Atkinson, Catherine with Joanna Farrow and Valerie Barrett. The Cookie and Biscuit Bible.
Hermes House: London, 2009.
I love fat cookbooks that attempt to put everything under the sun in its pages. This one does just that.
Cooks argue all the time that there are two separate careers in the culinary world. One is either a cook or a baker. Cooks have their skill and expertise, and bakers their own. It is a shame that they are treated that way. Why not have a cook that can bake, or a baker that can cook? Is that even possible? Who’s to say that it’s not?
In my opinion, there is always something that can be learned from “the other side.” For all the cooks out there that cringe at the thought of greasing a baking pan or rolling out dough, fear no more. This little book compacts many different types of recipes categorized by occasion and type, because after all, what are cookies for but to celebrate? (I don’t necessarily need an occasion, but whatever floats your boat). I’ve actually never seen a list of recipes dedicated to “Dessert Cookies” or “Teatime Treats,” but it makes it so much easier to pick which one I want to try based on what I am going to use them for. There’s a hefty section of Brownies and Bars and Muffins and Scones, which can be cookbooks within themselves. I’ve earmarked No-bake Cookies for when I want something quick, and tagged Cookies for Special Diets when I have to cater to a friend’s needs. I appreciate that I can have one, central location where I can peruse anything baking related and come out with something delicious.
The best part about this book, as with all the books in this series, is that for each recipe there are pictures. PICTURES. I cannot fathom how a cookbook can help me when I do not even know what to expect. I admit that I do have a collection of those, and they serve their purpose, but to see certain steps and the finished product is essential. Especially when baking is not your forte. The authors have also made a point to give approximately 60 pages of the history of baking and tips on each style of cookie or treat. Methods are explained and baking terms are broken down into basic English. This is why I say anyone can bake if they wanted to, with the proper guide of course. And this cookbook is just it.
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