Customer Reviews

The Naturally Sweet Baker : 150 Decadent Desserts Made With Honey, Maple Syrup, and Other Delicious Alternatives to Refined Sugar

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As a professed chocoholic I was prepared only to savour the chocolate recipes in Carrie Davis's The Naturally Sweet Baker. But to be fair, I didn't restrict myself to those, although there is an ample supply. And I have to admit, that Davis's Maple Mousse is just about the nicest dessert I have ever made or eaten! And my guests raved about it too.

Of course, Aunt Josephine's Chocolate Cake was a real winner as well. This cookbook is a great resource for information about alternatives to refined sugar in your baking, and an absolute treasure trove of recipes. Check it out for some fun, adventure and delicious treats!

Most of the cookbooks I own come with the appliances I buy. This book is an exception. I enjoy the flavours of maple syrup and honey and was delighted to find a cookbook that caters to my tastes. I find the recipes easy to follow. I'm not an expert in the kitchen. Beside each recipe is a margin where the author has put some notes and room enough for you to enter any notes you may want to as well. At the end of some recipes are tips that give you a clue as to what to expect if you've never had the experience of, "Carmelizing Maple Syrup", for example. Another tip I really liked was the suggestion of using a variety of apples in my apple pie. That was a tasty surprise. The Pastry recipe, which she credits to Julia Child, is the best I've ever had. If you are a chocolate lover, try Aunt Josephine's Chocolate Cake. It's heavenly. I find the author's approach to the reader to be like a personal tutorial. It's like she's right there watching over and encouraging your every move. I haven't tried all the recipes yet but I'm getting a little braver as I tackle the standards: date squares, brownies, pies, and cookies. Thank you Carrie Davis for the "Naturally Sweet Baker".

This book gives information about alternatives to refined sugar. It is a very good book with excellent recipes (from simple cookies -the chocolate shortbread sounds terrific- to cakes and ice creams. But, something important, be ready to buy or order (there is a page of sources. Fantastic!) "Sucanat" or "maple sugar", "rice syrup" or "maple syrup". Because if you do not have these on hand, you cannot try the recipes. There are also some recipes with honey, an ingredient that is easier to find.

The book is beautiful. But I was looking for recipes that used mostly honey, maple syrup, or molasses. She loves using maple sugar and uses it in tons of recipes. I think maple sugar is too much like sugar and don't want to use it. I haven't made one thing yet because I don't have any of the things on hand to use.

The book was used but looked to be in new condition. I'm sure my nephew will enjoy many of the goodies inside.