Williams-Sonoma Essentials of Baking: Recipes and Techniques for Succcessful Home Baking

I got the first edition of this book from the library and rushed to buy it...only to find that WS had revised it. The addition of the Chocolate chapter won me over instantly. I have made at least five recipes from each chapter.They work. And not only that: they work well.For example, I made the Classic Pumpkin Pie recipe for Thanksgiving a few weeks ago and people actually asked me where they could buy one (the pie, not the book). If I hadn't already proven myself to be a *fantastic* baker, no one would have believed I had made it. Yes, it was that good.The Brioche is unbelievable (and believe them when they say you will be Huffing and Puffing if you do it by hand).The Chocolate Meringues melt in your mouth. As does the Chocolate Shortbread.As if that wasn't enough, the photographs (a must in my opinion; who wants a cookbook without photos) are sublime. The only thing better than this book is the WS website (where they have tons of free recipes).But for me, what does it is the information. How much does a cookbook tell about the recipes? ingredients? equipment? WS starts every chapter with a brief backstory, including photographs of techniques and "This Is How It Looks When You've Done It Wrong". I love the way they give you instructions for hand-mixing, mixer-mixing (hand or stand) and/or food processor (where appropriate). The recipes are in volume and weight (if this matters to you) and the ingredients are neither wildly expensive (like Barefoot Contessa) nor WS "exclusives" (like sometimes happens with King Arthur Flour).I think this book is geared towards mid-level home-bakers who want a book of recipes they can trust, a good blend of standards (blueberry muffins) and special occasion recipes (Black Forest Cake), with some instruction for tackling new-to-them trickier areas like pastry. If you're more of a serious yes-but-HOW/WHY-does-to-work? baker, try The Secrets of Baking: Simple Techniques for Sophisticated Desserts

If you don't know much about the terms used in baking I would strongly recommend this book as it gives detailed information. There are several of the receipts that I want to make for Christmas and thank you gifts. I have to warn you anything that taste, as good as, these receipts is not for "health nuts". This is the type of food I was raised on. I am 71 years old and even though I try to eat healthy I still eat things from the past and if it is made at home from scratch; it just might not be all that bad for you. Personally, I love this book and if you love to bake I think you will too. It is well illustrated with pictures of everything so you know what it looks like before and when finished. Happy baking.

I bought this book from Amazon Prime, "new". The book had obviously been used as there was dirt smudges on a few pages and the binding was loose as well as a huge dent at the top of the book. The box was not damaged so it came that way.Ordered another "new" book from Amazon prime and this one was worse than the previous book.Very disappointed. The sellers even had 97% and 99% good feedback.I'm afraid Amazon's quality has gone down.The book it's self is alright.

One of my absolute favorite baking books. I've never had a recipe fail me from Williams Sonoma. It's wonderfully detailed and has basic instructions at the beginning for everything. There are additional small tips randomly along the way depending on the recipe requirements. What I loved as a broke teenager (when I first got it many years ago) is that it didn't assume you owned a stand mixer. It has side by side instructions for people with and without stand mixer.I do not recommend this for people that love overly sugary desserts. These are beautifully subtle recipes that are still full of flavor. If that makes sense...

By far the best baking book I have owned in a long time. When it comes to the recipes and content of this book, the baked goods turn out as expected with minimal need to adjust the ratios or ingredients. If one is looking to get started in baking and would like to have some simple, everyday recipes this is the book I would recommend. It is a shame that it is out of print today, but one should definitely obtain a copy before they are all gone.

Such a nice variety of recipes. This author does it up right. Will be using this cookbook a lot. You will too! Thank you for the fast service and great condition.

You know, I wish I had the time to delve into this cookbook more. This is a great book with very serious recipes, like how to make pretty much any fancy dough from scratch, with hours of work and pounds of butter. Danish pastry, croissants, pie crust, biscuits. These are the real deal, it's just you can see why true baking is an art form, and why people might shun carbs. :) if you need basics of baking instruction, you need this book, because it is very thorough.

Enriches knowledge of baking. Easy and clear recipes to followed. Pizza recipes outstanding!Best baking instructions!

Lots of great, easy to follow recipes. Only made a couple but they've turned out alright

I bought this book simply because I read some of its customers reviews and became curious about it - why would it be so good? After I received it it became clear that this is one of those huge books that we all should have in our bookshelves. I loved it even before having the opportunity to try one of it's recipes.

Fantastic all round baking book.

Good puchase!!

Lo compré por recomendación, y aunque aún no he podido hacer ninguna receta parece un libro muy completo, con muchas explicaciones y fotografías, y un amplio recetario. No parece que use ingredientes extraños o difíciles de encontrar

Un clásico que merece la pena tener en casa.sólo he probado un par de recetas de momento, pero funcionan. Y aunque esté en inglés se entiende con relativa facilidad.

Me encanta el libro. Tiene mogollón de recetas todas con unas fotos estupendas y muy bien explicado. Todo tiene una pinta excelente y la edición es muy buena.

Muy buen estado.

Not the best recipe book on baking out there but it’s got some classic recipes and is well suited for a beginner

My mother saw this book at someone's house while on holiday in Morocco. All she could remember was that 'noma' was in the name of the author. Took me a while but I found it. She confirmed it was the right one when I showed her the front cover. I ordered it. It arrived on time. Well packaged. And from what I understand, mum's been baking up a storm ever since I gave it to her!!! Dad's thrilled so thank you.

Un libro que no puede faltar para sorprender a amigos y que contiene muy buenas recetas para todo momento. Excelente!

great book

Many people recommend this cookbook for me ,and i think is worth to purchase cause of it cover all basic baking and good trick in this book.