Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook

The book was in excellent condition and arrived in a very timely manner. Very Very Happy to have made the pruchase. Everything I order from Amazon is always an excellent price, in good order and arrives on time. I love it. Thanks.....RMC

Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook will become a favorite go-to resource for everything baked. The illustrations and technique instructions are very helpful. I wouldn't say this is a book for the beginning baker as some of the terminology and descriptions assume some baking knowledge; but for someone who is already comfortable in the kitchen this is a wonderful guide to every category of baking. I like how beyond the basics of each technique or recipe she takes it a bit further with a twist on the traditional - the semi-sweet chocolate coating layer on the crust of the coconut cream pie, for example. I think this is a great well-rounded addition to any cook's library!

Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook The book itself was obviously in excellent condition hence the five stars, when it left the seller but sadly, due to inadequate packaging two of the corners had been exposed and badly damaged in the post. The book was also received quicker than I anticipated.

I love this book. As someone who hasn't been baking too long, this has helped me a lot. I normally don't get too hung up on pictures in cookbooks. Yes, they're nice if they're there, but I can live without them. In this case, they are extremely helpful because there are so many different desserts in this book that I had never even heard of before! Luckily every single recipe in this book has a beautiful photo. I also like the sections about baking equiptment. Those sections helped me tremendously when I registered for my wedding. I knew all the pans and gadgets I was missing and was able to ask for them all. Some of the chapters are a little more intimidating (at least to me who doesn't have a lot of baking experience) like the breads and pastries, but I can see that the recipes are written so clearly that with some patience and re-reading, anyone can master this stuff!

So far I've tried several of the cookie recipes. My personal favorites were the gingerbread cookies (they come out PERFECT), and the oatmeal raisin, which are without a doubt the most delicious oatmeal raisin cookies I have ever eaten in my entire life. I also made the ricotta cheesecake last year at Thanksgiving as an alternative dessert and it was moist, fluffy, and divine with a very subtle lemon flavor. The only recipe I had some trouble with was the brownies. Mine came out rather dry, but it may have been the oven I was using because I made them at someone else's house. Perhaps their oven was hotter than mine, or maybe the chocolate I used had too high a cocoa content. But I'm looking forward to trying them again.

I initially picked up this book because I wanted to learn to bake. Had I known better I probably would have started a little more slowly with something more demonstrative. I don't think this is necessarily the ultimate handbook on baking since the instructions are pretty brief, but I admit they are helpful, and I think I'm a much better baker now because of this book. All over it's just a beautiful book and the recipes inside are sure to impress.

Martha has got it goin' on. this book is beautiful, great pictures and recipes. i am pretty sure i put on a couple of pounds just by looking at the pictures :)

i have tried a couple of recipes and loved them. prep your ingrediants beforehand, so you don't have to worry about having enough vanilla or eggs (i speak from experience : )

this book is worth purchasing just to add to your collection of timeless cookbooks. it has techniques and advice that will help anyone reach a better understanding of baking.