James McNair's Cakes - Softcover

McNair, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0811817687 ISBN 13: 9780811817684

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 1999

Synopsis

Cookbook virtuoso James McNair needs no introduction. Author of more than two dozen perennial favorites, he's sold over three million copies of his books. He is also the recipient of an International Association of Culinary Professionals Award of Excellence. Now with James McNair's Cakes, the newest addition to his much-loved series, McNair offers a fresh look at an old-fashioned favorite. All of the classic components of cake baking are here: angel food and devil’s food, butter layer cakes, chiffons and sponges, pound cake, and upside-down cake; each presented complete with James's own unique variations. Some were gleaned from his grandmothers' secret recipes; others reflect current food trends and innovations. By coupling the cakes with a rich selection of frostings, fillings, glazes, and decorations, home bakers can easily create their own irresistible combinations. Shown in mouthwatering color photographs, these are cakes that even a novice can bake and decorate with confidence, plus a couple of showstoppers for special occasions that will tempt accomplished bakers to go the extra mile. When it comes time to bake that special treat, James McNair’s Cakes is the cake book to turn to.

Check out all of James McNair's Chronicle cookbooks!

About this title

About the Author:

James McNair -- one of America's most innovative cookbook authors -- is also the photographic designer, prop and food stylist, and book designer for his bestselling single-subject series.

Review:

In terms of down-home appeal, James McNair's Cakes can't be beat. Reading this book feels like nothing so much as sitting around a Formica kitchen table, swapping recipes for a church supper or a ladies' lunch. While McNair knows how to dazzle (check out the Molten Chocolate Babycakes garnished with gold leaf), it is the generous way he reinvents the classics—spiking a carrot cake with preserved ginger, and laying caramelized bananas atop a crème fraîche-enriched bananas Foster cake—that wins the heart and makes us eager to revisit old favorites.

 

 

 

 

About this edition

• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0811817687
• ISBN 13: 9780811817684
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 132