This is a book for people who love baking. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, there is something for everyone. For me, baking is a joy; it is the creative and fun side of cooking. What would life be without the occasional wicked treat? That treat is even more delicious when you have created it yourself in your own kitchen.
I believe that for baking to be a success, you have to be relaxed, in control, have more than enough time and … have all of your ingredients at hand. We have all been in that position, of being halfway through a recipe when you realise one of the ingredients is missing. A mad dash to the grocery store follows and the end result is usually disappointing. I can’t stress strongly enough how important it is to use the best and freshest ingredients. Always check the product’s expiry date – especially with baking. It is a chemical process and freshness really does matter.
Remember that not all cakes are always a success. If you have a disaster, be creative and turn it into something else. Create a trifle or an ice cream, or come up with your own take on Eton mess.
I planned this book to be one that could be used throughout the course of the day and year. It starts with breakfast and ends with Christmas. There is a chapter on preserves and other home-made goodies that the regular baker would want to have in their pantry and there is even something for the kids.
The book is called For the love of baking – so whoever you are, however much you do or don’t bake – take the book into your kitchen and have fun! I hope after using this book you will all love baking as much as I do.