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Baking & Desserts
- General
 Farmers' Market Desserts
Jennie Schacht
This is a lovely compendium of desserts for those of us seduced by the lush summer produce. From the familiar--carrot cake, pumpkin pie, apple-pear crisp--to the more exotic--Meyer lemon and goat cheese souffle cakes and avocado velvet.Vividly illustrated, this book is also laced with information both about ingredients and techniques for using them. Softcover, 208 pp. $29.95.
 In The Sweet Kitchen
Regan Daley
Long-anticipated, the paperback edition of Regan Daley's baking and dessert bible has arrived just in time for its 10th anniversary. A former Cookbook Store employee, the love and labour that Regan poured into this indispensible guide was witnessed first hand. The content remains the same - descriptions of ingredients and techniques, a selection of solid base recipes - all wrapped up in a new light weight and attractive package! Softcover, 692 pp. $35.00.
 The Divvies Bakery Cookbook
Lori Sandler
Food allergies can drive sane cooks, especially bakers, to distraction. This book covers no nuts, no dairy, no eggs. Recipes are also good for vegans. Hardcover, 156 pp. $31.00.
 Dulce
Joseluis Flores
Trying to find cookbooks from Latin America can prove difficult once you leave typical Mexican fare. So to have a whole book dedicated to Latin desserts is a wonderful addition to the pastry chef's shelf. Flores's talents as an executive pastry chef shine here but recipes are doable for the home chef as well. Filled with delicious recipes for flans, cakes, ice creams, and a variety of tropical fruit desserts - its amolst worth buying just for the picture of chocolate crepes with dulce de leche and vanilla bean ice cream. Yum! Hardcover, 266 pp. $37.00.
 Seasonal Fruit Desserts
Deborah Madison
The much beloved author of Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone ($50), Madison brings her seasonal mantra to desserts with delicious results. What better way to follow local seasons than through the orchard, farm and market. Not just for summer, this book has inspiration for all four seasons. Hardcover, 278 pp. $39.95.
 Whoopie Pies
Sarah Billingsley
Are they cakes? Are they cookies? Whichever, they are delicious and fun. The newest competitor in the cupcake vs macarons debate, these hand held treats combine the best of both worlds. Creamy filling between soft cake-like cushions make these lovable desserts a popular choice. Originating in New England as the traditional chocolate cake with vanilla filling, this book offers a wide range of combinations to anyone's liking. Mix-and-match at will! Hardcover, 120 pp. $19.95.
 Sweet Treats Just Like My Mother Used to Bake
Edited by Linda Collister
A collection of delicious and reliable standards for your baking repetoire, this book has it covered from layer-cakes (banana fudge, etc) to scones (apple and golden raisin). Accompanied with cozy colour images of every recipe, this book will inspire you to tie on your apron and grab a wooden spoon. Hardcover, 176 pp. $31.50.
 Bourke Street Bakery
Paul Allam & David McGuinness
A huge success since the duo opened their first bakery in a Sydney suburb, now they have added more and managed to find time to create this wonderful cookbook. Rustic breads, gourmet pies and lots of delicious treats. Hardcover, 370 pp, $59.95.
 Good to the Grain: Baking with Whole Grain Flours
Kim Boyce
This is a rapidly increasing area of interest, whole grain baking. Boyce is former pastry chef at Spago and Campanile. For those interested in baking with grains other than wheat. Hardcover, 208 pp, $38.95.
 Popina Book of Baking
Isidora Popovic
Popina began with a grant from Prince Charles' Prince's Trust and started with a stall in Portobello Market in London, now their products are sold at Harrods, Fortnum & Mason as well as Whole Foods Markets. You may have seen similar style of recipes elsewhere but there is a broad variety and little twists to make them just that bit different. Hardcover, 146 pp. $31.50.
 Warm Bread and Honey Cake
Gaitri Pagrach-Chandra
Layered "drunken" apple cake, Gerbeaud slices, Swiss walnut and toffee pie, Azorean spice cake; these are just some of the delicacies on offer in Warm Bread and Honey Cake, a baking book which looks at both sweet and savoury baking from all over the world. Featured are flatbreads, yeast breads, cakes of all descriptions (fruit, spice, chocolate, nut, coconut, oat), small cakes and pastries, as well as 'leaf and thread' pastries, such as nightingales nests and baklava. Beautiful colour pictures throughout. Hardcover, 320 pp. $43.95.
 The SoNo Baking Company Cookbook
John Barricelli
You can turn to any page in this book to find something you will want to make right now. This is homely baking in the best sense of the word—sticky buns, mile-high chocolate cake, butterscotch pudding, lemon squares, even savory tarts. To ease the baking experience there are both ingredient and equipment glossaries. Before opening the SoNo Baking Company & Café, John Barricelli’s worked in New York restaurants including Le Bernardin, and the Four Seasons Restaurant. Color photos. Hardcover, 287 pp. $43.00.
 Life is Sweet
Miss Hope
From the popular Hope and Greenwood confectionary shops in the UK comes this charming book, full of recipes for sweet treats, as well as lots of anecdotes, tips, and illustrations. Divided into five sections; chocolate, fudge and toffee, nutty, mallows and nougat, and fruity, recipes range from classics like midnight dark truffles and cinder toffee, to more unusual (and wonderfully titled) creations, such as orange walnut canoodles and unicorn mallowpops. Full of eccentric banter, retro illustrations, and colour photos also. Hardcover, 128 pp. $31.95.
 Grand Livre de Cuisine: Desserts and Pastry
Alain Ducasse
From the kitchens of Alain Ducasse come these 250 recipes for sweet treats, from simple biscuits, to pastries, mousses, frozen desserts, and much more. As much a draw as the recipes themselves, the information contained in this text is wonderful; from ice cream technology to chocolate tempering. A great text for professionals in pastry and confident home bakers. Hardcover, 567 pp. $77.00.
 Red Velvet & Chocolate Heartache
Harry Eastwood
We have to admit, when Red Velvet & Chocolate Heartache arrived into the store, we were sceptical. A baking book that eschewed butter for grated vegetables and ground almonds didn't sound like our kind of book. But Eastwood is adamant that you only need butter where you can taste it (she doesn't spare it in her frostings for instance) and the book was so utterly charming and lovely we were willing to give it a try. And, believe it or not, it works! Trying the recipes with all purpose flour wasn't so successful, but use Eastwood's prescribed rice flour (which also makes the cakes gluten free) works a treat. St Clements cupcakes were zesty with a nice consistency and plenty of citrus, while Mint Choc Chip cupcakes were moreish and delicious. Treats which taste good and won't make you feel guilty. Full colour photography throughout. Hardcover, 192 pp. $42.95.
 Sourdough: A Recipe for Life
Erin Turcke
From an Ontario native and a graduate of the Stratford Chef's School comes this sourdough primer; Turcke delves into the science of baking sourdough bread before offering any recipes to ensure that readers are well acquainted with the hows and whys of baking sourdough bread before they begin. Turcke's style is friendly and conversational, making this a good read for those a little intimidated by the heftier tomes available on the subject. No pictures. Hardcover, 71 pp. $24.95.
 The Craft of Baking
Karen De Masco & Mindy Fox
You may be put off by the less than scintillating photos but do not ignore this book. Formerly with the Craft restaurants and now with Robert De Niro’s Locanda Verde, Karen DeMasco is a master of giving home baking classics a contemporary twist. At the same time she imparts enough wisdom to inspire the less experienced with courage to experiment on their own. Recipes range from Concord grape pie to brioche cinnamon rolls. Colour photos. Hardcover, 256 pp. $43.00.
 The Baking Answer Book
Lauren Chattman
Why melt chocolate over water instead of directly on the element? What is buttermilk? How big should my circle of dough be to fit in a 9" pan? Wonder no more! The answers to these and other questions which stump us when baking are between the covers of this handy reference book. The questions are divided into topic-themed chapters that range from science for bakers to high altitude baking. A short bibliography lists some quintessential baking books. Line drawings. Softcover, 377 pp. $19.95.
 250 Treasured Country Desserts
Andrea Chesman
Full of wonderful recipes for baked treats, from the usual cookies, bars, pies and cakes, to puddings, custards, and ice-creams, there is much in this book for the home baker. Recipes are North American for the most part with such favourites as dream bars and Lady Baltimore cake making appearances, and who couldn't love a baking book with 10 brownie recipes? No photos. Softcover, 401 pp. $22.95.
 Baking
James Peterson
In Baking, James Peterson continues his series of books offering thorough and professional instructional guides to a specific subject (other titles include Soups and Sauces). Baking is divided into 5 sections; cakes, pastry (pies, tarts, and more), cookies, breads (many varieties and bread based desserts), and a final chapter on desserts such as custards, souffles, curds and mousses. As one would expect the instructions here are clear with step by step pictures offering visual guides. Although this book is aimed at professional bakers it would be excellent for any confident or enthusiastic at home baker also. Full colour photography throughout. Hardcover, 379 pp. $49.00.
Lola's Ice Creams and Sundaes
Morfudd Richards
Restauranteur Morfudd Richards owned Lola's, a successful London based restaurant when, browsing on ebay one day, she spotted an old ice cream van. Before you can say homemade custard she had sold her restaurant and had taken to the streets of London in her van, offering homemade ice creams and sorbets. The recipes here veer from the traditional (vanilla, chocolate, rum & raisin) to the unusual (rhubarb crumble), and there are also lots of savoury vegetable based ice-creams and sorbets like pea and wasabi and parsnip and cider with apple crisps. Ideal for any seasoned ice-cream maker or adventurous cook. Full colour photos. Hardcover, 256 pp. $54.95.
 The New Best of Better Baking.com
Marcy Goldman
A new edition of the baking book which sprang from Marcy Goldman's best of better baking.com website, where professional baker and cookbook author was sharing recipes and tips long before food blogs became the most common thing on the internet. This new edition contains all the recipes of the original, plus 30 new ones, new photos and a whole new look. There are recipes for savoury items such as breads, pizzas and flatbreads, as well as cookies, muffins, pastries, cakes and more besides. Great for any home bakers looking for inspiration. Some colour photographs. Softcover, 324 pp. $29.95.
 Savory Baking
Mary Cech
Inventive savory pastries from former Charlie Trotter pastry chef Mary Cech offers the harried hostess many make-ahead possibilities for appetizers and simple main courses. Rosemary mushroom, rosemary, and shallot cream clafouti, smoked bacon beignets, and onion, fennel, and orange upside-down shortcake are amongst the appealing treats. Colour photos. Softcover, 167 pp. $29.95.
 Gingerbread
Lidner McGlinn
A perfect book for anyone who begins dreaming of spiced treats as the weather gets colder, this book will satisfy your cravings and then some. Full of ideas for gingerbread cakes, pies, puddings, ice-creams, breakfast treats, and, of course, cookies and houses, there are recipes for every conceivable gingerbread themed dessert. Colour photographs for some, but not all, recipes. Hardcover, 144 pp. $24.95.
 Dessert
David Everitt-Matthias
Chef at Cheltenham’s two Michelin starred Le Champignon Sauvage, David Everitt-Matthias brings his fascination with wild foods, and savory flavours to the dessert course. Gorse flower panna cotta with gorse and coconut sorbet and camomile cream with soft meringue brambles and sugared verbena are two of his hedgerow-informed creations. As in his earlier work, Essence ($65.00), there is a nod to molecular gastronomy. Like the Duby’s, David Everitt-Matthias brings real innovation to the dessert course. Colour photos. Hardcover, 159 pp. $59.95.
Field Guide to Candy
Anita Chu
The field guide to candy is a pocket sized book which packs in a whopping 275 candy recipes, from sugarplums to English toffee, gummy bears and sherbet powder, marshmallows and peanut brittle. There is a useful introduction for beginners detailing the equipment needed and a guide to sugar cooking times, as well as a little bit of history about each of the candies featured. Your dentist may not thank you, but you may become more popular among friends and coworkers. Pictures for some recipes. Softcover, 320 pp. $19.95.
 Cooking from Above: Baking
Marianne Magnier-Moreno
This inspired series (also one on classics and Asian food) provides step-by-step photos shot from above to give the novice a better idea of what each stage of preparation should look like. Recipes include gingerbread, puff pastry, and even French toast. Colour photos. Softcover, 71 pp. $27.99.
 Ghoulish Goodies
Sharon Bowers
Choco-bats, peanut butter eyeballs, witch’s hat cake and a host of other horror themed goodies will bring out the kid in young and old whether throwing a Halloween, birthday or zombie movie party. Easy to follow instructions will help even the klutziest of us find creative success. Colour photos. Softcover, 153 pp. $19.99.
 The Big Sur Bakery Cookbook
Michelle and Philip Wojtowicz and Michael Gilson with Catherine Price
Do not be fooled by the title. There is way more than baked goods in this chronicle of a year in the life of a restaurant off California’s famous Highway 1. You will meet the owners, a beekeeper, a butcher, porch farmers(people who grow micro greens on their porch!)…After you have enjoyed the ruminations on fishing, hospitality, or winter debt, flip to April to try Clovis’s lime tart with lime marmalade amd ginger ice cream or to July for the heirloom tomato pizza. Colour photos.
Hardcover, 261 pp. $52.00.
 Rustic Fruit Desserts
Cory Schreiber and Julie Richardson
Why do you need another dessert book? Stone fruit slump, sour cherry cobbler, gingered peach and blackberry pandowdy, upside down pear chocolate cake that's why! Although the photography is not inspiring, the recipes are. Hardcover, 164 pp. $26.95.
  The Happy Baker
Erin Bolger
You can take the girl out of southwestern Ontario, turn her into a make-up artist, stomp on her heart, and still she will be able to bake. Not only will she bake, she will laugh while doing it. In between the goodies - oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, hello dolly squares, banana cream pie - Bolger shares her stories of dating hell, familiar to any female over the age of 12. Her humour helps all of us to gain some perspective. Everyone who attended Central Huron Secondary School show some solidarity and buy this book! Softcover, 160 pp. $28.95.
 The Hummingbird Bakery Cookbook
Tarek Malouf
The popular New York bakery — it has the Gwyneth Paltrow seal of approval — presents a collection of the classic stars of the sweet kitchen. Cupcakes, blondies, brownies, carrot cake, and pumpkin pie are some of the goodies no home should ever be without. With a recipe per page with an accompanying colour photo, the layout is almost as yummy as the recipes. Hardcover, 144 pp. $37.95.
 Baking and Pastry: Mastering the Art and Craft by The Culinary Institute of America
Learn from the best. The Culinary Institute of America brings us their latest resource for baking and pastry. From breads to cake decorating this book will bring out the professional in all of us. Hardcover, 932 pp. $84.00.
 Pastry in Europe: 2009
Travel through Europe in ways you never thought possible. Learn about fresh young faces and reintroduce yourself to the masters of European pastry. Take a peak at everything from the avante garde to classic Dutch candies. Hardcover, 255 pp. $64.95.
 Just Desserts and Other Baked Treats
Daniel Tay
Paris-trained but based in Singapore, pastry chef Daniel Tay walks a fine line between appealing to other pastry chefs and home bakers to whom many of his fruit desserts are accessible. His version of the French classic, caneles looks particularly good. Colour photos. Hardcover, 143 pp. $40.95.
 Pastry
Michel Roux
Classic French pastries both savory and sweet by acclaimed chef Michel Roux, this time aimed towards the home-cook. Tremendous colour photographs help to illustrate, in detail, proper technique as well as showing off Roux’s beautiful creations. This collection of recipes, from puff to short-crust to staples such as mayonnaise and creme anglaise are sure to be the new standby for those looking to explore the world of French pastry. Hardcover, 304 pp. $24.95.
 Bake
Rachel Allen
British TV personality Rachel Allen is here and she is baking up a storm. Her book is a pleasure to the eye as well as the stomach. From baklava to oatcakes, it is clear that Allen's inspirations come from all over the world. Thankfully, for us, Allen doesn't stick to just the sweets and includes savory baked goods. The recipes are easy to follow and this book is perfect for the advanced as well as the beginner baker. Hardcover, 287 pp. $54.95.
 Natura
Albert Adria
As his brother Ferran does with the rest of the meal, Albert Adria pushes the dessert envelope about as far as it will go creating dishes such as muscovado sugar “wool” with Tennessee whiskey cask wood flavoured ice cream, caramelized vanilla banana, hazelnut dacquoise and coffee gelatin. The accompanying DVD features the techniques from which he creates his wondrous works. The presentation is, of course, awe-inspiring. Hardcover, 151 pp, $149.95.
 Muffin Mania - just re-released!
Cathy Prange & Joan Pauli
Muffin Mania was one of the first books we carried when we opened the store in 1983 - hand delivered by the authors. It quickly topped our bestseller list where it resided for almost two decades! In the years it was out of print we had streams of calls from people searching for replacements for their tattered and stained originals, or copies for offspring leaving home. We are overjoyed to have the new generation of the Prange/Pauli family bring Muffin Mania to the next generation of bakers! Spiral bound, 71 pp. $16.95.
 Complete Canadian Living Baking Book
Elizabeth Baird & CL Test Kitchen
Tried, tested and true. The holy trinity when it comes to baking and The Canadian Living Test Kitchen delivers again. Hardcover, 352 pp. $34.95.
 Desserts: Mollie Katzen's Recipes
Mollie Katzen
Mollie Katzen of Moosewood fame returns with the quaint coil bound, easel backed book on desserts. Fun is the operative word for this book. When the very first recipe is Moosewood Fudge Brownies need we say more! Coil-bound, 120 pp. $19.95.
 BakeWise
Shirley O. Corriher
It's finally been published! This much anticipated book, written by the author of CookWise ($35), covers all aspects of baking, its chemistry, the whys and hows to lead you to successful baking. Over 200 recipes are included. For those who have CookWise as your go to book, and those who don't, don't wait to discover this new treasure. Hardcover, 532pp, $47.00.
 Baking for All Occasions
Flo Braker
One of our favourite baking writers, remember Simple Art of Perfect Baking? Braker imparts knowledge in a gentle manner, never preaching. With chapters such as Hearth and Home All Day Long, or Baking for a Rainy Day and recipes such as Red Velvet Cake Roll, or Lemon-Scented Pull-Apart Coffee Cake what's not to love! Hardcover, 396 pp. $45.50.
 Crème Brulée
Dominique and Cindy Duby
This creative duo from Vancouver, authors of Wild Sweets ($35), and Wild Sweets Chocolate ($45) take the classic dish and elevate it to new unexpected heights. Soft cover, 128pp. $19.95.
The Ice Cream Bible
Marilyn and Tanya Linton
The ultimate summer time treat. This Canadian book provide useful information on equipment, ice cream makers and ingredients as well as loads of recipes. From the book..."Top Licks in 2001 in the USA were vanilla, chocolate, Neapolitan, butter pecan and chocolate chip."
Softcover, 272 pp, $27.95.
 Indulge
Claire Clark
The pastry chef of California’s celebrated French Laundry restaurant, Claire Clark is as much a perfectionist as chef Thomas Keller. However, where Keller’s creativity takes flight, Clark’s equally beautiful presentation is built on a certain earthbound homeiness with frequent references to her English heritage. In amongst the orange and grand marnier soufflé glace and passionfruit and mango terrine with exotic fruits, one finds Bakewell tart, Eccles cake, triffle. Word to the wise: Clark uses weight measure rather than volume for dry ingredients. Her generosity with advice makes this book accessible to home bakers, not just professionals. Colour photos. Hardcover, 238 pp, $45.00.
 Sharing Sweet Secrets: Gluten & Wheat Free
Pamela Moriarty
Here are gluten-free desserts that look tempting even to those who do not have a gluten problem. Even better, many of these desserts, particularly the fruit-based dishes, do not require hard-to-find ingredients. Other recipes call for commercial gluten-free flour, rice flour. Softcover, 168 pp, $19.95.
 A Passion for Baking
Marcy Goldman
Just the recipe titles should be enough to make you salivate: Strawberries and Cream Cookies, Caramel-Chocolate Cookie-Stuffed Sour Cream Deluxe Cake. . . .Marcy Goldman, pastry chef, food writer, and doyenne of the invaluable web resource betterbaking.com presents tempting recipes to treat family and friends. Those who quail at making pastry can rest assured, as step-by-step instructions and photos for pie crust and other recipes make the process clear. Hardcover, 320 pp, $34.95.
 Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey
Jill O'Connor
If you have a serious sweet-tooth, first buy this gorgeous book, then stock up on napkins...you'll be needing them. It is quirky, hilarious and does not ever suggest 'low-fat' anything (sigh of relief...) With recipe titles such as "Ooh! Brown sugar! and Almond Pound Cake" and "White Trash Panini" it'll be sure to summon a chuckle or two. Trust me...you want this book. Hardcover, 167 pp. $24.95.
 Dolce Italiano: Desserts from the Babbo Kitchen
Gina De Palma
Gina De Palma, pastry chef at Babbo in New York city, brings both classic Italian desserts and favourites from the restaurant to cooks interested in life beyond tiramisu. She gives some background on what constitutes Italian sweets, baking tips, and also anecdotes and history about special desserts and festivals. Colour photographs.
 Desserts by the Yard
Sherry Yard
Executive pastry chef for Wolfgang Puck Worldwide sounds daunting, but Yard manages to create desserts that range from the spectacular, Marshmallow Bonsai Tree, to the wonderfully simple, Black-and-White Cookies. Hardcover, 400 pp. $44.95.
 Sweet Diversions
Yann Duytsche
From hotel management school in northern France to Valrhona’s technical director in southern Europe, Yann Duytsche has moved from pinnacle to pinnacle in the world of avant-garde pastry. Along the way, he has worked in Roger Verge’s kitchen, and with Joan Baixas, Oriol Balaguer, and Fréderic Bau. Duytsche’s creations take flight from traditional bases - eg. linzer, speculoos, or white cake - which may transform into a sweet/savory club sandwich or gravity defying geometric shape. Colour photos. Hardcover, 415 pp. $160.00.
 Savory Baking from the Mediterranean
Anissa Helou
Here is proof that there is more to Mediterranean baking than pizza, focaccia, and pita. Helou has certainly included those recipes but you will also find the more unusual qurban, the communion bread of the Eastern Orthodox church, Neapolitan macaroni pie made in a special mould, and Cretan spinach crescents. The instructions are in a simple numbered format. Bibliography for those who want to learn more. Black and white photos. Hardcover, 339 pp. $37.95.
 The Complete Baking Cookbook: 350 Recipes from Cookies and Cakes to Muffins and Pies
George Geary
As the titles says, this book is filled with many recipes for classic home baked goods such as delectable Quadruple Chocolate Chip Cookies and Monkey Bread. There are treats for any time of day, from breakfast pastries to dinner party desserts. Colour photographs and useful tips and techniques make this book ideal for beginning and experienced bakers alike. Softcover, 447 pp. $29.95.
 The Perfect Scoop
David Lebovitz
Sorbets, granitas, ice creams and so much more from this former pastry chef at Chez Panisse. Now based in Paris, this is his fourth dessert book. A vastly under served area of desserts, when it comes to cookbooks, yet all things chilly are as popular as ever. Interesting chapters titled 'vessels' as well as 'mix-ins' and of course an excellent section on basics, round an extremely useful book. Hardcover, 246 pp. $31.50.
 Italian Baking Secrets
Father Giuseppe Orsini
So much more than a cookbook, Father Orsini weaves a tale about the emergence of grain cultivation, the origins of bread, and the role of baking in Italy before one even comes to the wonderfully authentic recipes. Along with a variety of Italian breads there is a selection of biscotti and other sweets as well as cakes (torte) and tarts (crostate). This really is a lovely book for any baker. Hardcover, 272 pp. $31.95.
 Classic Stars Desserts
Emily Luchetti
Anyone who missed Stars Desserts and Four-Star Desserts the first time around should run to pick up a copy of this compilation of Luchetti’s 150 favorite recipes. Then, indulge in a pan of the best lemon squares ever. By contemporary pastry chef standards, Luchetti’s desserts now seem quite restrained but her taste combinations always make sense. We are so happy to have these recipes available again that we hesitate to complain that they have not used all the photos of which we were so fond or that the paper is not the best quality. But does it really matter when the recipes are so fine? Hardcover, 312 pp. $38.95.
Cooking Light Dessert
Cooking Light magazine
62 essential recipes to eat smart, be fit and live well. These desserts are worth the splurge. From rich, fluffy Banana Pudding(page 26) to Irish Bread Pudding with Caramel-Whiskey Sauce (page 128), even the most sinfully good desserts can be deceptively light. All’s well that ends well. Hardcover, 144 pp. $23.95.
 21st C: The New Generation in Pastry
Oriol, Isaac, and Abraham Balaguer are three of the new generation of Spanish pastry chefs making their mark not just in their homeland but also around the world. This is the English edition of Siglio 21, which arrived last year. Colour photos. Hardcover, 248 pp, $95.00.
 The Essential Baker
Carole Bloom
This is a fine collection of recipes organized by main ingredient: dark milk chocolate ganache and hazelnut tart, dried cherry and almond scones, key lime squares or sesame seed biscotti, sandbagged at every turn by bad design. Ingredients and procedures are divided into sections so that you cannot perceive the whole ingredient list at a glance. Much flipping is required as recipes spread over more than one page. The type is tiny and pale There is solid information backing up the recipes and chocolate tasting charts. Bakers who persist will find camouflaged pleasures within this book. Colour photos. Hardcover, 645 pp, $47.99.
 Panna Cotta
Camilla V. Saulsbury
A specialty of Piedmont, panna cotta combines the unctuous pleasure of custard with the jiggly joys of gelatin. There are classic and contemporary dessert versions vanilla bean, coffee –and contemporary inventions like chai and cherries jubilee. For an unusual first course , try a savory panna cotta: queso fresco with chimichurrim & cherry tomatoes or cauliflower with white truffle oil. Black and white photos, small print. Hardcover, 141 pp. $21.95.
 S'mores
Lisa Adams
Who doesn't love s'mores? This humble campfire treat, long a staple of childhood summers, is here elevated into the truly spectacular dessert it can be. With plenty of imagination Adams has created over 50 versions of the classic s'mores by adding ingredients like popcorn and fruit, swapping graham crackers for cookies, brownies, and even a croissant, and using different chocolates. Her suggestion that any of these could possibly be just as good without a roasted marshmallow seems doubtful though! Hardcover, 128 pp. $21.95.
 175 Fruit Desserts
Edited by Ann Kay
From the simplicity of pineapple flambé, to the intensity of minted raspberry bavarois, fruit-based dessert make a refreshing and colourful—and sometimes low-cal—finale to any meal. Along with the recipes there are techniques for preparing and plating. Colour photos. Softcover, 96 pp. $18.99.
 The
Sweet Spot
Pichet Ong
A veteran of both Chez Panisse and Jean-Georges, Pichet Ong, now chef/owner
of New York’s P*Ong, is a master of desserts with an Asian twist. Some
dishes offer an Asian riff on American classics: coconut cream pie with toasted
jasmine rice crust and banana cream pie with a hit of ginger. Lest you think
it is all fusion all the time, behold the sentimental classics like Chinese almond
cookies, fortune cookies, and “pocky” sticks. Colour photos. Hardcover,
292 pp. $37.95.
150 Years of Magic
Eagle Brand
There is hardly a North American baker who hasn't at some point used sweetened condensed milk for making treats, and Eagle Brand was and is one of the most popular brands. Now, with 150 years of experience in their test kitchens behind them, the company has put out a commemorative cookbook. The first recipes is, of course, for Hello Dolly squares. Here they are renamed magic cookie bars and are accompanied by several different variations. Colour photos. Softcover, 128 pp. $12.95.
 Ices
Sunil Vijayakar
Subtitled Sorbets, Granitas, Sherberts, and More, and the emphasis should be on more. More mouthwatering, hot weather relief in creative homemade popsicles, frozen souffles, and molded treats. The ices come in a variety of innovative flavours like spicy plum sherbert and green tea and mint granita. Instructions are for both ice cream makers and those working by hand. Colour photos. Hardcover, 64 pp. $16.95.
Savory Sweets
Amy Felder
An associate instructor at Johnson & Wales, Amy Felder has produced a textbook guide to an art which has become synonymous with Dominique and Cindy Dube - the transformation of savory ingredients into desserts. The focus is on the ingredients, techniques, and flavour pairings which will produce a wow on the plate. A few colour photos of plated desserts. Softcover, 253 pp. $45.99.
 Best of the Pillsbury Bake-off Desserts
Pillsbury
The Pillsbury Bake-Off has been around for more than half a century, and it is still going strong. First place now nets the winner a million dollars. Here you will find a wide variety of prizewinners from years gone by, although the recipes skew to winners from the past few years and, for some reason, the 70's. The desserts all tend to feature packaged products, though Pillsbury brand isn't specified. If you insist on homemade you can always use your favourite recipes to replace the bought items, because these desserts are quite creative. Colour photos. Softcover, 158 pp. $21.99.
 Children's Party Cakes & Cookies
Edited by Martha Day
There are simple instructions for theme cakes to fulfill almost any child’s fantasy: treasure chest, lion, train, spider, fairy castle… There is also a selection of muffins, rolls, and cookies that will appeal to both children and adults. Colour photos. Softcover, 96 pp. $18.99.
 Short & Sweet
Melanie Barnard
There is no excuse for serving store-bought desserts anymore. In under 30 minutes you can whip up raspberries in chantilly cream, warm mocha truffle cakes, or country apple tart. With Barnard’s list of basic ingredients on hand - eg. almond paste, graham cracker crumbs, dried fruit - you need never be caught with nothing for dessert. Colour photos. Softcover, 238 pp. $19.95.
 Sweet
Cuisine
Francisco Marfull Piquer, Editor
Originally published in Spain as Cocina Dulce, this book surveys
Europeís top pastry chefs. Abraham and Isaac Balaguer, Frederic Bau, Jordi
Roca, and Yann Duytsche are among the creators of a spectacular selection of
desserts, mostly fruit-based, that include Strawberry Soup with Rasberry Ice
Cream; Lemon, Banana, and Balsamic Vinegar; and Layered Pineapple with Chocolate.
Hardcover, 214 pp. $85.00.
 Another Cup of Sugar
Anna Olson
Pastry chef extrodinaire. Host of the popular Food Network Canada show, Sugar,
Anna delivers a new book that will satisfy the sweet tooth and then some. Each
chapter is focused around a them ingredient eg. brown sugar. Get the butter,
flour and sugar to the ready! Softcover 272 pp. $24.95.
 Sweet
Life: Desserts from Chanterelle
Kate Zuckerman
This book is more about the talented Zuckerman than the venerable Chanterelle,
and rightly so. Voted one of the ten best pastry chefs in America in 2005 by Pastry
Art & Design magazine. From tarts to cakes to candies to souffles,
only three of the ten chapters to whet your appetite. Hardcover, 223 pp. $46.00.
 Bars & Squares:
More than 200 recipes
Jill Snider
Just when you thought you didn’t need another brownie or square recipe!
Here’s a new collection of recipes both old favourites (Raspberry-Almond
Holiday Bars) and new twists. Time to get out the 9 by 13 pan again! Softcover,
256 pp. $27.95.
 Tartine
Elisabeth Prueitt & Chad Robertson
San Francisco's beloved neighbourhood bakery and cafe has produced
a book that has caught the attention of the most discerning of professional
bakers who have given the book positive reviews. The lemon buttermilk pudding
cake is on our list of recipes to try! Hardcover, 223 pp. $44.00.
 New
York Times Dessert Book
Edited by Florence Fabricant
Hard to believe this is the first time the NY Times has done
a major book on desserts. It features recipes from Times staffers, such as Marion
Burros' Plum Torte to name chefs/cooks, such as Nigella Lawson, Francois Payard.
Hardcover, 567 pp. $39.95.
 Heirloom
Baking
Marilynn Brass
You have got to trust authors who can claim 95 years of baking experience between
them—especially when it appears they have been using your mother’s
handwritten recipes for fluffy white cake, marshmallow brownies, custard rice
pudding… Features photos of vintage cookbooks and kitchen gadgets. Bonus:
a pocket on the inside back cover to hold r recipe clippings. Hardcover, 300
pp. $45.00.
 How to be a Domestic Goddess
Nigella Lawson
Woman-about-the-arts and confirmed coobook addict Jane Marsland has given her
stamp of approval to Nigella Lawson's Domestic Goddess based on the banana
loaf.Since, like us, her previous gold standard for same was James Beard's recipe
(the one without the nuts) in Beard on Bread ($21), we respect her opinion.
Like the late Richard Sax, Lawson writes with the voice of a good friend offering
suggestions rather than rules which must be followed because she knows best.
Colour photos. Hardcover, $35.00.
 Alain
Ducasse's Grand Livre de Cuisine Desserts and Pastries
Robert Frederic
Superstar Chef Alain Ducasse weighs in with another tome,
now desserts & pastries
take centre stage. Inspiring for the experienced home cook, or the professional
chef. This beautifully illustrated edition, in English for the first time, should
be in every pasty chefs library. Ducasse's instructions for preparation, construction
and presentation are meticulous. Hardcover, 567 pp. $275.00.
 Luscious Berry Desserts
Lori Longbotham
A berry lovers dream book. Crammed full of colorful delectable ideas for
luscious berries to cook all year round using fresh fruits or frozen.
Great tips of selecting, storing fresh berries too. Hardcover, 167
pp. $24.95.
 Granita Magic
Nadia Roden
Fifty-five tasty granitas that are perfect for all occasions. Each recipe has
a sidebar full of hints for serving each classic Italian ice. Please try the
Ruby Grapefruit and Campari Granita on page 58. Hardcover, 120 pp. $24.00.
 A Passion for Ice Cream
Emily Luchetti
Who knew there were so many delectable things to do with frozen cream and
eggs. 95 ideas for scrumptious all natural ice cream, sherbert, gelato,
granitas, sorbet, and much more. Hardcover, 223 pp. $46.00.
 Baking
from My Home to Yours
Dorie Greenspan
Well-known for her behind the sceneís work (author of Baking
with Julia, $59.95, translator of Pierre Herme), Dorie Greenspan
is a master baker in her own right. The memories and tips that accompany
these recipes, some dramatic, some simple, reveal a generosity of spirit
to match her ability. Hardcover, 514 pp, $53.95.
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The
Italian Baker 
A
Cook’s Book of Baking Butter Sugar Flour
Martha
Stewart’s Baking Handbook
Wine
Lover's Dessert Cookbook 
Holiday
Baking 
A
Baker’s Tour 
125
Best Ice Cream Recipes 
English
Puddings Sweet & Savoury 
Paris
Sweets 
I'm
Just Here for More Food
Once
Upon a Tart 
Linda
Collister's Book of Baking 
Irish
Puddings, Tarts, Crumbles, and Fools 
Baking
Illustrated
Ice
Cream
La
Patisserie de Pierre Hermé
Although there are English language books featuring Pierre Hermé (Desserts by
Pierre Hermé, $47.00; Chocolate Desserts by
Pierre Hermé, $60.00), this lavishly illustrated bilingual edition
shows Hermé at his best. Hardcover, 320 pp, $175.00.
The Secrets
Of Baking
A Passion
For Desserts
Ripe For Dessert 
The
Gluten-Free Gourmet Makes Dessert 
Kaffeehaus
Understanding
Baking 
The Baker's
Dozen Cookbook