Customer Reviews

Bernard Claytons Complete Book of Small Breads: More Than 100 Recipes for Rolls Buns Biscuits Flatbreads Muffins and Other

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

 

 

Clayton's writing is, as always, friendly, clear, and concise. But there are disappointments as well as rewards. The butter crackers and hamburger buns were wonderful, but the hazelnut-buckwheat muffins were just so-so, and Mrs. McNab's Scones were so salty I had to throw them out. The book is fun to explore, though, and there's even a recipe for dog biscuits that my spaniel has been urging me to try...

What makes this book special is the focus on little breads. You have to search most bread cookbooks for a single roll recipe. The book is basic which is why I gave it four stars instead of five. Someone who isn't interested in preferments and other ways of improving flavors might give it five stars just because it is basic. You choose.
I want to respond to the previous review. I have won a blue ribbon at the county fair for Mrs. McNab's scones. They are the best basic scones I have ever made and are relatively low fat as well. I have never had a problem with the salt. The hazlenut buckwheat scones I thought were a great accompaniment to dinner. I substituted walnuts and would add more next time. I probably wouldn't use them as a breakfast muffin because they are a little hearty for that.
Like all Clayton's books, he gets you off the couch and into the kitchen. Some of my other favorites are the naan and the dinner rolls (which won Clayton's Mom a blue ribbon at the Iowa state fair) which I make into hot dog buns that have been a huge success.