Baking for the Holidays: 50+ Treats for a Festive Season

On the one hand, it felt a little weird to read a book about holiday baking less than a week after a historic, record-setting heat wave in the Pacific Northwest. On the other hand, reading the book and thinking about winter was a blessed mental break and reminder that weather will, in fact, grow colder (and I’ll one day have to turn on my heater again, though it is not this day!). Autumn is hands down my favorite season; it kicks off allllll the baking goodness I love, not to mention the glorious kitchen smells (and free residual oven heat to warm my apartment, if I’m honest). I happily daydream of and anticipate Thanksgiving and Christmas, listen to Christmas music, and visit Hobby Lobby for #allthehomedecor shopping. So reading Baking for the Holidays gave me a sneak peek of that in July (Christmas in July, anyone?!)–and I loved it on all the levels. (Oh, sorry, let me keep on with the hashtagging–#allthelevels.) This cookbook, focused on my favorite time of year and favorite things to eat, is utterly glorious, from the photography to the sheer ideas it gets me itching to start on (if only the oven wouldn’t heat things up before I want it to!). And the stories Kieffer includes are so very relatable and entertaining, bringing back many a childhood memory as I read. (Plus, anyone that favorably mentions Amy Grant’s Christmas albums is all right in my book. And book quotes scattered throughout?! I think I’ve found a kindred spirit.) Classic recipes (Cinnamon rolls! Streusel coffee cake!) appear alongside fresh takes and trendy-ish ingredients (Nutella star bread–and who can go wrong with the beautiful pattern it makes?!–and Meyer lemon-white chocolate scones!). And the season doesn’t get much more festive, food-wise, than with the white cake with cranberries and white chocolate buttercream; its incorporation of rosemary-sprig garnish truly elevates it. And, this may be the cookbook that finally gets me to try Nutella, haha. I love that the book includes tips and tricks for early prep, as well; we all know how crazy the hols can get, and anywhere we can save ourselves time and/or angst is always appreciated. A true feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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Me gusto el contenido, trae muchas recetas que desconocía, compre los dos libros de la autora y los dos me encantaron

My book just arrived today and wow. Not only do I love the look of the recipes themselves, the tips provided, but also way the recipes are introduced to the baker (the story telling). I was also impressed that the author Sarah, and her publishers cared enough to provide measurements that covered all corners of the world, imperial cup and that of metric weight measurements. Just need to decide on my first bake.

I am so glad that I ordered this book because the recipes are unique and I love the layout and pictures. Many of the recipes you can't find them in other baking books. I am going to buy Sarah Kieffer's 100 Cookie cookbook too because I know there will be lots of cookie recipes that are one of a kind inside