The Dessert Bible

In his newest book, The Dessert Bible, Christopher Kimball has given us much more than a collection of mouthwatering recipes. He has provided the reader with an all-encompassing source of information about the best way to create desserts. I always feel confident that my baking will come out right the first time because Kimball has done all the testing for me. He doesn't only tell you how to do it, he tells you how not to do it. The book is cleverly organized into easy to understand dessert categories, with useful hints throughout. The result is that one ends up with a real understanding of the baking process. It is this no-nonsense approach that makes The Dessert Bible a must for the inexperienced and serious baker.

The next time someone asks "What's for dessert?" you will answer with enthusiasm and confidence. The Dessert Bible is a clearly written hefty 400 page cookbook. Hints and tips for every stage of making and assembling a dessert make this the dessert cookbook I rely on exclusively. No longer do I waste precious time checking through several cookbooks comparing one recipe against another unable to visualize what I'm aiming for. Christopher Kimball allows you to see at a glance exactly what is required and when. I found inserts on food history, ingredient comparisons, equipment, and answers to the "how come?" of chemical reaction between acid foods and stabilizers. The presentation of each recipe is easy to follow and accomplish, guaranteeing success for cooks at any level. The Dessert Bible was a gift to me and I have bought copies to be given as holiday, hostess, house-warming, bridal shower and wedding gifts.

I have had The Dessert Bible for a number of weeks now, and have meant to write a review for at least as long, but each time I sit down with the book to gather my thoughts, I get lost once again in the crisp writing, the tips, and the odd bits of knowledge and inside information that Christopher Kimball provides along with his excellent recipes. This book is terrific simply to sit down and read for pleasure and edification (how can I resist such things as Case # 48 on beating egg whites, entitled "Better Whipping Through Chemistry"?), but it is also great for hands-on cooking. I am not a very accomplished cook, and not a particularly brilliant baker, but the recipes I have tried from this book have come out really well, without the pain and angst than I might have thought necessary. In part this is due to the fact that the recipes (delicious) have been thoroughly tested and improved upon, in part it is due to the general guidance provided by the author, and the theory he offers to support his practices and methods; I find knowing how and why things work or don't contributes to my sense of confidence in cooking, and especially in making desserts, which is for me esspecially daunting. I particularly love the charts detailing his experiment results, and the "What Can Go Wrong?" sections, and I find the drawings and illustrations of techniques to be a welcome relief from posed pictures of beautiful food that taunt one with their perfection!This is an excellent dessert cookbook, aptly named a "bible," and it would make an inspired Christmas present for a thoughtful, creative person, regardless of his or her talent in the kitchen. Highly recommend it.

Well, Chris Kimball has done it again! As I own all of Kimball's books, I have been anxiously awaiting for this one, and it has not disappointed me. This cookbook is wonderful for all ranges of cooks - beginner to gourmet. He takes the time to explain why he uses certain ingredients and processes - which is fascinating reading for both the above. I especially enjoy the WHAT CAN GO WRONG? section in this book. With everyone so busy these days, these additional warnings are much appreciated. This dessert cookbook has all my favorite recipes - from simple bar cookies to lemon curd cheesecake.There is something for everyone. This book is on my son's Christmas list, as he also loves Kimball's books. He enjoys all the explanations, uses and ratings of cooking equipment from pans to mixers. This book is a must for every cook and should be added to everyone's Christmas Wish List!