Favorite Baking Books

[artisansweets]

I'm getting the urge to buy a new book (let's face it, I always have that urge). Already I have a large collection but I would love to have some recommendations. What are some the favorites pastry/baking books?

[cakerookie]

Wayne Gisslens books are good. Bo Fribergs 2 books the Professional or Advanced Pastry Chef are 2 more good ones. All of Rose Levy Beranbaums books are good. Just depends on what you are looking for.

Rgds Rook

[artisansweets]

Thanks for the reply. I am looking for that has more than just recipes; that teaches the science behind the recipes. Something kind along the lines of the book, How to Bake.
Those are all good recommendations. I have Wayne Gisslen's Professional Baking. And I also have most of Rose Levy's books. I have heard good things about Bo as he taught a former co-worker of mine.

[mudbug]

Anything by Pierre Herme.

[Blueicus]

I enjoy the clinical and methodical approach of textbooks, so I find the CIA Baking and Pastries textbook to be very useful as it covers a wide variety of subjects and has pretty good glossary, sample recipes, and explanations.

[Z~BESTUS]

ARTISTANSWEETS:
Good Day to you. If you some patience, Shirley Corriher The baking science book writer & teacher & lecturer has written a new book called "BAKEWISE". It is not in stores as of yet but will soon be. Simply check it out with your local Borders book store for when they will recieve it. Enjoy the rest of the day.

~Z~BESTUS.

[artisansweets]

I've heard that. I can't wait. I love CookWise. Any idea when BakeWise is coming out? That is exactly the type of book I am looking for.

[Mikeb]

If you can read french, "ph10" by Pierre Hermé. Blows away all his other books, as well as every other pastry book I've seen. Doesn't have many classic desserts, it's all quite modern.

[cakerookie]

Originally Posted by Z~BESTUS

ARTISTANSWEETS:
Good Day to you. If you some patience, Shirley Corriher The baking science book writer & teacher & lecturer has written a new book called "BAKEWISE". It is not in stores as of yet but will soon be. Simply check it out with your local Borders book store for when they will recieve it. Enjoy the rest of the day.

~Z~BESTUS.

Definitely a good choice!

Rgds Rook

Harold McGees book On Food and Cooking will also help you.

[siduri]

Hi Artisansweets,
this is my first post here. I just got a book by Rose Beranbaum, The Cake Bible, and it's the best i've ever used. Very carefully described recipes, well researched, and it walked me through a very difficult first wedding cake and it was great. But maybe you have it already?

[eldestruct0]

I just picked up a new book called The Secrets of Baking by Sherry Yard and I am enjoying it so far. Not only recipies but techniques and some of the science behind baking.

[artisansweets]

re: cake bible suggestion. I love this book. I have it and have found it very useful.
re: secrets of baking. Funny you should suggest that one. Sherry was my chef last year. I worked with her for a year then moved back to Washington State shortly before I had my baby boy. I was able to help her with her upcoming book while working at Spago. I do have to agree, although I am a bit biased, I think her book is great. It's clean, simple yet describes a bit of the science to aid in trouble shooting. Plus her style is so fun it helps you enjoy the baking process.
I was just in L.A. last week visiting Sherry and my former co-workers at Spago. While I was there I picked up "Understanding Baking" and "Molecular Gastronomy" I am excited to read them... I can start as soon as I finish this weeks wedding cake.
Thanks for all the great suggestions!!