The Fannie Farmer Baking Book [Hardcover]

Marion Cunningham (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 16, 1996

A superb collection of more than 800 recipes drawn from both America's rich past and new culinary discoveries. It's the Bible of baking, considered by many as the most thorough baking book on the market. The highly readable, easy-to-follow text explains the whys and hows of baking and makes it easy for even the beginner to achieve delicious results in the kitchen. Line drawings throughout.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

A superb collection of more than 800 recipes drawn from both America's rich past and new culinary discoveries. It's the Bible of baking, considered by many as the most thorough baking book on the market. The highly readable, easy-to-follow text explains the whys and hows of baking and makes it easy for even the beginner to achieve delicious results in the kitchen. Line drawings throughout.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 640 pages
• Publisher: Gramercy (March 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517148293
• ISBN-13: 978-0517148297
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,087 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Reigns Supreme...The Best of The Lot.. July 14, 2001

By C. Cunningham VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Reference August 31, 1997

By angw

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

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'

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect baking cookbook June 25, 2003

By Brenda Jo Mengeling

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

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.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tried and true November 1, 2000

By R. A. Ward

Format:Hardcover

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.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars THE Best Baking Cookbook--A Real Kitchen Must Have! September 17, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

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!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great guide to baking recipes October 31, 2000

By Stephanie Manley TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

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.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars My Baking Bible. July 21, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

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.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book for anyone who wants to bake March 23, 2005

By "KB" Kamla Srinivasan

Format:Hardcover

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.