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7th out of 10 books
—
4 voters
The Craft of Baking: Cakes, Cookies, and Other Sweets with Ideas for Inventing Your Own
James Beard Award—winner Karen DeMasco, who first came to national attention as the pastry chef of Tom Colicchio’s Craft, Craftbar, and ’wichcraft restaurants from 2001 to 2008, approaches the art of baking in a unique way. Building on the savory cooking philosophy of using seasonal ingredients to create dishes with pure flavors, Karen makes acclaimed desserts that are bot...more
Hardcover, 256 pages
Published
October 27th 2009
by Clarkson Potter
(first published 2009)
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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 carrots, ce...more
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
I love baking and love to try new recipes. I saw this book in library and was very excited after browsing through beautiful colored pictures. I really expected so much from this book but this book turned out a big disappointment.
I usually never hesitate to try out new recipes for the first time even for a special occasion. My cooking always turns out fine. I picked this book because I wanted to make something different for my son to take to his school for his birthday. But after reading I reali...more
I usually never hesitate to try out new recipes for the first time even for a special occasion. My cooking always turns out fine. I picked this book because I wanted to make something different for my son to take to his school for his birthday. But after reading I reali...more
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 a 12 x 17 pan can...more
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 a 12 x 17 pan can...more
I read through these recipies and went "aha!" a lot, because there are tips on varying recipes with additives and how to adjust your basic crust/dough/etc for acid/liquid/etc content of said additives, as well as how to make things savory from sweet and vice versa. This is wonderful, wonderful.
Didn't really wow me and some of the items are very expensive to obtain. One of her sources has a minimum of $250 for an order! Seriously, for a home baker unless that is a bit steep unless you are baking for a business.
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.
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
So I realize cupcakes are somewhat passe, but I'm still excited to make the gingerbread cupcakes (using Guinness) with candied ginger frosting!!
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.
the section of baking methodes was very informative.
Love this book. I have made about a dozen recipes and all were over the top delicious!
Droool.....Hence, my need for a tart pan
Love this!!!!
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!
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.
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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.
I was especially fond of the "ideas for inventing your own."
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...
Some incredibly delicious recipes, gorgeous and mouthwatering photos, and ideas for creating your own recipes. This is a must have.
May 19, 2013
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