We look forward to books from Sur la Table with eager anticipation. The recipes are cleanly written and reliable, but they are also the epitome of elegance, the pride of the table, and perfect when we want to give a gift from the kitchen that looks like a pro was at work. In So Sweet, Sur la Table has gathered recipes for our favorite cookies, cupcakes, whoopie pies, and some amazing baked, not deep-fried doughnuts. So Sweet is a baker's delight, and also a wonderful gift book for those who are seasoned bakers or those timidly venturing forward. In addition to the delightful recipes, So Sweet offers suggestions for variations, as well as decorating tips to make your sugary treats look professional. If you can't decide what you love most, try them all, and work through the book one cookie, one cupcake at a time.
Start with cookies and find recipes for varieties of cookie shapes and flavors. Start with a cookie such as Oatmeal Cookies that are crisp at the edges, soft in the center, and plump with dried sour cherries. Or make crisp Sugar Cookies or Smile Cookies, a sure favorite with children. In this chapter also find recipes such as classic Peanut Butter Thumbprints with Peanut Caramel, Chocolate Mint Brownies with White Chocolate Chunks, Cappuccino Biscotti, Tuiles, Lemon Bars, and Raspberry Cherry Bars. Cookies take many shapes
If you are entranced by cupcakes (who isn't?), you'll find such recipes as Boston Cream Cupcakes, Chocolate Mint Cupcakes, Coconut Rum Raisin Cupcake, Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple-Cream Cheese Frosting.
Baked doughnuts are far healthier than the traditionally deep-fried doughnuts. And they are simpler to make. Try Nutmeg Puff Doughnuts, or Maple and Bacon Doughnuts, and then move on to Blueberry Buttermilk Doughnuts, or Lemon Poppy Seed Doughnuts.
The origin of Whoopie pies is debated. Some say the Amish invented them, others say that they belong to the East coast in general. No one debates the taste of whoopie pies, however, and you will find recipes such as Bananas Foster Whoopie Pies, Kahlua and Cream Whoopie Pies, Key Lime Whoopie Pies, the all-time favorite Red Velvet Whoopie Pies. There is advice on freezing and defrosting, as well as how to make a double batch.
This is a compact book, perfect to give as a gift, or full of delights to bake and then give as holiday cheer. There are color photographs throughout to guide the eye.
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