Tag Archives: good reads

My Favourite Cookbooks – My latest good read

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Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking – by Michael Ruhlman

This book was recommended by Chef Marco Ropke at the Vancouver Pastry Training Centre when I took a course there. If you see this book in a book store, you probably wouldn’t think it’s a cookbook. It doesn’t have any mouth-watering food photos or unique recipes.  Although I think it would be nice to have some coloured pictures inside.  But for less than $20, it is well worth it. It talks about culinary ratios, which are the backbones for all recipes. For example, a basic pie dough ratio is 3-2-1, 3 parts flour, 2 parts fat and 1 part water; a vinaigrette is 3 parts oil and 1 part vinegar. Once you know these ratios, you can add your flavours (sweet or savory), herbs, spices, seasonings, etc. You can create recipes according to your own preference. Even if you are trying someone else’s recipe, you can change it to the way you like as long as you keep your backbone ratios.  It also has many cooking tips. So, if you like to cook and create your own recipes, you will enjoy reading it.

You can find this great book on the Amazon website by clicking on the title of the book. I will receive a small compensation if you purchase the item. 

 

 

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My Favourite Cook Books – The Baking Handbooks

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These are great baking books for both beginners and more experienced bakers. They have all your bases covered.  From muffins to cakes, from breads, pizzas to French pastries,  you can for sure find something you like.

1. Robin Hood Home Baking: From Cookies and Cakes, to Pizza, Pot Pies and More
– Jill Snider

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This is one of my very first reference.  It may look a little outdated,  but I still like a lot of the recipes in this book. They are simple and very easy to follow. There are also specific tips on each recipe which are helpful for beginners.

2. Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook
– Martha Stewart

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This is a handbook that really has everything in it. From basic recipes like muffins, pies and cookies to more advanced projects like croissants, layered cakes, even a wedding cake ! It also has very nice photos, it’s a joy to read even if you are not baking.

3. Duff Bakes: Think and Bake Like a Pro at Home
– Duff Goldman and Sara Gonzales

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Duff Goldman is well-known for his amazing decorated cakes. This book though, is not about cake decorating, it has many yummy goodies that we can make at home. My favourite parts, however, are the chapters about equipment, ingredients and techniques. They have very good information, and with a little Duff’s humour, I just really enjoy reading them.

You can find these great books on the Amazon website by clicking on the title of the books. I will receive a small compensation if you purchase the item. 

My Favourite Cookbooks – The Good Looking Ones

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Starting this month, I will be sharing some of my favourite cookbooks on the blog.
Whenever I go to a book store or library, I always go straight to the Cooking section. Of course I am looking for ideas of what to make all the time, but sometimes, I just love to look at all the gorgeous food photos ! People say most of us eat with our eyes first and I couldn’t agree more. So this week, I have picked a few books that show us some amazing ideas and photos on cake or dessert decorating. 

1. 1,000 Ideas for Decorating Cupcakes, Cookies & Cakes
– Sandra Salomony & Gina M. Brown

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This is my number one favourite ! It showcases many beautiful cakes and cookies around the world for every occasion ! From Christmas, Valentine’s to Halloween, from weddings to kids’ birthdays. I have read this book many many times and I am still in love with it !

2. Sweet: Our Best Cupcakes, Cookies, Candy, and More
– Editors of Food Network Magazine

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This one is my daughter’s favourite ! We both get amazed by the cakes that were dressed in disguised ! A hamburger, a gigantic candied apple, even spaghetti and meat balls ! This book also has many other recipes, including cookies, pies, cakes, bars, etc. It’s a great book for both beginners and more experienced bakers.

3. Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for more than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats
– Bakerella

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When I was first started baking, cake pop is one of the challenges I wasn’t sure if I could do. But it is actually quite simple. And you can be really creative with it. This book has many cute creations that you can easily follow. You can just use it as a basic reference and let your imagination be your guide.

You can find these great books on the Amazon website by clicking on the title of the books. I will receive a small compensation if you purchase the item.