The Clueless Baker : Baking from Scratch

I just love this book, so much fun to read and easy to do recipes, although I am an experienced baker who doesn't need a little fun in their lives. I bought clueless baking and cooking for my granddaughter to enjoy with me.

Well, for starters, anyway. Raab includes a recipe for anything you can really think of. When I need to whip something up quickly, I turn to this book because it's simple, has no obscure ingredients, and everything comes out good. She writes it really well, and there are important tips throughout the book. Although I have quite a collection of baking cookbooks, I always turn to this (and Betty Crocker, of course). This is a definite must-have.

I love this book! My little brother came over for the holidays and he baked dessert for the family. He kept my copy, and I had to order a new one. It's a great book for teenagers and it really helps those that are just learning to cook. If you combine this book with the Clueless book for cooking, then you have a great going off to college gift.

I moved recently...which included 17 boxes of cookbooks. So I know cookbooks. Baking in particular is my passion. I'm pleased that my daughter is walking in my footsteps as I purchased "The Clueless Baker" on her recommendation! The traditional favorite recipes in this book are clear, easy to follow, and most importantly very yummy. You'll find they are the flavors that you have been searching for years to find. And your baking efforts will send your dining guests and even the hardest family critic into a swoon of taste sensations.

Most books that are geared towards teens and younger people tend to come off sounding cheesy, like the author is trying too hard to be "hip." However, Evelyn Raab is the real deal-- she explains her recipies in a detailed (but never condescending) way, with troubleshooting guides at the end of each chapter. Her style is instantly likable, with a laid-back jokiness not found in the vast majority of cookbooks. I have a terrible habit of reading cookbooks but never making anything. This book will give you the confidence to try your hand at yeasted breads, pastries, cakes, pies, or whatever you feel like baking. Until now the only breads I've made have been in a bread machine, but I just made a challah (egg) bread (braided, no less!) and it came out terrific. These clear, simple, and sometimes impressive-looking recipes can be easily followed and made by anyone. Quick and yeasted breads, gingerbread house instructions, chocolate "lava" cakes, muffins, cookies, dog biscuits, pies, baklava, fruit pies, glazed cakes, and all sorts of cookies have easy-to-find ingredients and are 'rooting for you' to try to make them. I can't imagine anyone not loving this book!