Reviews
In this terrific companion to 1996's Amy's Bread , bakery owner Scherber and longtime co-worker Dupree focus on the cakes, cookies, scones and bars that have gained their three New York locations rabidly loyal customers (some profiled here, along with notable employees). Sherber and Dupree give bakers plenty of tasty ideas, emphasizing comfort food classics like Pecan Sticky Buns (presented in two versions); Devil's Food , Red Velvet and German Chocolate Cakes; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies; and a luscious, biscuit-like Strawberry Shortcake. Though some recipes can be involved, all are accompanied by thorough and encouraging directions, as well as foolproof tips on everything from dealing with temperamental ovens to the importance of cold butter in certain recipes. Success and failure are largely a matter of practicing and incorporating the techniques scattered throughout, and the authors make patient, skilled instructors. Further, every recipe provides measurements in grams, volume and ounces, helping ensure consistent results. Bakers will be hard-pressed to find a better compilation of fail-proof standards―practical bakers might want to buy two copies, as the first is sure to become dog-eared and butter-stained in short order. (Oct.) RED STAR REVIEW ( Publishers Weekly , October 20, 2008), In this terrific companion to 1996's Amy's Bread , bakery owner Scherber and longtime co-worker Dupree focus on the cakes, cookies, scones and bars that have gained their three New York locations rabidly loyal customers (some profiled here, along with notable employees). Sherber and Dupree give bakers plenty of tasty ideas, emphasizing comfort food classics like Pecan Sticky Buns (presented in two versions); Devil's Food , Red Velvet and German Chocolate Cakes; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies; and a luscious, biscuit-like Strawberry Shortcake. Though some recipes can be involved, all are accompanied by thorough and encouraging directions, as well as foolproof tips on everything from dealing with temperamental ovens to the importance of cold butter in certain recipes. Success and failure are largely a matter of practicing and incorporating the techniques scattered throughout, and the authors make patient, skilled instructors. Further, every recipe provides measurements in grams, volume and ounces, helping ensure consistent results. Bakers will be hard-pressed to find a better compilation of fail-proof standardspractical bakers might want to buy two copies, as the first is sure to become dog-eared and butter-stained in short order. (Oct.) RED STAR REVIEW ( Publishers Weekly , October 20, 2008), In this terrific companion to 1996e(tm)s Amye(tm)s Bread , bakery owner Scherber and longtime co-worker Dupree focus on the cakes, cookies, scones and bars that have gained their three New York locations rabidly loyal customers (some profiled here, along with notable employees). Sherber and Dupree give bakers plenty of tasty ideas, emphasizing comfort food classics like Pecan Sticky Buns (presented in two versions); Devile(tm)s Food , Red Velvet and German Chocolate Cakes; Oatmeal Raisin Cookies; and a luscious, biscuit-like Strawberry Shortcake. Though some recipes can be involved, all are accompanied by thorough and encouraging directions, as well as foolproof tips on everything from dealing with temperamental ovens to the importance of cold butter in certain recipes. Success and failure are largely a matter of practicing and incorporating the techniques scattered throughout, and the authors make patient, skilled instructors. Further, every recipe provides measurements in grams, volume and ounces, helping ensure consistent results. Bakers will be hard-pressed to find a better compilation of fail-proof standardse*practical bakers might want to buy two copies, as the first is sure to become dog-eared and butter-stained in short order. (Oct.) RED STAR REVIEW ( Publishers Weekly , October 20, 2008)
