Customer Reviews

Basic Baking: Everything You Need to Know to Start Baking plus 101 Luscious Dessert Recipes that Anyone Can Make

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Whether you think you're a proficient baker or a beginner, you're going to love this book. I think of myself as a fairly good baker and I actually bought this book for my future sister-in-law who's not very adept in the kitchen. Before I wrapped it and gave it to her, I looked through the book and found myself actually reading the very interesting sections in the book like: - How do I get organized? - How to prepare a pan? - How to select and store (different) ingredients? - How to prepare foods for freezing? The author also gives you at the end of each recipe wonderful tips and further explains things you need to know for the specific recipe. I also like that she'll tell you how to store the treat you've just baked and how long it will keep and she also tells you how to prepare the item for freezing and how long it will keep that way. All her recipes were made with a hand-held mixer the average home baker owns not a professional, expensive mixer. Bottomline, this book is down to earth and easy to read and to follow. I got the chance to make two of her recipes before I finally gave the book to whom it was intended and I have my own copy on the way! (I got wonderful compliments on the ones I baked!)

A couple of years ago, I tried to bake a cake using a recipe that called for baking powder, in a pinch I figured that it would be okay to substitute baking soda -- after all both ingredients contained the word "baking". Let's just say that the cake was a complete failure, the recipe promised "light and fluffy," my version was anything but. I swore off baking for a while.

After reading a few lines "Basic Baking," I realized that it was not only baking powder that I had been missing. The book carefully details the function of each ingredient and its importance to the final product. It is especially helpful in guiding the reader through the important terms used in baking recipes and the basic kitchen equipment needed for baking. Though I will probably never open my own bakery, with the help of "Basic Baking" I am confident that I'll be able to pull off a good chocolate cake the next time I have dinner guests.

I especially recommend "Basic Baking" for new bakers who are interested not only in getting some great recipes -- of which there are many in this book -- but also want to learn about how and why baking works.

Do you see baking as some huge and mysterious world, open only to grandmothers and people with a lot of time on their hands? Well, so did I, till I read Lora Brody's newest book. (She's my favorite author - if you ever have the chance to lay your hands on "Indulgences," or "Growing Up on the Chocolate Diet," do so!) Ms. Brody explains in great but easy-to-absorb detail every facet of baking (except yeast baking - that should be her next subject!) - from muffins and cake to brownies and pie and cookies and... Everything to do with flour and the oven, Brody covers it. Her explanation of "the basics" is superb, and she leads you gently along the path to ever more interesting destinations. This book would be ideal for wannabe bakers, newly fledged nestlings, or anyone who's always baked but never quite understood why and how things turn out. If you love baked good and are tired of takeout or boxed mixes or plastic-wrapped, mass-produced "goodies" - this book's for you.

This is a great baking book for both beginners and experienced bakers. I have many of Lora Brody's books and they never fail to provide foolproof, easy-to-follow recipes. I've had great success with this book . . . I also enjoy the way Ms. Brody writes. She really makes the baking experience fun and shows you how not to take yourself too seriously. A great book all around.

Lora Brody has done it again! Her writing is witty and entertaining and the recipes are to die for--luscious yet well within reach. As an experienced home baker, I found this book helpful as I branched out beyond my particular specialty--bread. This book is a real winner and as a present would make the holidays for any home baker--aspiring or expert--perfect every time.

This book is easy to follow and good for bakers who are learning essential techniques. The recipes are pretty basic, and not that of William Sonoma quality or diversity. But, a good book to have on the shelf. I would purchase again.

As someone who never had the opportunity to learn the basics of baking while growing up, I have always felt somewhat at a loss when other books and recipes assume that the reader already understands certain basic terms and concepts. I really appreciate Lora's detailed explanation of all of these very important basic concepts so that I feel I am on an even footing with other readers before beginning to bake. The recipes are also fantastic! Thank you for publishing this wonderful addition to my cooking library!

This book is great! As a novice baker, I was extremely pleased with how written this book was. The techniques and recipes are so easy to follow. Lora Brody is amazing. I can't wait for my friends to open their copies during the holidays. I know they will love this book as much as I do and it will be a staple in their cookbook collections.

I usually never attempt baking anything on my own, but I thought I would buy this book and give it a whirl. Not only were the recipes easy for a novice like myself to follow, but they turned out great (something that never happens when I enter the kitchen!) I highly recommend it to anyone!

Lora Brody does it again!! This fabulous book, perfect for me as a dessert novice, is a must for the holidays. I don't know how Lora Brody does it. All I know is that this new book has already helped me create one dessert that has thoroughly astounded my guests. I tried Lora's Flourless Chocolate Cake recipe for a dinner party last night and it won raves from a very tough crowd. This is a great book!!