Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Mary Berry's Baking Bible is a revised and updated version of the classic Baking Bible by the GBBS judge and TV personality Mary Berry herself. Originally released in 2009, this second edition reformat and re-release is due out 9th May 2023 from Penguin Random House on their Clarkson Potter imprint. It's 416 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a massive and comprehensive resource for bakers. The information is accessible to a wide variety of readers, but -also- includes useful advanced info which will be of interest even to advanced bakers, such as understandable tutorials for tempering chocolate. Chapters are arranged thematically: classic cakes, spiced cakes, chocolate treats, cupcakes, celebrations, special cakes, sheet cakes, for children, crackers & cookies, fancy cookies, tarts & pastries, breads, fruit loaves, buns & scones, puddings & pies, soufflés & meringues, and cheesecakes. There is quite literally something for every imaginable occasion in this weighty tome.
Recipes are written with an introduction/description, bullet list of ingredients in a sidebar, and followed by step-by-step cooking instructions. Ingredients are written with both imperial (American) and metric measures (yay!). Although the results are amazingly attractive and beautifully presented, the instructions are simple and understandable.
The photography throughout is outstanding; dishes are styled attractively and professionally. I liked having serving suggestions and the photos enhanced the read very much.
Five stars. Readers who have the first edition (2009) of this book would do well to compare to see how much updated content there is, otherwise it should be a staple of the home baker's library. Highly recommended for public/school library acquisition, home use, housewarming, or other gift giving.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Reviewed by annieb123 on
Reading updates
- 10 April, 2023: Started reading
- 10 April, 2023: Finished reading
- 10 April, 2023: Reviewed