100 Afternoon Sweets

by Sarah Kieffer

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

00 Afternoon Sweets is a beautifully photographed cookbook with recipes developed and curated by Sarah Kieffer. Released 1st Oct 2024 by Chronicle Books, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

Another excellent collection from this prolific and talented author. This is a definitive and extensive collection of recipes with something for everyone - from classics to fairly fancy and innovative. These will gladden the hearts of anyone who has ever searched in vain for a recipe to take to a family gathering or other event. This will become a staple for every cook who enjoys baking sweet treats.

The introduction (indeed the whole book) is written very clearly and covers everything from tools to supplies to "how-to" tutorials and techniques. The recipes are grouped roughly thematically: one bowl bakes, brownies blondies & bars, pie bakes, no bakes, weekend projects, partial recipes/frostings/alternate doughs, and extras (toppings, creams, sauces).

The recipes have their ingredients listed bullet style in a sidebar. Measurements are given in US standard with metric measurements in parentheses (yay!). Special tools and ingredients are also listed, along with yields and cooking directions. Yields, description, and prep time are included in a header bar. Most of the ingredients are easily sourced at any moderately well stocked grocery store. 

The book also includes a short author bio and conversion charts, along with an index including an ingredients index. There is a short bibliography and links for sourcing specialized ingredients and equipment. The recipes themselves are varied, and represent a wide variety of holidays and occasions to celebrate. They're tasty and many are simple and easy to prepare, requiring few ingredients and little prep time. Other recipes are *very* fancy and will impress even the most jaded tastes.

Five stars. This is a winner collection. It would make an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, gifting, or home use. This volume coordinates in art and printing style with the other books in the series.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes