Customer Reviews

The Fannie Farmer Baking Cookbook: 800 Superb Baking Recipes...An All-New Book of Traditional Favorites and Fresh Delights from the Inspired Cook Who Re-created the Fannie Farmer Cookbook

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was recommended by a good friend who is a pastry chef as the book she uses most often (as the saying goes, if it's good enough for her...").

Needless to say, this baking guide is priceless. There is a General Information chapter which is basically a reference and "how-to" section containing detailed information on basic ingredients, how and why you should use substitutions, how to beat eggs, how baking powder works, etc. It works much like a baking primer, but reads as if an experienced friend is working alongside you. There follows detailed chapters on Pies and Tarts, Cookies, Cakes, Yeast breads, Quick Breads and Crackers. Each section has it's own little "primer" and is loaded with tips, different variations and step-by-step recipes.

Every recipe that I have tried (and I am a beginner-baker) has turned out terrific. I am still amazed at how easy it is to understand, considering there are no photographs, just basic illustrations. I found myself referring back to the book often and continue to be encouraged to try something new. After purchasing so many cookbooks and having them end up in the back of my pantry, this was a pleasant, welcome surprise.

I am a professional chef, and I have worn out my first copy of the book, which I bought years ago-It has recipes for almost anything you ever wanted to bake, as well as interesting historical background. It also has clear, informative information on techniques which allows for flexibility in altering recipes to suit your needs . Truly a bakers 'Bible'

Every recipe I have made from this book (over 30) has worked perfectly. The directions are impeccable. I've made cakes, cookies, pies, quick breads, yeast breads, frostings and sauces from this book. Each one has worked every time. The hot fudge sauce is spectacular as are the gingersnap cookies. When I bought this book several years ago, I knew how to make chocolate chip cookies; I was not an experienced baker. I followed Ms. Cunningham's master recipes to learn how to bake, and now I have a reputation as a great baker. You can't go wrong baking with Marion Cunningham as your guide.

The name Fannie Farmer is synonymous with good old-fashioned cooking and, in my opinion, "The Fannie Farmer Baking Book" is THE best baking cookbook available. I love to cook and tend to read cookbooks like novels, picking up tips and figuring out exactly which of the new recipes I'd like to try. When thumbing through "The Fannie Farmer Baking Book" I kept finding recipe after recipe that looked wonderful and learning all sorts of little hints that makes baking easier.

A lot of the recipes in this book are Fannie Farmer originals and have been appearing in various editions since the late 1800s. The reason these tried and true standards have stuck around so long is because they are truly wonderful.

"The Fannie Farmer Baking Book" is not only filled with great, old-fashioned cookie, cake and pie recipes it also features plenty of high-end desserts, all accompanied by step-by-step instructions on exactly how to make each and every item. It's easily the most complete and informative book on baking out there. Novice cooks and experienced bakers alike will gain a lot from this well-researched and informative tome!

If you are looking for a great book in preparing baked goods, and desserts, look no further. This is one of my favorite cookbooks. It is an excellent recipe book in that is has a great deal of recipes. All of the recipes that I have tried come out well. The book is clearly written, and you will have no problems in following the recipes. You will find this book helpful, and easy to use.

This is the best cookbook I own. I have never had a recipe from it fail. If you're looking to start baking, this book will get you on the right track with many easy and delicious recipes. It will last you a lifetime.

While this book isn't fancy -- no full color, magazine-quality pictures of finished goods here -- it is as close to no-fail as you can get. These recipes stand the test of time. You cannot lose by using this book often! Anyone who knows anything about baking would love to have this gem as a gift.

I stumbled upon this book years ago when I was in school and wanted to improve my baking skills. My friends and their mothers gave some friendly suggestions and recommendations, but I found that this was the best book to hone my baking skills.

The minute I clapped my eyes on the book, and browsed through it I knew that this was going to be a good book. I was not disappointed with the results when I tested my first recipe, then my second, third and so on. The baked goods turned out great and tasted great. I have baked muffins, cakes, pies, breads etc and they all work.

This is a no-frills book that does not have any fancy colorful pictures. But, what it has are great recipes and lucid directions on how to bake.

I would strongly recommend this book if you are either exploring to hone your baking skills, or are an expert baker that can cojure up baked goodies at the drop of a hat. This is a wonderful book to have in your library. Nothing like eating a fresh slice of coffee cake (recipe in the book) with a cup of coffee on a Sunday afternoon.

This is the best baking book! I first purchased this book in middle school and have been using it ever since(10 years)! I've purchased other baking books but I always come back to this one. All the recipes are fabulous and all the techniques used are thoroughly explained. Although there aren't any pictures, they really aren't necessary. This book has never failed me and I treasure my copy.

As a professionally trained chef, I am frequently asked for cookbook recommendations. There are very few that I would ever mention. To me, recommending a cookbook is something that should be done with great consideration. The Fannie Farmer Baking Book, The Joy of Cooking, and The Fannie Farmer Cookbook are the broad general cookbooks that I usually recommend.

I have used the Fannie Farmer Baking Book for years. Marion Cunningham uses a mix of rigorous traditionalism and modern variation, but nothing seems silly or ridiculous. The recipes are extremely well written and easy to follow. Ingredients aren't ridiculously difficult to find. Best of all, I trust that what I bake from this book will turn out well. Baking, unlike cooking, requires precision to achieve good results. A good formula is essential. These recipes are obviously well tested and they have withstood the test of time. I have never had a recipe turn out bad if I follow the instructions as they are written.

I have to rave about the dozens upon dozens of cookie recipes. They are always a huge hit. I just recently baked Lebkuchen, the German Christmas cookie made with honey, spices, and candied citron. Wow! They were delicious. The 8-page treatise called "Basic Master Recipe: American Apple Pie" should be read and studied by any serious American cook.

My only complaint is that many of the recipes call for vegetable shortening which is notoriously bad for the coronary arteries. Occasional consumption is probably okay for most people, but I prefer to replace it with butter or clarified butter in some of the recipes. Butter is more difficult to work with because it has a narrower temperature range of plasticity, but it tastes better and isn't quite as bad for the health as artificially hydrogenated oil. Take caution when deviating from these recipes though because they are so consistently perfect, it's a shame to mess up the result with ill-informed tinkering. I include this paragraph only to make the point that intelligent substitutions can be made if you don't want to use shortening.

I consider my copy of The Fannie Farmer Baking Book to be a real treasure. It should be on the shelf of any serious North American baker. Splurge for the hardcover if you can find one.