta, carrot cake whoopie pies, lemon steamed pudding - it's all been good but oh-so-buttery.
Mar 03, 2010
Mandy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Droool.....Hence, my need for a tart pan
Sep 19, 2010
Wendy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Cashew brittle got a lot of compliments (even though I was afraid it would take out everyone's fillings!). Really want to try their recipe for brioche in a soup can, but don't have much time for baking lately!
Aug 10, 2011
Jessica rated it: 5 of 5 stars
so far this is a pretty amazing cookbook for a baking beginner. The recipes are yummy and easy to read. Also, there are idea about how to change up the recipe if you wanted- the recipes then turn into blue prints for you to build a ton of things with.
Apr 09, 2010
Tamara rated it: 3 of 5 stars
The pics are mouthwatering. Gonna show it to my sis for some food photography inspiration. :) But will most likely only dream about making the Nut & Cherry Nougat.
Apr 19, 2011
LGMF rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I was especially fond of the "ideas for inventing your own."
Feb 22, 2010
Anjali rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I picked this book up at the library on Saturday, and have already bookmarked 6 recipes to try before I decide if I need this book in my personal collection. I like the tone of the book, and the pictures are gorgeous...
Feb 11, 2012
Vandana rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Feb 07, 2012
Sadie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Feb 07, 2012
Bridget marked it as to-read
Feb 05, 2012
Marnie marked it as to-read
Feb 04, 2012
Sarah marked it as to-read
Feb 04, 2012
Yasmine marked it as to-read
Feb 02, 2012
Marykay marked it as to-read
Jan 27, 2012
Carol marked it as to-read
Jan 23, 2012
Almost marked it as to-read
Jan 21, 2012
Ally rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jan 21, 2012
Robert rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jan 20, 2012
Joy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Jan 20, 2012
Rosemary marked it as to-read
Jan 20, 2012
Carina rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jan 15, 2012
Christine marked it as to-read