[ Baking Basics and Beyond: Learn These Simple Techniques and Bake Like a Pro - by Sinclair, Pat ( Author ) Dec-2011 Paperback ]

by Pat Sinclair

With the demise of home economics in the school system, many adults have no baking experience at all, relying on dreary store-bought baked goods and artificial mixes to satisfy their cravings. Baking Basics and Beyond allows even absolute novices to prepare a wide array of delicious, healthy breads, cakes, cookies, pies, and more. In a warm, reassuring manner, Pat Sinclair leads beginning bakers step-by-step through each recipe, thoroughly explaining each technique and direction. After learning a basic technique, additional recipes provide further practice and more elaborate results. This second edition contains more than 100 recipes, from old favorites like icebox cookies, cornbread, and brownies to updated classics, including Butterscotch Cashew Blondies, Chai Latte Custards, and Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding. Throughout, explanations and precise tips, based on Sinclair's years of baking experience, make readers feel as though there is a friendly teacher in the kitchen, peering over their shoulders, and guiding them toward perfect results, every time.This new edition of this basic, down-to-earth, reader-friendly baking guide is updated with beautiful full color photos throughout.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Reference, Food, Nonfiction, Amazon

Paperback

First published August 20, 2004

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book will prove most helpful for persons new to baking. Experienced cooks will likely possess recipes for most items which are as good or better than those in this volume. I picked up this book several years ago when offered free or cheap for Kindle and am just getting around to looking through it. I found one or two recipes of interest, but I already create many of the baked goods with recipes I won't abandon. Many new cooks prefer heavily illustrated volumes, and this one does not include step by step photos or even photos of all selections.

[Edith Cook Hysell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the easy explanation that was provided for each type of baking. I have recently retired and finally have time for this type of baking. With that being said I did not know several of the techniques that were provided in this book. Can’t wait until I have the opportunity to actually make homemade biscuits.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Baking Techniques

If you love baking or want to try it out, this is a wonderful book full of techniques, necessary equipment, recipes and more. I absolutely cannot wait to try the things listed in this book.

[Candy Camarena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good Information

Good recipes and many good tips for baking almost everything. I learned a few things I didn't know and was reminded of some things I did know.

[Arthea Billingsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful

Best book ever I love that the recipes are relatively simple and easy to understand, I love the little side note explanations, I will use this book often.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this cookbook for my Nook as a discounted book through Book Bub. I did not recognize the author but decided to give it a try regardless of that fact. I am sure happy that I did that!

I think that every amateur baker needs to read this. I loved the format of the book, because in front of each section, whether it was pies, cookies, yeast breads, or cakes, it gave a short introduction. In that introduction, it gave the reasons why certain methods were used, what equipment to use, the chemistry behind the ingredients, and tips to work into the methods. For example, I had no idea that when cutting butter into flour to make biscuits, the butter pieces should be pea size. I always cut them into much smaller pieces. However, the pea size is important because the butter melts and creates an air pocket for steam, which creates the flakiness of the biscuit. Everything just makes sense now!

This book is an important read for new bakers because it provides methods to use in all recipes, even ones that are not included in the book. That is not to say that Sinclair doesn't have some pretty fabulous looking recipes in here. I am particularly excited to make Peach Melba Upside Down Cake, Zebra Brownies, and New Orleans Bread Pudding with Bananas Foster Sauce!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this basic guide to baking, which included good tips and techniques that really help you out. As much as I hate to use vegetable shortening, I understand that to make a really fluffy biscuit or flaky piecrust, it is better to use it. I've always found baking to be very therapeutic and I enjoy making others smile, which baked goods seem to do. I mean who doesn't love the smell of fresh-baked bread? I really want this book for my collection. 5 stars.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baking Basics and Beyond: Learn These Simple Techniques and Bake Like a Pro
Lot of helpful information and basic know how when it comes to baking.
The recipes: there are only a handful of pictures, no nutritional information or serving sizes.
They do come with tips for a successful product and other secrets.
Although this is the second edition I found some pages were photocopied.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this free on my Kindle and I love it. It has great recipes, but really told the "Why" for doing certain things for baking.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a GREAT resource that contains all kinds of useful tips and tricks about everything from equipment to how to get the best texture. Not to mention the fabulous recipes! Wow!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about baking techniques from this book! I highly recommend it!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a recipe book, it's is a beginner's guide for new bakers, with friendly easy-to-follow directions and lots of tips designed to make baking feel easy and fun.

[Jenn]

I was lucky enough to get this for free on the Kindle. Although the price is back to normal, I still recommend this book for the "domestically challenged" like myself.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good basic info

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I love the simplicity of the recipes in this book and the results are amazing. I find myself coming back to it again and again!! Love It!