Baking Style: Art, Aroma, Expression

Yockelson (Baking by Flavor) has built her collection of 200 recipes on "essays that offer a magnifying-glass look at a particular baking recipe%E2%80%94its design, reasons for interest, and composition." Whimsically titled chapters%E2%80%94 including "dreamyregal," "plainold-fashioned," "polishedsophisticated," and "lushexuberant"%E2%80%94begin with well-penned anecdotes and personal recollections connected to recipes, and move on to detailed recipes, including extensive notes, that range from cakes and cookies to breads, muffins, and scones. The author's "personal storybook" and "how-to scrapbook" include an extensive primer on ingredients, process, and baking terminology, preparing new bakers for such enticing recipes as "An Aristocratic Raisin Bread" and "When Chocolate Chip Cookies Go Butterscotch." Yockelson's experience and passion for baking is evident in her 100 essays, and her careful explanations and insights into the baking process prevents the title from feeling gimmicky. Her willingness to share her own baking disasters%E2%80%94while leading others through carefully tested, tried-and-true recipes%E2%80%94makes this the perfect tome for beginning and experienced bakers alike. (Sept.)