Good Housekeeping Baking
by Good Housekeeping

Publisher:  Hearst Communications
ISBN:  0688166164

From the Good Housekeeping cooking experts, this big, impressive cookbook is one you'll treasure whether you're a novice baker or have years of experience. Chapters include cookies, cakes, basics, breads, pies and pastry, and flourishes, and each chapter begins with illustrated pages on baking pans and basic techniques.

Though the book's focus is on sweet baked goods, there are some wonderful savory pies and tarts as well as breads, like Olive Fougasse and Sausage Calzones. You'll find traditional favorites such as Angel Biscuits, Whoopie Pies, and Cream Puffs as well as many deliciously different offerings like a Cannoli Cake Roll, Cheddar Curry Puffs, and Mississippi Mud Bars. The section on special cakes for parties is fabulous. A carousel-shaped cake and a spring bonnet are just a few of the beautiful offerings.

Throughout the book there are illustrated instructions for garnishes and special touches like making meringue mushrooms, dough shape ideas for fruit dumplings and pies, piping choux pastry, and forming the little cookie/pastry "Hamantaschens." To wrap it all up, the last chapter on flourishes shows you how to easily make chocolate garnishes like leaves, curls, and ruffles, and butterflies.

Whether you're looking for a comprehensive baking guide and recipe book for yourself or for a baking friend, or just want a cookbook for enjoyment and display, this cookbook is an excellent choice.

Diana Rattray, your Guide for Southern U.S. Cuisine