Pondering on Life

5 Cookbooks For People Who Would Rather Be Baking

July 31, 2013

Why aren’t baking cookbooks called ‘bakebooks’? Yeah, I don’t know why either. But here are my top 5 cookbooks for people who would rather be baking than cooking.

The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman. Deb has brilliantly created a book bible full of tantalizing recipes, stunning photographs, and humorous stories—the perfect cookbook trifecta. A great accompaniment to her fantastic blog, this book is a definite must-have for any baker.
Baking Out Loud: Fun Desserts with Big Flavors by Hedy Goldsmith. I mostly love this book because of Hedy. By watching her on TV and reading her writing you can tell she’s an eclectic riot and a blast to hang out and bake with. The recipes and amazing photography is just an added bonus.
Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza by Ken Forkish. Interested in baking bread? This is the only book you’ll ever need.
Joy the Baker Cookbook: 100 Simple and Comforting Recipes by Joy Wilson. Love this little lady. Her way with words will make you smile from ear to ear. Her desserts aren’t too shabby either! (Understatement.)
Bouchon Bakery by the famous Thomas Keller of The French Laundry. Your bakebook shelf won’t be complete without this classic gem.

Bonus #6: We can’t leave out my very own The Dollop Book of Frosting: Sweet and Savory Icings, Spreads, Meringues, and Ganaches for Dessert and Beyond. While the above 5 cookbooks hold the keys to baking brilliance, The Dollop Book of Frosting holds the key to topping your baked masterpieces! And really, what’s dessert unless it’s topped off with frosting? Enjoy!