My boss had told a friend that her staff would bake something for her bring-and-buy sale in aid of charity. It was nice of her to volunteer us, unfortunately I (and most of the staff) don't cook very much. Walking through a local homestore a few days before the sale, I spotted this book and thought 'Everyone likes muffins!' I did a taste-test on my flatmates with 2 varieties (the summer berry and white choc, and the triple choc fudge-heaven on earth!), 12 of each. They were all gone in 24 hours. I live with 3 women. The recipes are clear and easy to understand (even to a complete no-hoper like me!), with australian terminology explained at the start of the book for overseas readers. There's basic muffin recipes ... Read More:
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These cards have been most helpful. Ina is the true goddess. I also agree with the reviewer who ststed that it is unfair to give a negative review just because they cannot read descriptions properly. maybe they should steer clear of the kitchen as well!!!
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Although the author has a considerable reputation and the book is very good in places I found it less comprehensive than I had hoped.
I have tried 10 of the recipes since owning the book (just a couple of weeks). I have baked about 8 loaves a week for the past decade so I have a moderate amount of experience in home bread making.
I have three issues:
The recipes appear to be authentic and the explanations are clear but that does not mean you are going to like all the different kinds of bread. I found the bagels (extremely time consuming to make) a real dissapointment. They looked great but tasted nothing like any bagel I had ever tasted. To be fair the author does say this is a traditional water bagel and not ... Read More:
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Since buying this book I have not been disappointed. A wide variety of makes. The cakes when produced are first class. Would recommend this book to anyone interested in baking.
Carol Stewart
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A very easy to follow recipe book, which includes not only the basic loaves, but a whole range of very tasty breads and buns. It makes you want to reach for your flour and apron to start baking. It is surprising how clear and easy the recipes are to follow, it intices you to try more and more. Then of course there are the cakes! it is difficult not to start drooling over the pages when choosing which one to bake. There is such a diverse range of both breads and cakes to suit most occasions. The only drawback i can find is the lack of photographs to compliment the recipes. that would have been the icing on the cake so to speak. It is an invaluable tool for any aga owner, or indeed an owner of any range cooker whether it is a two or four door model as the recipes ... Read More:
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Sadly I cannot agree with the other reviewers. I found the book trite and desperately unfunny. Truly heavy going. Whilst I may be interested in biscuits, particularly eating them, this book is not something to read whilst having a nice cup of tea and a sit down, at the risk of indigestion.
A review can only be a matter of personal opinion, but this book will not be remaining in my possession.
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As an erstwhile professional baker, I learned plenty ...and I could tell from the good bread advice that the oven-building advice is authoritative and just what I've been looking for. This book is essential reading for anyone who seriously wants to bake good bread. Thank you, Chelsea Green, Daniel Wing, and Alan Scott. WELL DONE!
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Do not be put off by the american weights and measures in this fantastic baking book! Just buy a set of cups (1/4 up to 1 cup measures, under £5 at John Lewis), remember that a stick of butter is 4oz/113grams, and you're away! This book not only delivers inspiring and easy to follow recipes but also gives calorie and fat contents for each recipe as well as ideas for varying each recipe to suit all tastes. Grandmother's oatmeal-raisin cookies are particularly delicious as is the marmalade cake. With 600 recipes to choose from this book is essential for any baking fanatic.
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Do not be put off by the american weights and measures in this fantastic baking book! Just buy a set of cups (1/4 up to 1 cup measures, under £5 at John Lewis), remember that a stick of butter is 4oz/113grams, and you're away! This book not only delivers inspiring and easy to follow recipes but also gives calorie and fat contents for each recipe as well as ideas for varying each recipe to suit all tastes. Grandmother's oatmeal-raisin cookies are particularly delicious as is the marmalade cake. With 600 recipes to choose from this book is essential for any baking fanatic.
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