James McNair's Cakes (Paperback)

~ James McNair (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

In terms of down-home appeal, James McNair's Cakes can't be beat. Reading this book feels like nothing so much as sitting around a Formica kitchen table, swapping recipes for a church supper or a ladies' lunch. While McNair knows how to dazzle (check out the Molten Chocolate Babycakes garnished with gold leaf), it is the generous way he reinvents the classics—spiking a carrot cake with preserved ginger, and laying caramelized bananas atop a crème fraîche-enriched bananas Foster cake—that wins the heart and makes us eager to revisit old favorites.

 

 

 

 

Product Description

Cookbook virtuoso James McNair needs no introduction. Author of more than two dozen perennial favorites, he's sold over three million copies of his books. He is also the recipient of an International Association of Culinary Professionals Award of Excellence. Now with James McNair's Cakes, the newest addition to his much-loved series, McNair offers a fresh look at an old-fashioned favorite. All of the classic components of cake baking are here: angel food and devil s food, butter layer cakes, chiffons and sponges, pound cake, and upside-down cake; each presented complete with James's own unique variations. Some were gleaned from his grandmothers' secret recipes; others reflect current food trends and innovations. By coupling the cakes with a rich selection of frostings, fillings, glazes, and decorations, home bakers can easily create their own irresistible combinations. Shown in mouthwatering color photographs, these are cakes that even a novice can bake and decorate with confidence, plus a couple of showstoppers for special occasions that will tempt accomplished bakers to go the extra mile. When it comes time to bake that special treat, James McNair's Cakes is the cake book to turn to.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (April 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811817687
• ISBN-13: 978-0811817684
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #677,592 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Cake-Only Collection I've Seen, June 24, 1999

By	[e-mail] (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

This book contains everything from the basics of cake-making to fanciful decoration and frosting techniques. In between are about 2 dozen recipes for cakes of all types.

Be warned that none are simple to make, though instructions are well laid out for those with baking experienced. I've especially liked the carrot and lemon cakes, so far.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Basic, informative & helpful..., February 23, 2003

By A Customer

I am an avid baker, cakes especially, and this book is the perfect guide for anyone who is either a pro or a beginner looking to become serious with a cake pan. For beginners, the beginning of this book is a true kitchen campanion, explaining the obvious and not so obvious points of baking a cake in abundant but very helpful detail. Both the practical and scientific aspects of baking are touched upon in very easy to understand terms. For pros, the recipies are quite satisfying. Every step from pre-heating the oven through measuring ingredients through embellishing and serving is explained for beginners, while many taste and flavor variations are offered for those who are looking for more of a challenge. I highly suggest this book for anyone looking to start or to expand a knowledge of cake baking. My only minor complaint is that it doesn't offer any advice for perfecting cupcakes, especially using some of the great batters on these pages. But regardless, you'll really refer to this book time and time again.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Cakes Around, January 20, 2000

By A Customer

Beautifully photographed and so far I have only made 2 of the cakes and my guests raved about them. One was the white cake and the other was the fantastic coffee cake which was a major hit. I am anxious to try the carrot cake next. I found his introduction very helpful and he has some great hints on how to make the very best cake.