Hand Made Baking: Recipes to Warm the Heart

by Kamran Siddiqi

This cookbook from the passionate baker is “a pleasure to read . . . an unpretentious, cheery collection designed to ‘convert fear-filled nonbakers to experts.’” —Publishers WeeklyKamran Siddiqi, the self-taught baker and talented young blogger behind the Sophisticated Gourmet, delivers simple yet sophisticated recipes in his first book—a collection of more than seventy-five of his favorite homemade sweets. Designed to entice new bakers with his infectious passion for baking (and sugar in all its glorious forms), the pages are filled with classic favorites like Cream Scones and Chocolate Cake as well as lesser-known indulgences such as Chocolate–Brown Sugar Pavlova and Pistachio Polvorones. Kamran also believes in baking as a form of therapy, which comes through in such soothing balms as his Heartbreak Chocolate Truffle Cookies. With glorious photographs of each and every treat, Hand Made Baking is perfect for aspiring home cooks with an eye for the elevated taste and beauty of all things hand made.“Hand Made Baking feels lovely and personal, like you’re peering into the kitchen of a friend who’s invited you over for cake and coffee . . . draws you in and compels you to head straight for the kitchen.” —Food Network

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2014

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

the rare cookbook i *must* buy after loaning it from the library.

[Day ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been vegan for almost 4 years now I don't often read non-vegan cookbooks but this one was just too beautiful to resist. The author has such a warm way of describing food and it's ability to bring people together, and the photography throughout is simply stunning. Reading it was a pleasure and I'll definitely be veganizing a few of the recipes for my own family.

[Suzanne Moses · Rating 4 out of 5]

I look forward to trying many many of these recipes. Author has a warm friendly style with a sense of family, friends, and tradition.

[Meghan Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon first glance I was tempted to just eat the actual book right away. After reading it I'm glad I didn't! Kamran is like a baker's guardian angel without sounding like a know-it-all. He gives helpful tips and encourages your creativity when making his recipes. It feels like he's in your kitchen, baking alongside you, maybe engaging you in a flour fight and always insisting there be a taste test! After reading this book I feel like I've known Kamran my whole life. His book is full of warm memories, wicked humor, laughter, and spirit. After all, what is good food without some good company to go with it? And Kamran is truly exceptional company in the kitchen, and anywhere else for that matter. When you make his beautiful treats you not only taste his memories and emotions, but you then begin making your own. Kamran's personality shines throughout this wonderful cookbook and I can't wait to get into my kitchen and dig my hands into some butter and flour. It's so much more than a cookbook! Well done Kamran, well done!

[Hazel Leu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures were amazing. Loved the quality of the recipes. Not sure if I'll ever make anything from the book, but great to borrow from the library if you're looking for baking inspiration.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

love this book of baking - with lots of classic recipes - with tips through the steps. made me want to bake.

[Valgerdur Yngvadottir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book and I will use it frequently. Fun to read because it is well written :)

[dc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare book that gives you a foundation on baking.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great recipes! I made the bagels and the pretzels and both came out wonderful!

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It kind of has everything you need.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am so excited to try some of these desserts and breads. Honestly, I was salivating looking at some of the pictures!

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some yummy sounding recipes in here. Want to try a few of these.

[Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I love about this cookbook is the elevated twist he gives to familiar faves like animal crackers and brownies. I also enjoy the personal stories he shares alongside each recipe.

[Rebecca Ann]

There is just something about this collection that makes me want to actually buy the book instead of just checking it out from the library. The photos are glorious in an understated way and the recipes look amazing and doable without exception. I'm most excited to try . There is such a great mix of familiar classics (banana bread, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies), and gourmet concoctions (or classics from elsewhere in the world) Pavlova, Tres Leches Cake, Linzer cookies). I can hardly wait to start marking these!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love this baking book. I’ve made dozens of delicious items from the recipes. The instructions are straight forward and thorough. I appreciate that you don’t need a million ingredients and that there are usually options of using basic ingredients versus some more specialized ones. My absolute go to cookbook for breakfast pastries and desserts, I highly recommend it to everyone!

[Sue Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a basic beginner baking book with basic recipes but lovely pictures, this one will do the trick. Straight forward recipes.
If you are an experienced baker, you probably have all the recipes that are in this book, so you can skip it

[Beka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the recipes are mostly standards, this book is just incredibly lovely and a joy to look through.

[Vicki Moutoux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicious-sounding recipes, amazing photos

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yum.

[Michael Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obtained as part of a humble bundle. This book is amazing. I've done two of the cookie recipes, and I am also planning to do the cinnamon rolls next. Highly recommended.