The Baking Bible

Beranbaum, a veteran cookbook author and baker, divides this worthy tome into four sections: Cakes; Pies, Tarts, and Other Pastries; Cookies and Candy; Breads and Yeast Pastries. All recipes include weights and volume for ingredients, and the author’s “Golden Rules” give readers essential baking information, such as why one should always use fresh baking powder and high-quality unsalted butter. “Highlights for Success” boxes are filled with inventive and helpful tips including freezing berries on branches. Classic recipes—think pumpkin pecan pie—are aplenty, but first-time recipes and unusual selections such as the author’s Pink Pearl Lady Cake, Cadillac Café’s milk chocolate bread pudding, and an Amish BlueRhu pie make this title a must-have gem. (Nov.)