Well, the book didn’t arrive again. I called the book club this morning and they informed me that is shipped on Oct 8th as opposed to Oct 2 which is what their website indicated. That means that it has only been 8 days and not the 14 days that I had thought. With any luck it will be waiting for me when I get home from work today. I thought that I might take a few minutes to talk about some of the pastry chefs/authors that I admire and the books that I collect/use.
First off there is Rose. Her books are so enjoyable to read and her recipes so thorough and precise that you can’t help but turn out something good from each one of them.
Books by Rose Levy Beranbaum
Next there is Jim Dodge. Jim has sort of fallen off the pastry chef radar as of late but he remains one of my all time favorite pastry chefs. I had the pleasure of taking several classes from Jim when he would come to San Diego several years ago and I never failed to walk away from his classes filled with new found knowledge. He would offer his time and knowledge freely during those classes and I know everyone learn alot. His two books remain some of my all time favorites. They are out of print but well worth the effort of seeking out.
Books by Jim Dodge
Alice Medrich. I am always in awe of Alice. She is just such a master of her art and I love the attention to detail in all she does. You just know that when you try one of her recipes they are going to taste spectacular. I couldn’t live without all of her books on my shelf.
Books by Alice Medrich
Carole Walter. Carole has been a favorite of mine since I discovered her wonderful book “Great Cakes” I use it extensively when I bake and always find something great to bake and eat in it. I have since become a devotee of all of her “Great” books.
Books by Carole Walter
Nancy Silverton. I can’t remember exactly when the first time I saw Nancy Silverton was but I know that I have been hooked ever since. Her books are a total joy in the baking arts. Never stuffy or complicated, they are filled with straight forward, no nonsense great recipes and practical advice. I love them all.
Books by Nancy Silverton
Jacques Torres. I remember seeing Jacques’ show Dessert Circus on PBS and was hooked. Then he had his great show on Food Network and I was totally under his spell. His books offer all of his great techniques and advice and make it accessible to us home bakers.
Books by Jacques Torres
Maida Heatter. She is known as the doienne of desserts and just one glance through any one of her books and you will now way. Totally approachable and always just plain good fun to read. Many of her recipes became standards around my house.
Books by Maida Heatter
Gale Gand. I fell under Gales spell after watching her Food Network show “Sweet Dreams”. She has a totally infectious personality and she makes you just want to get into the kitchen and try her recipes. I especially like her small bites because they allow you to indulge without making a big cake or pie. Everyone should try these.
Books by Gale Gand
Collette Peters. I am totally in awe of Collette. I find myself buying her books just because they are by her. I don’t think I would ever have the nerve to attempt one of her elaborate creations but I love reading the books and looking at the pictures and just knowing that it is possible to create art out of cake. We can all dream.
Books by Collette Peters
Well, that is just a few of the bakers that I admire. There is also Dorie Greenspan, Mary Bergin, Carole Bloome, Cindy Mushett. The list goes on and on. I hope that if you aren’t familiar with some of these great bakers that you will look into some of their work and find inspiration for your own home baking.
