From Courgette, Lemon and Pistachio Drizzle Loaf to Coffee Éclairs with Espresso and Hazelnut Cream, Bake is a delicious collection of simple and sophisticated recipes that will take your baking to the next level. Delight friends and family with sweet and savory bakes that are perfect for an array of tastes and dietary needs. Lorraine's friendly and thorough guidance makes it easy to master impressive celebration cakes, such as Naked Pecan and Popcorn Layer Cake, Chocolate Layer Cake with Toasted Meringue, and Fraisier Cake with Port, Strawberries and Almonds. Whisk, knead, dust and drizzle your way to sweet success with 125 irresistible recipes. Includes metric measures.
Mother to 15 year old Ella, Lorraine grew up in Oxfordshire with her adoptive mother and aged 11 she achieved a 100 per cent scholarship to go to a boarding school in Devon. Aged 16, she was spotted by a model scout while shopping in Covent Garden. She was whisked off to New York and held her own amongst the biggest names of the day for some of the world’s most successful designers including Chanel, Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Versace, Benetton and Donna Karan. She was also the first British black model on the cover of American Elle.
Although Lorraine had a fabulous time modelling, she gave it up as she wanted to find something she was really passionate about and something that would take her through her 30s and beyond. So in between modelling jobs, she enrolled on loads of courses to find out what would really make her tick including hypnotherapy and interior design. It was not until she enrolled on a year-long cookery course at Leith’s that Lorraine finally knew what she wanted to do.
On completing the Leith’s Diploma of Food and Wine, Lorraine did a two year foundation degree in International Culinary Arts in Pastry and then worked in some of the most renowned kitchens of the world, including Petrus, The Mandarin Oriental, Gilgamesh and The Wolseley. But working 18-hour days for someone else wasn’t easy for Lorraine which led her to start her own business creating celebration cakes.
Today, Lorraine’s cookery career is going from strength to strength. A long held dream was realised with her first television cookery series ‘Baking Made Easy’ being launched as a prime time TV show on BBC Two.
Viewers were able to watch Lorrraine discuss her love of good food, while she expertly prepared a wide selection of recipes (baking isn’t just about cakes, there are lots of savoury dishes as well!) and talks about her love of baking. The book launched alongside the show and shot straight to the top of Amazon’s Food & Drink bestsellers list. Lorraine’s second series, Home Cooking Made Easy, embodied everything that she’s about – elegant, stress-free cooking that delivers exceptional results. The series was a huge hit for BBC 2 and like its predecessor, Baking Made Easy, has been sold internationally to territories as far as Australia and South Africa. The tie-in book, Home Cooking Made Easy, was another smash hit topping the charts yet again and gaining universal praise from publications as far reaching as The Sunday Times to Grazia.
Due to her interesting start in life, Lorraine is very supportive of the charities Barnardos and Tact, both of which deal with fostered and adopted children. Barnardos is also concerned with young people struggling with adversity.
And as if all of this wasn’t enough, she has just completed a degree in culinary Arts Management encompassing international gastronomy, food policy and micro-biology, along with all aspects of food, passed with First Class Honours.
I loved this book!! Beautiful recipes and clear instructions. My only problem is I want to try them all!!! Salted caramel Creme brûlée is definitely first on my list !! The photography is beautiful. A great addition to my existing kitchen bookshelf.
Oh this book! It's sooo good, I really like Lorraine Pascale because unlike most Baking Professional's she doesn't make everything seem so unnecessarily daunting. Don't get me wrong for a first time baker, things are always a little bit tried and tested but she makes everything so easy.
Simple methods go along way, there's plenty of time to be a star in the baking arena! I love mostly the simplicity of the recipes in this book, and the choice, oh there is so much and variety goes a long way here, I especially like the photo's which helps when you're not very well travelled in the desserts speciality.
Lorraine Pascale is one of my favourite chefs and her Bake cookbook is simply bursting at the seams with the most eye-catching and drool-worthy cakes and treats to make. I picked this up from the library and will definitely be purchasing my own copy ASAP. So far though, I've made the Oatmeal Rasin Cookies, Chocolate Chip Brownies, White Chocolate Blondies, Courgette and Lemon Drizzle Loaf, Chocolate Orange Polenta Cupcakes and the Apricot, Almond and Orange Flapjacks - they've all turned out beautifully!
Easy to follow, and with recipes for beginners right through to more complicated patisserie level of baking, there really is something for everyone.
I did really like this I just wish that there had been more pictures and felt more user friendly. The measurements are in British measurements. Having read some fo her other cookbooks I am familiar with her baking terms. Would I buy this for myself? Probably not. Would I bake some of this stuff? Yes, I would. Lots of ingredients, lots of steps to follow.
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies p. 16 Coconut & Stem Ginger Macaroons p. 29 Lebkuchen-Style Cookies p. 30 Maple Walnut Crumble Muffins p. 57 Salted Caramel Custard Tart p. 105 Banana Loaf with Peanut Butter Frosting p. 124 (made) Carrot & Apple Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting p. 136 Salted Caramel Creme Brûlée p. 166 Vegan Ginger & Date Spelt Scones with Blackcurrants p. 200
Great book with lots of simple, impressive looking cakes and bakes. I just had to knock up a batch of oat cookies straight away, they were delicious and disappeared within minutes.
The book has great photography. Recipes are simple to follow with easy to source ingredients. I will definitely be making lots of recipes from this book.