United Cakedom: Warm Bread and honey cake by Gaitri Pagrach-Chandra {book review}

I was researching baking books, my favorite pastime, and came across Warm Bread and honey cake by Gaitri Pagrach-Chandra. Never heard of the author or the book. So, I went to the first place I always go: Culinaria Libris written by fellow blogger Gretchen. She reviews cookbooks of all kinds so it’s a no wonder I visit her blog often! Basically whenever I come across a book I don’t know about I search her blog! Off her recommendation I bought this book along with Gaitri Pagrach-Chandra’s second, more recent book Sugar & Spice (review to come at a later date). I was not disappointed!

I think what I like most about this book are the stories about the origins of some of the treats in this book. Along with which country or area makes it best! This was one of those cookbooks I toted around with me so I could read it whenever I had a free moment. It kept me awake at night as I thought about visiting all these amazing places that make these amazing things!

There is a huge variety in this lovely book so it I think it would please many people with different tastes and different skill levels! Chapters are broken down into Flatbreads; Yeast Breads, Cakes, and Rolls; Cakes & Cake-Making this chapter has sub groups dividing cakes into fruit, spice, chocolate, nut, coconut, and other; Small Cakes, Pastries, & Savouries; Leaf & Thread Pastries. Each chapter begins with what ingredients and tools you may need to make the treats in that particular chapter. Which I thought was useful.

Here is a list of the stuff I want to make:

Flaky Indian Flatbread: Paratha

Coconut Milk Bread

Fruit Loaf

Sweet Brown Sugar Pretzels or Coils

Pineapple Tart (picture on cover)

Layered “Drunken” Apple Cake (picture)

Fresh Cherry Cake

Spice Cake Stuffed with Almond Paste (picture)

Traditional Sachertorte

Swiss Walnut and Toffee Pie

Gerbeaud Slices

Coconut Cake

Coconut and Cassava Pudding

Mango Cheesecake (picture)

Almond Paste Rounds

Chocolate and Pistachio Sandwich Biscuits

Pine Tarts

Classic Baklava

Bird’s Eyes

Almond Flutes

That is one of the longest lists I have ever made for a book review! The only little grip I have is... useless pictures. I am not one of those people who need pictures of every single recipe and I don’t mind a few artistic pictures of things that have to do with baking. However I do not understand having a picture of flour dusting pastry or whipped egg whites… especially if the photography isn't that great and it looks like a blank page. Weird. It’s my only gripe and it doesn't take away from the content. Therefore I would still recommend this book to avid bakers who like to travel and who like classic baking that has a bit of history!