What do you think?
Rate this book
The Messy Baker: More Than 75 Delicious Recipes from a Real Kitchen: A Baking Book
Since when did every cookie on the plate have to be just like the next? Or each layer of cake exactly the same height? Each piecrust an impeccable work of art and encircled by stunningly perfect pastry leaves? To the uninitiated, all that fastidious, spotless baking is intimidating, not to mention exhausting. The Messy Baker celebrates baking as it happens in the real world—sweet, messy, fun, not always gorgeous, but a way to show love. Which doesn't make it any less delicious; to the contrary, Charmian Christie's flavor combinations rise far above the ordinary. Why have a raspberry galette when you can enjoy a raspberry-rhubarb galette with drippy, unctuous walnut frangipane? Or how about a Brie and walnut whiskey tart? It's all yours without the rigid perfectionism or complicated instructions of other gourmet cookbooks.
Christie's warm, irreverent voice brings the fun back into baking at a time when home cooks—pulled from pillar to post by jobs and errands—need to have fun. The Messy Baker is a full-service book that not only guides the reader through simple, delicious recipes but is also there to help out when things go wrong. For anyone who gave in frustration when that cake collapsed or the frosting smeared, Christie's practical advice is here to rescue even the worst disaster and inspire the baker to try the next recipe.
Christie's warm, irreverent voice brings the fun back into baking at a time when home cooks—pulled from pillar to post by jobs and errands—need to have fun. The Messy Baker is a full-service book that not only guides the reader through simple, delicious recipes but is also there to help out when things go wrong. For anyone who gave in frustration when that cake collapsed or the frosting smeared, Christie's practical advice is here to rescue even the worst disaster and inspire the baker to try the next recipe.
256 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
14 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Charmian Christie
5 books6 followersCharmian Christie is The Messy Baker®, a food writer, recipe developer, and cookbook author from Ontario, Canada. On her blog,
The Messy Baker, she shares recipes, reviews, tips and tales of culinary woe. Eager to include everyone and waste nothing, she creates delicious, approachable recipes requiring standard kitchen equipment.
Her first cookbook, The Messy Baker: More than 75 Delicious Recipes from a Real Kitchen,, was named on of the top cookbooks for 2014 by Canadian Living.
Her new cookbook, The 3-Ingredient Baking Book: 101 Simple, Sweet & Stress-Free Recipes, was named one of the Best Dessert books for 2019 by Forbes.
She lives in Ontario, Canada, in a drafty stone cottage with an unruly garden, her husband and two exceptionally sheddy cats.
The Messy Baker, she shares recipes, reviews, tips and tales of culinary woe. Eager to include everyone and waste nothing, she creates delicious, approachable recipes requiring standard kitchen equipment.
Her first cookbook, The Messy Baker: More than 75 Delicious Recipes from a Real Kitchen,, was named on of the top cookbooks for 2014 by Canadian Living.
Her new cookbook, The 3-Ingredient Baking Book: 101 Simple, Sweet & Stress-Free Recipes, was named one of the Best Dessert books for 2019 by Forbes.
She lives in Ontario, Canada, in a drafty stone cottage with an unruly garden, her husband and two exceptionally sheddy cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 20, 2014
The Messy Baker is a cook book that's right up my alley. Don't get me wrong. There are some days and events where I want my baked goods to be flawless so that I can impress people or prove myself (such as when the in-laws are involved). But most of the time, I just want delicious sugary treats in my face hole. It doesn't matter if the cookies are exactly two inches wide, or if the top ombre cake layer is the exact perfect shade of lavender. This book celebrates those who focus on one thing: deliciousness.
There are over 75 recipes included in this cookbook, and each section is divided by adjective. That's right: adjective. Whether you're in the mood for something dippy, flaky, or crumbly, there's a chapter for you. I think this is a really cute and surprisingly effective way of divvying up the book.
The instructions are really easy to follow and understand so new bakers, don't be afraid to pick this book up. I also adored the photography that was included in this book. It all looked so damn appetizing that I wanted to bake all of the things immediately. There's a decent amount of pictures included, which are really important to me when it comes to cookbooks. I like knowing what the end result is at least kind of supposed to look like. This book also includes both savory and sweet baked goods, so even those without a sweet tooth will find something to love.
I pretty much want to bake everything in The Messy Baker, but a few of the ones that I'm most eager to test out for myself include Deep Dark Cherry & Chipotle Brownies, Raspberry-Stuffed French Toast, Cherry & Lemon Macaroon Meringues, and far too many others to list. In short, this is a book that I will definitely be purchasing for my kitchen. Everything looks delicious and doable, and worth a messy kitchen.
Thanks so much to Rodale Books and Netgalley for my copy of The Messy Baker. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
There are over 75 recipes included in this cookbook, and each section is divided by adjective. That's right: adjective. Whether you're in the mood for something dippy, flaky, or crumbly, there's a chapter for you. I think this is a really cute and surprisingly effective way of divvying up the book.
The instructions are really easy to follow and understand so new bakers, don't be afraid to pick this book up. I also adored the photography that was included in this book. It all looked so damn appetizing that I wanted to bake all of the things immediately. There's a decent amount of pictures included, which are really important to me when it comes to cookbooks. I like knowing what the end result is at least kind of supposed to look like. This book also includes both savory and sweet baked goods, so even those without a sweet tooth will find something to love.
I pretty much want to bake everything in The Messy Baker, but a few of the ones that I'm most eager to test out for myself include Deep Dark Cherry & Chipotle Brownies, Raspberry-Stuffed French Toast, Cherry & Lemon Macaroon Meringues, and far too many others to list. In short, this is a book that I will definitely be purchasing for my kitchen. Everything looks delicious and doable, and worth a messy kitchen.
Thanks so much to Rodale Books and Netgalley for my copy of The Messy Baker. This review can also be found on my blog, Bitches n Prose.
February 21, 2020
Full Review on The Candid Cover
The Messy Baker is a cookbook that is sure to delight both the novice cook and the experienced chef. This book includes useful tips within its quirky and colourful pages. The recipes contained within are simple and classic, which makes this an instant go-to family cookbook.
One of the biggest draws for me when opening a recipe book is its layout and design. The photographs in The Messy Baker are absolutely gorgeous, leaving one to drool over the many deliciously depicted treats. Also, the sections are divided into different styles of food, as opposed to main dishes, desserts and sides. For example, foods that are crumbly, smudgy and drippy are sectioned into different groups, giving this book a real sense of fun and whimsy.
I absolutely adore the multitude of tips and cooking techniques that Charmian Christie has included in The Messy Baker. There is a detailed introduction and basic tips at the beginning of the book and a very comprehensive appendix that includes all kinds of tricks and conversions. I am certain that I will be referring back to these tips for years to come!
Many of the recipes in The Messy Baker are simple and use ingredients that are typically on hand in many kitchens. I loved assembling the Boozy Chocolate Torte, Chewy Crystallized Ginger Cookies and the Either Way Marinara Sauce. Each recipe was detailed, effortless and tasty.
I would highly recommend The Messy Baker to anyone looking for a beautiful, whimsical cookbook that includes recipes that are simple to make. This is going to be one book that is going to fill many stockings in my house this year!
The Messy Baker is a cookbook that is sure to delight both the novice cook and the experienced chef. This book includes useful tips within its quirky and colourful pages. The recipes contained within are simple and classic, which makes this an instant go-to family cookbook.
One of the biggest draws for me when opening a recipe book is its layout and design. The photographs in The Messy Baker are absolutely gorgeous, leaving one to drool over the many deliciously depicted treats. Also, the sections are divided into different styles of food, as opposed to main dishes, desserts and sides. For example, foods that are crumbly, smudgy and drippy are sectioned into different groups, giving this book a real sense of fun and whimsy.
I absolutely adore the multitude of tips and cooking techniques that Charmian Christie has included in The Messy Baker. There is a detailed introduction and basic tips at the beginning of the book and a very comprehensive appendix that includes all kinds of tricks and conversions. I am certain that I will be referring back to these tips for years to come!
Many of the recipes in The Messy Baker are simple and use ingredients that are typically on hand in many kitchens. I loved assembling the Boozy Chocolate Torte, Chewy Crystallized Ginger Cookies and the Either Way Marinara Sauce. Each recipe was detailed, effortless and tasty.
I would highly recommend The Messy Baker to anyone looking for a beautiful, whimsical cookbook that includes recipes that are simple to make. This is going to be one book that is going to fill many stockings in my house this year!
March 1, 2016
4 messy stars
This cookbook is designed in a supercute way!
But I wouldn’t use this as a how to bake book. There are a few pages that teach you how to make phyllo and crust. And a few pages that say essential equipment. I love that each recipe is one page. The last thing you want to do when messy baking is swipe a bookbook or turn a page! . the chapters are amazing as far as titles go like drippy and smudgy . My wish is that each recipe had a title because many of these I have never made and have no clue what its supposed to look at…nor do I get that “I must bake this look how yummy it looks” vibe.
However what puts this above a normal baking book is that nothing is overly complicated! And I cant wait to make the chipotle brownies!!! I’m making those tonight but instead of using water ill be using red wine =]
April 22, 2014
This is a lovely cookbook with rich and interesting takes on everything from breads, crusts, brownies, cookies, to scones and biscuits. There's so much in this book to try your hand at that the biggest problem for me with this book was deciding where to start. The first part of the book lists and describes the basic utensils and ingredients that a well stocked kitchen should have and their uses. After the basics are covered the fun begins with a variety of recipes and well done photographs of dishes. One of the things that I found useful in this cookbook are the tips and storage instructions for properly holding the left overs. That handy tidbit is not often found in cookbooks and I really appreciated that feature. Another unique feature of this cookbook is the way that it is categorized. The recipes are divided by texture and features. The sections are Pastry, Flaky, Crumbly, Dippable, Sloppy, Smudgy, Gritty, and Drippy. It's different, but it works well!
With interesting and adaptable recipes this will be a cookbook that I refer to again and again when looking for inspiration and reprieve from the same old recipes that I tend to fall back on.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Rodale Inc./Netgalley
You can find more at The Blissful Plate
http://theblissfulplate.blogspot.com/
With interesting and adaptable recipes this will be a cookbook that I refer to again and again when looking for inspiration and reprieve from the same old recipes that I tend to fall back on.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Rodale Inc./Netgalley
You can find more at The Blissful Plate
http://theblissfulplate.blogspot.com/
Want to read
August 9, 2015After a sweet introduction, more properly a dedication to her mother, Charmain Christie opens The Messy Baker with 'The Messy Manifesto' and proclaims, "Never trust a person with a clean kitchen."
The Messy Baker is cookbook for the enthusiastic home baker with a mix of over 75 sweet and savoury recipes. Full page photograph's complement the appealing design, though not every recipe is featured.
The first chapter, 'Basics', suggests 'Can't-do-without items', Nice-to-have items, and 'I'm-a-baker-and-I've-earned-it items', before listing Essential ingredients that every baker should have on hand, their uses, tips for prep where applicable, and proper storage of said ingredients. And if you are still feeling a little lost, the Appendix includes a glossary, a measurement conversion chart, and a list of emergency ingredient substitutions.
Christie then begins with recipes for puff, shortcrust, and Pate Sucree pastry, as well as tips for working with phyllo pasty. The recipes are sorted into seven chapters categorised by texture.
Flaky recipes include Morrocan Lamb Parcels, Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Scented Palmiers and Cherry and Lemon Macaroon Meringues. Crumbly treats include Stuffed Tomato, Arugula, and Cilantro Focaccia, Savoury Pecan and Cheddar Bites and Deep, Dark Cherry and Chipotle Brownies. The Dippable recipes are for dunking in coffee, tea, milk, soups, or sauces and include Rosemary and Black Olive Grissini, and Espresso and Hazelnut Biscotti. If you prefer foods that drip or ooze their filling then the Smoky Mushroom Crepes or Boozy Chocolate Torte (shown on the book's cover), found under Sloppy, might appeal. The Peppery Pear and Smoked Gouda Dutch Baby and Burnt Caramel and Sea Salt Sticky Buns are two recipes found under Smudgy. Gritty sweet and savoury recipes include Many-Seed Lavash Bread and Citrus-topped Poppy Seed Bars. Drippy recipes include temptations such as Lime-Cilantro Dipping Sauce, Boozy Brown Sugar Whipped Cream and Chocolate Anything Sauce.
I liked the tone of this cookbook, Christie's notes are encouraging, her tips are useful and of course there is no expectation of perfection, though there is an art to pulling off the 'messy' look. What it does lack is an index, and Christie's timing 'Commitment' approach is a little eccentric.
You can get a feel for Charmain Christie's approach to baking on her blog, themessybaker.com
October 3, 2015
This book is great just for the title. Though my wife has gotten me to clean up after I am done it is not to say that when I am in the process that my kitchen is not clean. Its starts and finishes that way but not while I am cooking. Like the author says be aware of a kitchen that is clean when they are cooking. Who do you create? How do you come up with new ideas or ingredients, she gives the push to try new combinations and new creations. She also goes over what items you should have in your kitchen before you get started. But she wants you to try new ideas and new recipes and change old recipes to new ingredients. I thought the pictures were great and just the overall idea of the book was a great idea. Years back my wife and I spent almost two years mixing ingredients that we had from her grandmother’s bread pudding. This is no regular bread pudding (capirotada) Mexican bread pudding. Made traditionally. But through testing and work and after two years the family said she got it, just like Nannie, my was happy and we still make it. But if we didn’t want to make a mess or make the time to experiment with a recipe that was not handed down this is what you need to do. So have fun, my daughter loves making homemade cookies and lasagna, for example. We also get messy, but I now clean up so my wife does not have to worry. A fantastic book. I got this from net galley.
October 19, 2015
So you can never trust someone with a clean kitchen - then you can trust me, well, at least when I bake or cook, the rest of the time it's quite clean, but when I start baking or cooking, all bets are off!
I felt the title, The Messy Baker was redundant, isn’t baking inherently messy as well as time-consuming? However, the book itself was neat, clean, and efficient. Delectable and healthy recipes, succulent suggestions, full of great advice as to how best, well, just about anything.
Baking can be daunting for some. I’ve sometimes felt intimidated because I tend to cook without measuring and well, you just can’t do that with baking generally.
Charmian Christie is straightforward in trying to introduce, or coax some back, to the art of baking - it’s better when you’re prepared.
This isn’t aspiration baking, you know, where you think, I’d like to do that, but…instead, you look at images and recipes of: roasted butternut squash and sage tart, basil and aged cheddar scones, blueberry-lime cornmeal muffins, sticky buns, pizza, chocolate anything sauce (my new Fall fashion statement), salted caramel sauce, and you’re ready to whip out your whisk and say, let the baking odds be ever in your favour because no one is going hungry after these baking games.
Now about this alleged ‘No Fail’ pastry, how soon can it be ready?
I felt the title, The Messy Baker was redundant, isn’t baking inherently messy as well as time-consuming? However, the book itself was neat, clean, and efficient. Delectable and healthy recipes, succulent suggestions, full of great advice as to how best, well, just about anything.
Baking can be daunting for some. I’ve sometimes felt intimidated because I tend to cook without measuring and well, you just can’t do that with baking generally.
Charmian Christie is straightforward in trying to introduce, or coax some back, to the art of baking - it’s better when you’re prepared.
This isn’t aspiration baking, you know, where you think, I’d like to do that, but…instead, you look at images and recipes of: roasted butternut squash and sage tart, basil and aged cheddar scones, blueberry-lime cornmeal muffins, sticky buns, pizza, chocolate anything sauce (my new Fall fashion statement), salted caramel sauce, and you’re ready to whip out your whisk and say, let the baking odds be ever in your favour because no one is going hungry after these baking games.
Now about this alleged ‘No Fail’ pastry, how soon can it be ready?
February 22, 2014
First off, I loved the name of this book! My mom would always get mad when i would make a mess in the kitchen but the bigger the mess, the tastier the treats!
I really enjoyed how the chapters were labeled, it went along with the messy baker concept and the recipes in each section fit the chapter perfectly. Also, the wording was very simple and made it so anyone could follow along, whether you are a chef or someone who just loves baking.
I did have a few problems with the book though. I was not a fan of how the recipes were organized in the chapters. For example there would be multiple sweet recipes then a random savory, i would recommend bunching the savory recipes together and then the sweet. Also (and i am sure my location has something to do with this) i wasn't all that excited about some of the flavor combinations. Like i said, I'm sure it is a regional thing but if i showed up to a church pig pickin' down here in the South with some of this tuff, I would get some nasty looks from people. I am more of a simple flavor and simple combinations fan, not a bunch of crazy stuff put together. I am sure they taste great, they just aren't for me.
I really enjoyed how the chapters were labeled, it went along with the messy baker concept and the recipes in each section fit the chapter perfectly. Also, the wording was very simple and made it so anyone could follow along, whether you are a chef or someone who just loves baking.
I did have a few problems with the book though. I was not a fan of how the recipes were organized in the chapters. For example there would be multiple sweet recipes then a random savory, i would recommend bunching the savory recipes together and then the sweet. Also (and i am sure my location has something to do with this) i wasn't all that excited about some of the flavor combinations. Like i said, I'm sure it is a regional thing but if i showed up to a church pig pickin' down here in the South with some of this tuff, I would get some nasty looks from people. I am more of a simple flavor and simple combinations fan, not a bunch of crazy stuff put together. I am sure they taste great, they just aren't for me.
July 10, 2015
I am a messy baker. So I really wanted to see what this was all about and I was thrilled when I received a copy from the publisher. I didn't find any recipes that really spoke to me, but I still really enjoyed it. I thought it was a really cute idea to divide the recipes into chapters based on how they make their mess. For example, flaky, crumbly, drippy. I haven't seen that before in a cookbook and it was a great idea.
The pictures all looked rustic and like maybe the mess really was made while the author was baking some of the recipes in the book. There were a lot of helpful hints in The Basics chapter and even on some of the recipes. I loved the chart at the end for substitutions, that's really helpful! The author is so passionate about baking and it comes through in her writing and that made me like this so much more.
The pictures all looked rustic and like maybe the mess really was made while the author was baking some of the recipes in the book. There were a lot of helpful hints in The Basics chapter and even on some of the recipes. I loved the chart at the end for substitutions, that's really helpful! The author is so passionate about baking and it comes through in her writing and that made me like this so much more.
January 7, 2020
Kicking off the baking year with style! (It does need more photographs though!)
Apart from the delightful recipes - savory and sweet - this includes common measurements and equivalents, charts for adjusting cake pan sizes and emergency substitutions which is vastly helpful.
Favourites:
No-Fail Pastry - lard or butter versions
Chocolate-Orange Hazelnut Nests
Rosemary and Caramelized Onion Focaccia
Lemony Strawberry-Peach Muffin
Deep Dark Cherry and Chipotle Brownies
Chewy Crystallized Ginger Cookies
Chicken, Corn, and Cilantro Empanadas
Peppery Pear snd Smoked Gouda Dutch Baby
Burnt Caramel and Sea Salt Sticky Buns
Rhubarb-Raspberry Galette with Frangipane
Sour Cherry and Pistachio Granola Bars
Lime-Cilantro Dipping Sauce
Aioli with Variations
Chocolate Anything Sauce
Berry Sauce
Apart from the delightful recipes - savory and sweet - this includes common measurements and equivalents, charts for adjusting cake pan sizes and emergency substitutions which is vastly helpful.
Favourites:
No-Fail Pastry - lard or butter versions
Chocolate-Orange Hazelnut Nests
Rosemary and Caramelized Onion Focaccia
Lemony Strawberry-Peach Muffin
Deep Dark Cherry and Chipotle Brownies
Chewy Crystallized Ginger Cookies
Chicken, Corn, and Cilantro Empanadas
Peppery Pear snd Smoked Gouda Dutch Baby
Burnt Caramel and Sea Salt Sticky Buns
Rhubarb-Raspberry Galette with Frangipane
Sour Cherry and Pistachio Granola Bars
Lime-Cilantro Dipping Sauce
Aioli with Variations
Chocolate Anything Sauce
Berry Sauce
May 6, 2018
I received this book from NetGalley when it first came out. I loved it so much I purchased a physical copy to have as well. It is full of wonderful recipes. The format is easy to read, the ingredients easily obtained. Thanks NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy which quickly turned into a baking obsession!
January 5, 2019
My New Years Resolution is to bake more, and I've started off the year with The Messy Baker by Charmian Christie. The book begins with the Messy Manifesto: "Never trust a person with a clean kitchen" and I'm already sold. Rather than dividing recipes into savory/sweet categories, the chapters are arranged by flaky/crumbly/smudgy/gritty/drippy, etc. The pictures are mouthwatering!
July 24, 2019
Though none of the recipes particularly appealed to me, I do so love a cookbook that displays a fondness for delicious home cooking and lovely photos. I also think it's a fun concept that she prefers "messy" baking.
June 28, 2023
Funny & delightful cookbook. I loved the way the book is layed out with categories of “Sloppy, Smudgy, Dippable, etc.” I was laughing at many of this bakers insights.
August 25, 2016
Lovely, no-nonsense (but a lot of so TASTY mess to lick and eat and enjoy :)) cookbook!
To read this cookbook (because this is very readable book with its funny notes and tips to remember) is like chatting with your friend over a cup of lovely hot chocolate with a hint of spices (and even laced with a a bit of liquor :)). This lovely friend is a more advanced baker/cook and is sharing her experience generously, sipping the drink and having a cake just taken from her own oven. And her tips are just the very practical thing you may know from your mother (or learning just now). And later you share your recipes - and hers are without any fancy ingredients or overcomplicated techniques - but not without a bit of sass, twist or just a mouthwatering detail!
And this is what I love about this cookbook - all of the recipes are very approachable, I don´t need to spend big money in the specialized shops as I may have everything at home (and if there is a case of mishap there is even a nice chapter about how to substitute the ingredients, including herbs and nuts!).
The recipes vary nicely - there is a large assortment of sweets, but also a nice portion of "salty" stuff or even lunch/dinner meals.
The process is described in detail and recipes contains a warning/solution of the possible problems.
There are even few creative innovations - there is no timetable for recipe, but the indicator of commitment:
• ready in an hour or less: these recipes can be out of the oven in 60 minutes or less.
• done in stages: you can make these recipes in short stages over time.
• lazy sunday afternoon: these recipe take a bit longer but are worth the time
The recipes go as:
• Pastry
• Flaky
• Crumbly
• Dippable
• Sloppy
• Smudgy
• Gritty
• Drippy
Only this I am missing (but a crucial one) is a photograph/s of every recipe. Being an overimaginative person, I can´t be left without idea of how the meal should look like! :)
Having said all that - this is recommended book!
To read this cookbook (because this is very readable book with its funny notes and tips to remember) is like chatting with your friend over a cup of lovely hot chocolate with a hint of spices (and even laced with a a bit of liquor :)). This lovely friend is a more advanced baker/cook and is sharing her experience generously, sipping the drink and having a cake just taken from her own oven. And her tips are just the very practical thing you may know from your mother (or learning just now). And later you share your recipes - and hers are without any fancy ingredients or overcomplicated techniques - but not without a bit of sass, twist or just a mouthwatering detail!
And this is what I love about this cookbook - all of the recipes are very approachable, I don´t need to spend big money in the specialized shops as I may have everything at home (and if there is a case of mishap there is even a nice chapter about how to substitute the ingredients, including herbs and nuts!).
The recipes vary nicely - there is a large assortment of sweets, but also a nice portion of "salty" stuff or even lunch/dinner meals.
The process is described in detail and recipes contains a warning/solution of the possible problems.
There are even few creative innovations - there is no timetable for recipe, but the indicator of commitment:
• ready in an hour or less: these recipes can be out of the oven in 60 minutes or less.
• done in stages: you can make these recipes in short stages over time.
• lazy sunday afternoon: these recipe take a bit longer but are worth the time
The recipes go as:
• Pastry
• Flaky
• Crumbly
• Dippable
• Sloppy
• Smudgy
• Gritty
• Drippy
Only this I am missing (but a crucial one) is a photograph/s of every recipe. Being an overimaginative person, I can´t be left without idea of how the meal should look like! :)
Having said all that - this is recommended book!
February 6, 2015
The book starts off with a very personal story from Charmian on the biggest influence in her cooking career – her mother. Since I'm one of those people that settle in and read cookbooks for fun, I love books that start off with a story. I know it doesn't improve my cooking skills, but it makes me feel more connected with the author and the recipes to come.
Amongst the great things included at the start of the book are useful things like 'The Rules', 'Essential Ingredients' and kitchen gadgets grouped into 'Can’t-Do-Without', 'Nice-To-Have' and 'I'm-a-Baker-and-I've-Earned-It'.
Almost every recipe in the book is accompanied by a beautiful colour photograph of the resulting dish. I love that a lot of the photos reflect the 'messy' kitchen. Some smudgy, drippy photos – it just make the food all that more appealing. The photographs make me feel as if every recipe in this book is something I could easily make in my own kitchen (which, to be fair, is pretty messy most of the time).
All the recipes are well laid out and easy to follow, with ingredients listed on one side. Lots of tips and notes are included to help the home-cook along. Each recipe comes with a short little story that's peppered with Charmian's trademark sense of humour and a cute turn of phrasing changes the usual 'prep time' to 'Commitment Level'.
Although I originally expected a dessert book, The Messy Baker is full of all kinds of recipes – sweet, savory, dessert, breakfast and everything in between. What the recipes do have in common is that they aren't fussy.
The variety of recipes means that there’s something for every mood and occasion, and Charmian has a way of making even the most complicated recipe seem easy. This book has everything that would make me want to head into the kitchen and bake up a storm – fun, unfussy recipes, ingredients which I mostly already have in my pantry, gorgeous food photography and fun little stories.
Amongst the great things included at the start of the book are useful things like 'The Rules', 'Essential Ingredients' and kitchen gadgets grouped into 'Can’t-Do-Without', 'Nice-To-Have' and 'I'm-a-Baker-and-I've-Earned-It'.
Almost every recipe in the book is accompanied by a beautiful colour photograph of the resulting dish. I love that a lot of the photos reflect the 'messy' kitchen. Some smudgy, drippy photos – it just make the food all that more appealing. The photographs make me feel as if every recipe in this book is something I could easily make in my own kitchen (which, to be fair, is pretty messy most of the time).
All the recipes are well laid out and easy to follow, with ingredients listed on one side. Lots of tips and notes are included to help the home-cook along. Each recipe comes with a short little story that's peppered with Charmian's trademark sense of humour and a cute turn of phrasing changes the usual 'prep time' to 'Commitment Level'.
Although I originally expected a dessert book, The Messy Baker is full of all kinds of recipes – sweet, savory, dessert, breakfast and everything in between. What the recipes do have in common is that they aren't fussy.
The variety of recipes means that there’s something for every mood and occasion, and Charmian has a way of making even the most complicated recipe seem easy. This book has everything that would make me want to head into the kitchen and bake up a storm – fun, unfussy recipes, ingredients which I mostly already have in my pantry, gorgeous food photography and fun little stories.
August 26, 2014
“I stand on a chair pulled up to the counter….as I strain to see everything she is doing….I will be good, better than I’ve ever been before, simply because she has answered my prayers and is teaching me to bake.”
The aforementioned quote is the introduction to The Messy Baker by Charmian Christie, which is a warm and touching tribute to her mother, the ‘Kitchen God’ in Charmian’s eyes as a child. Charmian further shares, “Never trust a person with a clean kitchen. Baking is a messy art….it means she’s baking….creating…..Be messy with me.” Now begins the journey turning ‘baking messy’ into something good and tasty.
There are the lists of essential items needed as most cookbooks have, and the “I’m-a-baker-and-I’ve-earned-it-items, which includes a stand mixer and candy thermometer. If you are willing to roll up your sleeves and let the flour and sugar fly, you are ready for this baker’s cookbook.
What I like in a cookbook is section titles and how creative they are. The sections in Messy Baker are Pastry, Flaky, Crumbly, Dippable, Sloppy, Smudgy, Gritty, and Drippy. Each recipe has two or three sentences explaining what your baking experience should be, giving it a personal feel and touch.
A few recipes I believe worth the messiness are Lime-Cilantro Dipping Sauce, Spinach and Dill Pockets, Fig and Apricot Newtons, Balsamic Roasted Strawberries, Smoked Paprika Corn Fritters, and Dill Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Tzatziki.
Charmian Christie delivers her recipes in a relaxed and humorous fashion. I recommend this cookbook to the true baker at heart, who does not mind a messy kitchen. This would also be a great gift to a happy chef with baker’s hands.
I received this book free from Rodale Books through the Net Galley Review Program for an honest and unbiased opinion.
The aforementioned quote is the introduction to The Messy Baker by Charmian Christie, which is a warm and touching tribute to her mother, the ‘Kitchen God’ in Charmian’s eyes as a child. Charmian further shares, “Never trust a person with a clean kitchen. Baking is a messy art….it means she’s baking….creating…..Be messy with me.” Now begins the journey turning ‘baking messy’ into something good and tasty.
There are the lists of essential items needed as most cookbooks have, and the “I’m-a-baker-and-I’ve-earned-it-items, which includes a stand mixer and candy thermometer. If you are willing to roll up your sleeves and let the flour and sugar fly, you are ready for this baker’s cookbook.
What I like in a cookbook is section titles and how creative they are. The sections in Messy Baker are Pastry, Flaky, Crumbly, Dippable, Sloppy, Smudgy, Gritty, and Drippy. Each recipe has two or three sentences explaining what your baking experience should be, giving it a personal feel and touch.
A few recipes I believe worth the messiness are Lime-Cilantro Dipping Sauce, Spinach and Dill Pockets, Fig and Apricot Newtons, Balsamic Roasted Strawberries, Smoked Paprika Corn Fritters, and Dill Zucchini Fritters with Lemon Tzatziki.
Charmian Christie delivers her recipes in a relaxed and humorous fashion. I recommend this cookbook to the true baker at heart, who does not mind a messy kitchen. This would also be a great gift to a happy chef with baker’s hands.
I received this book free from Rodale Books through the Net Galley Review Program for an honest and unbiased opinion.
July 25, 2014
The Messy Baker title gave me hope, so I asked for a review galley of this cookbook, which Rodale was kind enough to grant through netgalley. My hope was justified; The Messy Baker delights the heart of someone intimidated by the "weigh-it-for-precision" philosophy of baking that's been in vogue. The Messy Baker does not refer to flinging flour around the kitchen with abandon (although, why not, if you clean it up?); it's for those of us that like a little wiggle room, room for flair. For those of us who think of recipes as guidelines, not commandments; for those of us without a kitchen scale. And possibly more experienced bakers will find inspiration here, as well.
Charmian Christie has the perfect tone of "Come on, let's try this!" The recipes themselves are clear--and most fit on one page, which is great. There's a lot for beginners, here. There's a kitchen supply list; there are tips for "when" things go wrong and tips for "making do;" there's encouragement, and a lot of celebration of the fun that can be had in the kitchen. Charmian celebrates the sensuality of cooking; the chapters are arranged by sensory experience: crumbly, sloppy, drippy, etc., and she describes the way the dish is supposed to taste. Her stories are interesting, too. Also, lots of savory stuff! For those of us who don't bake because they don't crave sweets, the book is a treasure trove--and the sweet recipes have some layers: Blueberry-Lime Cornmeal Muffins. Yum. Piglet Biscuits--with cheese and bacon! And I really like the aioli and gremolata variations.
Charmian has a blog also (messy baker.com) and The Messy Baker book will go on my foodie shelf! I'm betting if she wrote a memoir or novel with recipes, I'd give it five stars. Recommended for both cooks and foodie readers.
Charmian Christie has the perfect tone of "Come on, let's try this!" The recipes themselves are clear--and most fit on one page, which is great. There's a lot for beginners, here. There's a kitchen supply list; there are tips for "when" things go wrong and tips for "making do;" there's encouragement, and a lot of celebration of the fun that can be had in the kitchen. Charmian celebrates the sensuality of cooking; the chapters are arranged by sensory experience: crumbly, sloppy, drippy, etc., and she describes the way the dish is supposed to taste. Her stories are interesting, too. Also, lots of savory stuff! For those of us who don't bake because they don't crave sweets, the book is a treasure trove--and the sweet recipes have some layers: Blueberry-Lime Cornmeal Muffins. Yum. Piglet Biscuits--with cheese and bacon! And I really like the aioli and gremolata variations.
Charmian has a blog also (messy baker.com) and The Messy Baker book will go on my foodie shelf! I'm betting if she wrote a memoir or novel with recipes, I'd give it five stars. Recommended for both cooks and foodie readers.
September 1, 2014
This book took me quite by surprise. I tend to be, for better or worse, one of those people who, more often than not, judge a book by its cover. This book was no different. It has an attractive cover, but one that features a delicious looking stack of chocolate brownies. So, I assumed, in my ignorance, that this book was going to be about baking cakes, pies, cookies, cobblers, that sort of thing. Not that there is anything wrong with cakes, pies, cookies, cobbles, or that sort of thing, but I tend to not be an overwhelming lover of sweets unless it's chocolate, and then just give me one big, giant, Buick-sized chunk, and I'm happy.
But this book is so much more than the cover would indicate. Charmian Christi's The Messy Baker includes savories as well. Think Leek and Gruyere Tarts, Sweet Potato Filled Samosas, as well as Raspberry-Stuffed French Toast, that is simply divine. You want divine? This book contains over 75 sweet and savory recipes, each one of them begging to be tried. While I do not move my lips when I read, I do tend to talk to myself, a lot, and believe me, there was a lot of exclaiming going on while reading this book, not to mention note taking, and ingredient buying.
Informative, conversational in tone, and perfect for the experienced and novice baker alike, it is unique in that is it sectioned by description, read: Pastry, Flaky, Crumbly, Dippable, Sloppy, Smudgy, Gritty, and Drippy. I tend to crave pastries, so I liked that I could turn to this section and find exactly what I wanted. An added plus is the comprehensive list of substitutions at the end, worthy of the price of the book alone. Flour-covered thumbs up for this one.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Rodale Inc./Netgalley.
But this book is so much more than the cover would indicate. Charmian Christi's The Messy Baker includes savories as well. Think Leek and Gruyere Tarts, Sweet Potato Filled Samosas, as well as Raspberry-Stuffed French Toast, that is simply divine. You want divine? This book contains over 75 sweet and savory recipes, each one of them begging to be tried. While I do not move my lips when I read, I do tend to talk to myself, a lot, and believe me, there was a lot of exclaiming going on while reading this book, not to mention note taking, and ingredient buying.
Informative, conversational in tone, and perfect for the experienced and novice baker alike, it is unique in that is it sectioned by description, read: Pastry, Flaky, Crumbly, Dippable, Sloppy, Smudgy, Gritty, and Drippy. I tend to crave pastries, so I liked that I could turn to this section and find exactly what I wanted. An added plus is the comprehensive list of substitutions at the end, worthy of the price of the book alone. Flour-covered thumbs up for this one.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Rodale Inc./Netgalley.
March 14, 2014
I really liked this cookbook. It would make a great gift to a beginning baker. It is filled with beautiful photos, and all the recipes (for once) were ones I wouldn't mind eating or making. The flavors were interesting without being weird. I also liked how it wasn't just desserts. There was a nice mix of breads and savory items thrown in as well.
The book starts out with an introduction to baking. Tools and ingredients are gone over and described clearly. Why certain flours or sugars are or are not used is handy information to have. So is how to measure dry ingredients properly. Helpful tips are also scattered throughout the book. I really liked the ginger tip: freeze fresh ginger, then grate with a mircroplane. I use ginger a lot, and this tip will come in handy.
Then comes the fun part: the recipes. The book is divided in a slightly unconventional way, by texture. I liked that. Chapters titled Flaky, Crumbly, Drippy, Smudgy, and Dippable. Yummy. One look at the blueberry-lime cornmeal muffins and I had to try one. And I'm glad I did; they were delicious! Easy and uncomplicated, perfect with coffee. I'm definitely going to be making more of these!
And to finish things off, there is a great substitutions section at the end. Don't have a particular ingredient on hand? Don't worry; you might have something else on hand that will work almost as well.
This ARC was provided through NetGalley
The book starts out with an introduction to baking. Tools and ingredients are gone over and described clearly. Why certain flours or sugars are or are not used is handy information to have. So is how to measure dry ingredients properly. Helpful tips are also scattered throughout the book. I really liked the ginger tip: freeze fresh ginger, then grate with a mircroplane. I use ginger a lot, and this tip will come in handy.
Then comes the fun part: the recipes. The book is divided in a slightly unconventional way, by texture. I liked that. Chapters titled Flaky, Crumbly, Drippy, Smudgy, and Dippable. Yummy. One look at the blueberry-lime cornmeal muffins and I had to try one. And I'm glad I did; they were delicious! Easy and uncomplicated, perfect with coffee. I'm definitely going to be making more of these!
And to finish things off, there is a great substitutions section at the end. Don't have a particular ingredient on hand? Don't worry; you might have something else on hand that will work almost as well.
This ARC was provided through NetGalley
December 27, 2014
The title kinda says it all for me....
I loved the different sections named for the level of sloppiness: from flaky to sloppy to smudgy to gritty to drippy.
I also loved that she has not only sweets, but savory foods to try in each section. I love savory just as much as sweet. Well, I appreciate savory just as much as sweets.
The ingredients and materials needed are real. No crazy run for the natural food store to figure out what the heck the ingredient even is here. There are some exotic things but those enticing additions are at least accessible.
Charmian Christie is a delightful writer as well. One of my favorite quotes from the Lime-Cilantro Dipping Sauce, p. 204: "Lime, cilantro, and hot peppers are made for each other. If you're a cilantro fiend, like I am, you will want to roll in this. But don't. It's a waste of good cilatro, and the honey makes it hard to clean." Good advice, good advice.
Now, most of you know that I read non-fiction rather liberally...drifting freely from first chapter to 15th chapter, to index to glossary, as my mood dictates. Cookbooks, however, I read. This is a good one. It helps though that she is messy herself. That takes alot of pressure off!
I loved the different sections named for the level of sloppiness: from flaky to sloppy to smudgy to gritty to drippy.
I also loved that she has not only sweets, but savory foods to try in each section. I love savory just as much as sweet. Well, I appreciate savory just as much as sweets.
The ingredients and materials needed are real. No crazy run for the natural food store to figure out what the heck the ingredient even is here. There are some exotic things but those enticing additions are at least accessible.
Charmian Christie is a delightful writer as well. One of my favorite quotes from the Lime-Cilantro Dipping Sauce, p. 204: "Lime, cilantro, and hot peppers are made for each other. If you're a cilantro fiend, like I am, you will want to roll in this. But don't. It's a waste of good cilatro, and the honey makes it hard to clean." Good advice, good advice.
Now, most of you know that I read non-fiction rather liberally...drifting freely from first chapter to 15th chapter, to index to glossary, as my mood dictates. Cookbooks, however, I read. This is a good one. It helps though that she is messy herself. That takes alot of pressure off!
September 6, 2016
How can you not love a cookbook that's table of contents includes:
Pastry
Flaky
Dippable
Sloppy
Smudgy
Gritty
Drippy
Great chapter titles...just awesome. Now to the cookbook itself. This cookbook is filled with lovely photos. Cookbooks need photos...I'm always amazed when authors leave them out. There is a great introduction to The Messy Baker which includes a multitude of great baking tips. And there is plenty of great baking advice throughout the book. There is some amazing muffin recipes: Lemony Strawberry-Peach Muffins and Blueberry-Lime Cornmeal Muffins. There are some great desserts such as Raspberry Butter Tarts and Boozy Chocolate Torte.
Here is some great advice from the book: before beginning to bake, the author's mother issues her commandments:
Assemble all ingredients.
Read the entire recipe—twice.
Always wear an apron.
Don’t eat the batter.
Share with the whole family.
Reading the recipe twice is good advice...some of us have learned that one the hard way! It is being released as a paperback and as an ebook. It is available in late August.
Pastry
Flaky
Dippable
Sloppy
Smudgy
Gritty
Drippy
Great chapter titles...just awesome. Now to the cookbook itself. This cookbook is filled with lovely photos. Cookbooks need photos...I'm always amazed when authors leave them out. There is a great introduction to The Messy Baker which includes a multitude of great baking tips. And there is plenty of great baking advice throughout the book. There is some amazing muffin recipes: Lemony Strawberry-Peach Muffins and Blueberry-Lime Cornmeal Muffins. There are some great desserts such as Raspberry Butter Tarts and Boozy Chocolate Torte.
Here is some great advice from the book: before beginning to bake, the author's mother issues her commandments:
Assemble all ingredients.
Read the entire recipe—twice.
Always wear an apron.
Don’t eat the batter.
Share with the whole family.
Reading the recipe twice is good advice...some of us have learned that one the hard way! It is being released as a paperback and as an ebook. It is available in late August.
April 10, 2014
The Messy Baker is a well developed resource for the cook who wants to try something a little different.
In the beginning of the book the writer gives detailed information on ingredients that one may see in any cookbook, giving reasons why you may use it, the best way to use it, and whether to get it fresh or dried. One great tidbit of information was about eggs and butter. I've always wondered what size eggs to buy when they ask for eggs? Also salted or unsalted? You will have to buy the cookbook if you want her answer.
As for the recipes they didn't look so messy to me. Each one seems easy to make and can be accomplished by a budding chef. Usually when you purchase a cookbook you may find that you only really want it for a few recipes. I can honestly say that I would try more than half, and the other half I would modify because of allergies.
Give the Messy Baker a try, you won't be disappointed.
A complimentary copy of this book was given to this reader for an honest review.
In the beginning of the book the writer gives detailed information on ingredients that one may see in any cookbook, giving reasons why you may use it, the best way to use it, and whether to get it fresh or dried. One great tidbit of information was about eggs and butter. I've always wondered what size eggs to buy when they ask for eggs? Also salted or unsalted? You will have to buy the cookbook if you want her answer.
As for the recipes they didn't look so messy to me. Each one seems easy to make and can be accomplished by a budding chef. Usually when you purchase a cookbook you may find that you only really want it for a few recipes. I can honestly say that I would try more than half, and the other half I would modify because of allergies.
Give the Messy Baker a try, you won't be disappointed.
A complimentary copy of this book was given to this reader for an honest review.
June 3, 2014
A great book for beginners! I particularly liked the introduction to the book and the commitment level grading system for the recipes. This made it easier to decide what to make in the amount of spare time that I had. Some good recipes. I tried a few of the recipes to write this review and I really enjoyed the sweet potato samosas although for the this is definitely a recipe for the enthusiastic home-baker due to the number of spices needed. I also thought the emergency substitutions section was great for those moments when you realise you only have half the ingredients in the cupboard! One thing I wasn't too keen on was the layout of the recipes. It is unusual for recipes to be sorted by texture and I felt it was more difficult to find the recipes I wanted.
(Advance copy provided by Netgalley)
(Advance copy provided by Netgalley)
January 15, 2014
Charming!
This is more than just a typical pastry book. This is a story of the passion that baking brings to Charmian Christie. Yet, she isn’t perfect and neither is her baking. The stories that begin each recipe are endearing. The book is filled with encouragement. The recipes are great and easy to read with clear directions. There are photos of most of the goodies. The first 36 pages are the best baking lesson you’ll ever read – everything you want to know from pans to ingredients to the time allotted for a project is discussed! Then the recipes begin and you’ll be tagging pages and making shopping lists! Enjoy! NetGalley and Rodale Inc. provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is more than just a typical pastry book. This is a story of the passion that baking brings to Charmian Christie. Yet, she isn’t perfect and neither is her baking. The stories that begin each recipe are endearing. The book is filled with encouragement. The recipes are great and easy to read with clear directions. There are photos of most of the goodies. The first 36 pages are the best baking lesson you’ll ever read – everything you want to know from pans to ingredients to the time allotted for a project is discussed! Then the recipes begin and you’ll be tagging pages and making shopping lists! Enjoy! NetGalley and Rodale Inc. provided an advanced review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2015
3 stars
This is the first time i've reviewed a cooking book. Well, I have to start somewhere!
What a lovely and well thought out cookbook. I bake all of the time, and I can honestly say that it is an average recipe book to satisfy a craving.
I only tried the recipes that appealed to me. A couple were true to the recipe, but most turned out a bit funny and I had to modify myself for it to turn out okay.
I definitely would not regard this as a food bible, Stephanie Alexander's Cook's Companion is my bible, but this one does contain many recipes who I think would be great for parents to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Thankyou Netgalley for providing the book in exchange for an honest review
This is the first time i've reviewed a cooking book. Well, I have to start somewhere!
What a lovely and well thought out cookbook. I bake all of the time, and I can honestly say that it is an average recipe book to satisfy a craving.
I only tried the recipes that appealed to me. A couple were true to the recipe, but most turned out a bit funny and I had to modify myself for it to turn out okay.
I definitely would not regard this as a food bible, Stephanie Alexander's Cook's Companion is my bible, but this one does contain many recipes who I think would be great for parents to get kids involved in the kitchen.
Thankyou Netgalley for providing the book in exchange for an honest review
October 29, 2014
A wonderful debut cookbook by my friend Charmian Christie. I cannot tell how much much I waited for this book! I was one of her recipe testers and her delicious recipes made me quite the hit with my kids! I am not much of a baker but I did attempt some of the dishes in this book and guess what? I did not fail!
I love how the book is divided into sections like gritty, drippy, smudgy.. totally my kind of cooking!!
There are over 75 sweet and savory recipes.. each one of them worth a try and a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire. Charmian’s voice is warm and friendly and for someone like me, who is not a confident baker, she provides great tips on what to do when disaster strikes!
I love how the book is divided into sections like gritty, drippy, smudgy.. totally my kind of cooking!!
There are over 75 sweet and savory recipes.. each one of them worth a try and a permanent spot in your cooking repertoire. Charmian’s voice is warm and friendly and for someone like me, who is not a confident baker, she provides great tips on what to do when disaster strikes!
February 24, 2014
Lovely book - I read this book for NetGalley. Ms. Christie is an adept writer with an enchanting and evocative style. I wish I could have learned baking from her mother!
The book thoroughly explains the basics of baking without boring the reader before delving into the recipes. The recipes look delicious and I will probably try some of them at some point. The are divided into categories of time commitment which is useful for those of us pressed for time.
I enjoyed reading this book. Very nice addition to the cookbook universe.
The book thoroughly explains the basics of baking without boring the reader before delving into the recipes. The recipes look delicious and I will probably try some of them at some point. The are divided into categories of time commitment which is useful for those of us pressed for time.
I enjoyed reading this book. Very nice addition to the cookbook universe.
December 27, 2015
i love the premise of the book- delicious things that don't rely on their appearance. i don't care what something looks like if it doesn't taste amazing. that being said, the photography in the book is stunning, as expected from a blogger-made book.
nothing caught my eye though- the recipes have to be unique (or have some unique technique/flavor combination/etc) or really amazing for me to bookmark and then try it out. there's so many recipes and cookbooks out there that my standards are so much higher than they used to be.
nothing caught my eye though- the recipes have to be unique (or have some unique technique/flavor combination/etc) or really amazing for me to bookmark and then try it out. there's so many recipes and cookbooks out there that my standards are so much higher than they used to be.
August 21, 2014
This cookbook is for people who love baking, and more importantly, eating good baking. Even if you have never baked from scratch before, this cookbook will make you a convert. It has step by step, clear instructions, ingredients that are easily available (and possible substitutions if you don't have mace in stock, for example) and photos that make recipe choice next to impossible.
It's well organized, visually appealing, and sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
It's well organized, visually appealing, and sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews