The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion: The All-Purpose Baking Cookbook Flexibound – October 15, 2012

I am a budding caterer specializing in wedding cakes and have a LOT of books on baking. As a self-taught baker, I love learning about different techniques and recipes and opinions on how to bake, construct and decorate cakes. I have books by Marth Stewart, Rose Levy Beranbaum and various lesser known bakers, all of whom offer gems of knowledge and techniques that I've put to good use. I also love various food blogs for relevant and creative recipes. However, this particular book, which I purchased based on reviews, SURPASSES THEM ALL.When it comes to baking, it all comes down to a good recipe, plain and simple, and this book delivers. The recipes are relatively simple and the results are outstanding. Unlike cooking, baking is like chemistry - instructions must be followed to the letter in order to have a successful cake. Rose's recipes are extremely complex, in my humble opinion, and I found the organization of the content in her books confusing. Martha has some good recipes but I value her books more for her decorative techniques which are exquisite.King Arthur's Flour Baker's Companion is an unassuming book, simply organized and very easy to understand. And the recipes are outstanding. EACH ONE HAS BEEN A MAJOR HIT. The carrot cake was moist and flavorful and amazing. The Chiffon cake was like biting into a sweet cloud from heaven. The Tres Leches cake was better than any I've ever had. And I'm Mexican! I don't know how they came up with such hits! They must have geniuses in the test kitchens.Moreover, these recipes are simple in that they THEY DON'T REQUIRE GREAT SKILL to put together. You don't have to break out the kitchen scale like with Rose's books. They are honest, understandable recipes. And there are so many of them! The content is organized very well. The index is great....I can't say enough good things about this book. Most recipes are preceeded by a succinct explanation of the origins of the cake or why certain ingredients work well together.Long story short: this book is a no-brainer. You will not be disappointed. Your friends and family will be very impressed with your creations (which you will modestly take credit for) and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have hundred's more recipes to try. Happy baking!

If you're a serious home baker, you need to have the King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion in your collection. Containing foolproof recipes, step-by-step guides, delicious variations, and numerous illustrations, it will walk you through simple baked goods such as pancakes to homemade pie crusts (not as scary or difficult as you might imagine), sourdough starters, Parisian pastries, and sweet and savory pies, tarts, and quiches perfect for any occasion.Please note that this King Arthur cookbook covers white flour recipes. If you're more interested in experimenting with healthier whole grains, then by all means pursue King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking: Delicious Recipes Using Nutritious Whole Grains. I actually purchased the whole grain book first, and then bought the Baker's Companion as a companion book.Winner of the prestigious James Beard Award, this is just as appropriate for a beginning baker as an experienced homemaker; numerous tips on metric conversions and European oven temperatures, yeast breads, and a very thorough ingredient glossary discussing various grains, types of wheat, and tools.As for the recipes, they're as simple or as challenging as you want to make them. Example: looking for a quick and easy pancake? No problem, try the Simple But Perfect Pancake. Looking for a more elegant presentation? Try the Lemon Ricotta Puff-Pancakes with Vanilla-Scented Sauce, Blinis, or Parisian Crepes. French toast, fried doughs, quick breads, muffins, scones and waffles are also discussed at length.Also included is a comprehensive chapter on crackers and flatbreads, cookies and bars, and cakes (including cheesecakes). Nutritional analyses are also included for each item (minus variations). Clear instructions and hints help make even first-time recipes (and bakers) foolproof.A wonderful housewarming gift, or a gift for yourself, The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion is a book that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.

I love this cookbook. It has a lot of info of baking, what is needed, from top to bottom. It isn't just full of recipes, but tips, info on measuring, types of grains, accessories in area such as pans, stoneware and much more. Lots and lots of recipes I can't wait to try out after Christmas.Is it perfect? Depends on what you want it for. A all-around cookbook for baking, yes, I would say if not then close to it. For specific baking, such as breads? It is lacking in some areas. As I am learning, baking bread is more than just mix some flour, yeast, water, salt and some sugar and stick it into the oven. There is much, much, much more. And some of that is covered, but not as much as should be. Steaming is a area that is missed and it is important. Many breads need steam in the oven, you need to take a lame and score many different breads, in a specific way depending on the bread, and put steam in the oven when you first put the dough in to bake. I use a foil pan with a soaking wet kitchen towel to add steam and am learning how to score the bread so the crust can split and be airy, not dense. You want to get into just bread baking buy the Bread Baker's Apprentice here on Amazon, it is extremely helpful for those who want to bake mainly bread.This would be a great wedding gift for a new couple, for someone who has decided they want to make food instead of carryout of fast food. Even those who may have lost their cookbooks in floods, fires, or other would appreciate this as a gift. I would highly recommend this book, I wish I had bought it years ago.