Jane's Patisserie by Jane Dunn {Cookbook Review}

Once upon a time I collected cookbooks and baking books like they were going out of style. Then I moved and had to take a serious look at the over flowing shelves, there was a cull and a lot of them were re-homed to loving friends and family who take good care of them. To keep myself from being in that position again I stopped buying new cookbooks as I had enough with all the recipes I could ever want and I mean the internet, right? 

But I broke my many year cookbook buying ban for this one. Having been an avid fan and recipe tester (unofficially) of Jane's Patisserie blog there was nothing that was going to stop me from buying this book with 60 new and exclusive fan-requested recipes! 

It's got everything you could ever want bake - cheesecakes, cakes, cupcakes/muffins, cookies, breads/doughnuts, tray bakes, desserts, tea time treats, and a chapter on sweets! Whenever I review a cookbook I always list a few of the recipes I cannot wait to try so here are 10 recipes waiting to be made in my kitchen: 

No-Bake Speculoos Cheesecake

Baked Brownie Bottom Chocolate Cheesecake

Death by Chocolate Cake

White Chocolate & Pistachio Cupcakes

Banoffee Cupcakes

Chocolate Viennese Whirls

Chocolate Cherry Babka

Salted Caramel Pretzel Slice

Caramel Apple Crumble Pie

Irish Cream Liqueur Fudge

This book is tailored for the home baker at any level the instructions are easy to follow and the ingredients easy enough to find at any local supermarket and/or corner store. Having already attempted the Death by Chocolate Cake and having great success and a friend who make the Sticky Toffee Brownies also with great success and praise from those fortunate enough to try them I think it's safe to say that for me this book has found a permanent space on my shelf. 

And because the world loves videos - I made a quick tiktok flipping through the book if you want an insider view of it! Of course you can also visit Jane's Patisserie blog if you wanted to try out some of her other recipes! 

*I purchased this book (from The Works) all opinions are my own.

@lisa_unitedcakedom A look inside Jane's Patisserie cookbook by Jane Dunn *not an ad I purchased my copy from The Works UK #janespatisserie #blogger #cookbook #cookbooksarebookstoo #cookbookreview #bakingbookworm #bakingbook #CapCut ♬ Happy Day - Ardy'Dc

Coconut & Lemon Bakewell (recipe review) Inspired by Soul of Cinder by Bree Barton

Soul of Cinder by Bree Barton is the third instalment of the trilogy that started with Heart of Thorns and followed by Tears of Frost. Soul of Cinder picks up right where Tears of Frost left off with Mia and Pilar on another journey, but not really sure of where they are going. What they do know is that after having just found each other the worst thing would be to lose the other one, but it's hard to support someone when you are still trying to figure out what it is you need or want. 

The whole series is a journey of these amazing characters over coming hardships and set backs only to finally grow into who they were always meant to be. People who can make real change in a really messed up world. I don't know what else to say without giving anything away that happens in the previous books! All I can say is that I highly recommend this series, it has some really good twists and although set in a fantasy setting is one of the most real series I have read in a while.*

On to the the Coconut and Lemon Bakewell in Soul of Cinder when Mia and Pilar arrive in this new land one of the first things they expreience is a lemon coconut.

Where the image of what this hybrid fruit would look like, in my head, is still inclusive it didn't take much of a stretch to know what it would taste like and that I would have immediately thought of all the things I could bake with it!!

I finally settled on a Coconut & Lemon Bakewell Tart! I do live in England and a Bakewell Tart is a classic so why not? I found this recipe in John Whaite Bakes by John Whaite winner of The Great British Bake Off season 3! For this recipe you will need time to make the pastry as it needs to rest before baking so if time is an issue you could make the pastry dough the night before. 

Short Crust Pastry: 

250g plain flour
125g salted butter, cubed
1 large egg
cold water

1 egg white, beaten (you need the yolk so keep it!)

- In a bowl rub the flour and butter together with your hands until it resembles bread crumbs. You want to do this quick as not to allow the heat from your hands melt the butter to much. Add the egg and 1 tsp of water and bring the pastry dough together. Add water sparingly if needed until the mixture comes together. Knead gently for just a moment before wrapping in baking paper and resting in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Roll out the pastry, line your 10 inch/25cm loose bottomed tart tin with pastry pressing it into the grooves and trimming the edges off. Don't forget to prick the base with a fork and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. 

Make the filling(s)

frangipane filling: 

175g unsalted butter, room temp

175g golden caster sugar

4 large eggs

85g desiccated coconut 

90g ground almonds

1 tbsp plain flour

zest of 2 lemons

Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and mix until just combined, then fold in the coconut, almonds, flour and zest. The mixture looks a bit funny, but trust me it's okay! Fill a piping bag with the mixture and put to the side. 

lemon curd filling:

150g lemon curd

1 egg yolk

Mix the lemon curd with the egg yolk and set aside. 

continue: Preheat the oven to 190C or 170C fan. Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beads or rice or whatever it is you use and bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Then remove from the oven and take away the baking beads and blind bake for 12 minutes. After that take the pastry out and brush over the egg white, it helps avoid a soggy bottom and pop into he oven for another minute! 

Let the pastry cool slightly before layering first the lemon curd mixture and then carefully pipe on the frangipane filling. I smoothed mine out before popping into the oven for 30-35 minutes. It should be golden brown and slightly wobbly when it comes out of the oven. Allow to cool completely before icing!

for the icing:

250g icing sugar

2 tbsp of water 

desiccated coconut and lemon zest to top

Mix the icing sugar and water together it should become a pourable but thick icing. If need be add a little more water but add it little by little so it doesn't become too runny. Top with coconut and lemon zest! 

Soul Cinder by Bree Barton is out now!!! I bought my own copy all opinions are my own. I made a recipe inspired by the first book in the series Heart of Thorns! That can be found here!! 

*Please note the series does delve into sexual assault and depression. 

John Whaite Bakes is an old book and I was sent it to review back in 2013 when it was published, but besides the book I did not receive any other compensation. It is a great book and have made several recipes from it! Full review of the book is here!! 

Pescan: A feel good cookbook by Abbie Cornish & Jacqueline King Schiller {cookbook review}

When the publishers wrote to me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing a copy of Pescan, I responded right away with a a yes of course! Having experienced a vegan lifestyle, but not being able to maintain it after the month, I have been looking for alternative ways to try and get back to a plant based diet.

The authors best friends and they share a love of food and wellness and from that came what they call "pescan." Which is essentially dairy-free, plant-based, and gluten free but with options of high-protein seafood and eggs incorporated.

The book gives us each of the author's story anyhow they got to this book. They also give us a guide on how to feel good in the kitchen, the pescan lifestyle, and stocking your kitchen with all the good things.

Then the rest of the chapters get into the recipes. The first chapter covers the basics and batch cooking then it continues with breakfast, eggs, soups and salads, beans and grains, pizza and pasta, seafood, party food, and last but never least dessert. The book ends with a section called gatherings which includes menu plans for different events and gatherings.

Recipes I have already tagged to try out: 

Everyday Magic Beans
Blended Vanilla Iced Mocha
PB&J Overnight Oats
Curried Tofu Scramble
Banana Pancakes with Cardamom Spiced Berries
Quinn's Breakfast Cookies
Lobster, Corn, and Caramelized Leek Frittata
Creamy Truffle Mushroom Soup
The Happy Hippy Quinoa Salad
California Dream Burgers
Lemon-Pea Risotto with Mint
Fiesta Veggie Rice
Pesto Zucchini (courgette) Noodles with Cannellini Beans and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Mushroom Lasagna with Pesto
Italian-style Grilled Halibut
Spicy Buffalo Tofu Fingers with Avocado Ranch Dressing
High-Protein Black Bean Brownies

There are so many more recipes to choose from and not only that it has a wealth of information on how to cook basic things so you can play and make your meal time your own. And in my opinion that is the sign of a great cookbook.

This book offers something for everyone. It's great for people who want to avoid dairy or gluten, but it's not just for them. There are some fantastic ideas and flavor combinations and I really can't wait to try the recipes out!

*I was provided a copy of Pescan: A feel good cookbook by Abbie Cornish & Jacqueline King Schiller to review by the publisher, abrams&chronicle books, retails at £21.99 and available now on Amazon! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page for more information.

My Top 5 Vegan or Plant Based Cookbooks (Veganuary)

There are many different reasons someone might want to be a Vegan, a term that was coined not all that long ago for people who don't eat anything that comes from an animal; some vegans even cover everyday products as well. But a group of them got together and said hey let's make January Veganuary, let's give people the information that shows how being vegan can benefit you and the world, and let's show them how it's not all that hard! 

That isn't what this post is all about and as I am a newbie to this Vegan stuff and honestly probably not all that qualified to give it. If you are looking for more of that information veganuary.com is a good place to start. 

This post is to show the four new cookbooks I picked up and one I already had living on my shelf. I don't need much of an excuse to buy a new cookbook, but I think learning to cook and eat a plant based diet is a pretty good one! 

The first two books I picked up were Bosh! and Feed Me Vegan for All Occasions, shortly followed by a much recommended book The Green Roasting Tin and then of course Leon's newly released Fast Vegan. It's early days, but I have already tried a few recipes from the these books as well as read them almost cover to cover .... only picked up Fast Vegan a couple days ago. 

Bosh! 

by Henry Firth & Ian Theasby 

- At first glance you wouldn't even know this book was plant based the recipes are all ones you probably recognise! It isn't until you look closer you see the differences and by differences I mean one glaringly obvious difference and one slightly less so. There isn't any meat in any of the recipes, but more so there isn't any dairy. There are dairy substitutions when needed and it's when you recognise that you recognise what this book is all about. 

I think this is my favorite out of the ones I have, I have already tried two of the recipes and bookmarked more! I would also recommend this book to any one of any diet because you don't need a label to use this book! It literally has everything you could want from a cookbook.

Want to learn more about Bosh! - visit their website bosh.tv 

Feed Me Vegan for All Occasions

by Lucy Watson

- One of my secrets is that I used to watch a lot of Made in Chelsea, not as big of fan now, but love the older episodes because of the people on them, including Lucy Watson. I follow her on social media and she talks a lot about her vegan lifestyle and it's always made me curious. So, it was a no-brainer for me to pick up a copy of her book. This is actually the second book, the first I flipped through at the store and nothing grabbed my attention like it did in this one. So, having to watch my wallet as I don't live in Chelsea I just bought the one. 

What I liked about this one compared to the others is that most of the ingredients and recipes are straight forward. These are the recipes I will be using when needing to make something quick, delicious, and fuss free. She also includes weekly meal planner to help those just starting out and a section on vegan pet food. 

Want to learn more about Lucy Watson's Feed Me Vegan - follow Lucy on social media 

writing this it is 99p on amazon kindle 

The Green Roasting Tin 

by Rukmini Iyer

- This was recommended by two people I follow on instagram (I live on instagram so if you don't follow me already - go do it I will follow back if you make yourself known to me) one a vegan and another a vegetarian. Both parents that have busy lives with kids and jobs and lives... I already said lives. Although the recipes may take longer in the oven there is little to no prep. Just throw it in the tray and pop in the oven, do chores, helps kids with homework, read a book, drink a cuppa or whatever and let the oven do the work and still have a delicious tasty meal on the table! 

This is one of those books that suits anyone's lifestyle and any time of year. The book is broken down first into Vegan and Vegetarian and then the recipes for each are broken down by speed: Quick, Medium, Slow. You just can't go wrong with this one! Bonus for me was the infographics showing how to combine/cook different vegetables. I am a sucker for a good infographic though. 

Leon: Fast Vegan

by Rebecca Seal, Chantal Symons & John Vincent 

- One of my favorite cookbooks is my Leon: Family & Friends cookbook. Already a company that values good food, not just good as in tastes good because that you can get a lot of different places, but food that tastes good and is good for you. They have restaurants across the UK and several cookbooks and it's natural after publishing Fast Vegetarian that they would go that step further with Fast Vegan! 

This book I only picked up recently as it was only published recently so haven't read through the whole thing like I have the others, I'm about half way and it's everything I expected and more. I can't wait to try some of the recipes from this book. 

Want to learn more about Leon visit their site leon.co 

Last but not least a book I have had many years now - 

Ms. Cupcake - The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town! 

by Ms. Cupcake aka Melissa Morgan

- I had a friend who was allergic to dairy and eggs and never could enjoy cake. There was no way I could allow that! And it was that thought process that lead me to think: well vegans don't eat dairy or eggs so what do they do for cake? It was when this book came to my life. There are not words to express how great this baking book is.

If you live in London you can just visit her shop, but if you don't then I suggest you pick up this book. I have made cupcakes and muffins and various other things that all turned out great for me! I also met Ms. Cupcake at the Cake & Bake show years ago. Being Vegan isn't just about eating vegetables - which sounds so very boring - but it's being aware of what you are eating and the bigger picture of where our food comes from and how it's produced. 

Want to know more about Ms. Cupcake and the delicious treats visit her site mscupcake.co.uk 

> These cupcakes were made from a recipe from Ms. Cupcake for my daughter's birthday as my vegan friend and her son were attending and not a single one of the party goers realised they didn't have any eggs or dairy in them! 

Last note - It's interesting how we use meat as the focus of our meals and vegetables as a side dish. These books, even if you aren't vegan, are a great way to look at vegetables as the star not as a side act. I may not continue to be strictly vegan after the 31st of January, but I know I will be adding recipes from these books to my repertoire from now on.

I hope to share a bit more on here this month as I attempt a vegan diet/lifestyle. Anything you'd like to see or that I should try let me know in the comments! 

*all books were purchased by me - all opinions are my own please see contact/policy page for more information

The Vintage Baker by Jessie Sheehan {book review}

Recipe writing has changed over the years, back in the day when people scribbled down recipes for each other it was with abbreviations and the simplest of instructions. So simple that today we would have trouble understanding exactly what they wanted us to do. Jessie, through her love of vintage cookbooks and pamphlets, has deciphered the ingredient lists and instructions and brought back long forgotten treats. 

In the past when a brand came out with a new appliance or gadget they would alway include a recipe pamphlet to go with it. Which makes sense to me and some brands still do it. I know Nordic Ware and Wiltons provide recipes on the packaging of their baking tins and my Kitchen Aid had instructions on how to send away for a 'free cookbook' which I had every intention of doing, but didn't. I wonder if it's too late? 

Anyhow, it was these books and pamphlets that Jessie collected from antique stores and secondhand shops and developed the recipes to suit us modern folks. With a wide range of recipes that cover everything from Sweet & Savory Morning Treats to Confections and everything in between we are taken back to a simpler time.

The books these recipes are inspired by range from 1800's to 1950's; some of them are familiar and others I have never heard of. But there are a few I am definitely bookmarking to try out myself....

Chai Banna Fritters

Butterscotch Pecan Curls (pictured)

Vanilla Yogurt Coffee Cake

Black-Bottom Banana Dream Bars (pictured)

Fig Pincushions

Lemon Chiffon Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

Cherry-Almond Slab Pie with Marzipan Crumble (pictured)

Blueberry Angel Food Dream

Coconut Blitz Torte (pictured)

Milk Chocolate Malted Pudding (pictured)

Ice Cream Cake

Hot Fudge Sauce

Curried Candy Cashews

Chocolate-Marshmallow-Walnut Fudge with Sea Salt (pictured)

These are just a few of the recipes in this book, but it gives you an idea of what to expect. Even if you never baked anything from this book, although I don't see how you wouldn't want too, it's an intriguing book to read. Each recipe has a little picture of the book or pamphlet that the recipe was inspired by and even though it's a little thing, it has given it a nice little touch and adds to the atmosphere of the book. 

I think this is a great book, not only for those who love baking, but those who love everything vintage. I love being transported to another place and time through food. If you want to learn more before getting a copy for yourself, check out the author's website here and she shares a link to the recipe for Silver Cake with Pink Frosting to try out! 

The book is essential vintage American bakes, but the recipes give us UK readers weights in grams, which saves us time converting! So, please don't let that put you off!!

*I was provided a copy of The Vintage Baker by Jessie Sheehan (photography by Alice Gao) to review by the publisher, Chronicle Books, retails at £18.99 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page for more information.

The Cook's Atelier: Recipes, Techniques, And Stories From Our French Cooking School by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini {book review}

When I moved to the UK from the US I was and still am constantly told I was brave for making that move. At the time I was young and the opportunity was there so I took it not really thinking about it as anything but that, an opportunity.  However, when reading or hearing of other people's stories I think "gee they are brave" forgetting I have done it myself.

Looking back at my own story and reading the story of Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini I can't help, but concur it is actually a big thing. A huge life changing decision that does take bravery and a lot of faith that things will work out.

Both mother and daughter have always loved France and French food so, it's no surprise they have ended up in France. Both have professional backgrounds in food and wine so they combined that passion with their love for French food to create something truly inspirational. A cooking school in a town called Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy's wine country.

The Cook's Atelier is so much more then just a cookbook, it's a record of their joinery so far. It not only shares more then 100 recipes, it shares classic French techniques as well as introducing the people in their community, the people who support them and whom they support and are essential to their cookery school.

If you have ever wanted a proper look into French cuisine and life look no further!

At this point I list all the recipes I'd like to try. I do this one to share with my readers what sort of recipes to expect to find inside, but also as a record for me to go back too. However, there are so many delicious looking recipes and my list was so long I narrowed it down to my top 10!

Savory Tart with Spinach & Mushrooms
Shortcakes with homemade Strawberry Confiture
Green Garlic Souffle
Chocolate Layer Cake
Butter Cake with Peaches & Raspberries
Vegetable Tian with Fried Basil
Summer Berry Tart
Nicoise Pan Bagnet
Orange Cake with Candied Citrus
Braised Endive Gratin

Please note that I am a baker at heart and although I list more sweet then savory please know there are a lot more savory recipes to admire and try out!

If I ever have an opportunity to visit and explore France, I think I will be checking if they have a space in one of their workshops!

Want to know more - grab your own copy of The Cook's Atelier and/or visit The Cook's Atelier website!!

* I was provided a digital copy of The Cook's Atelier by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini to review by the publisher, Abrams, retails at £35.00 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page above for more information.

Scandikitchen Summer by BRONTË AURELL

It is finally spring and it has brought us summer like weather! With the sun shining and the clouds hiding away it's probably about time I shared this great book with you. 

Last year I had the opportunity to review North: How to Live Scandinavian by Bronte Aurell and was delighted to have a chance to read her latest book Scandikitchen Summer and the book I am about to tell you all about.

When we think of the Scandinavian countries we think of snow, ice, and darkness. Well, I can't speak for you, but I know I do. It's hard to remember that although yes there is a lot of darkness in that part of the world, but they also have a lot of light and this book celebrates that.

Bronte gives us an idea of what would be in a Scandinavian Summer Pantry in her first chapter and then follow that chapter up with a chapter on Breakfast & Brunch. Continuing with chapters on Open Sandwiches, Salads & Sharing Plates, and then Larger Plates & Mains to get you through the summer days. The last few chapters are my favorite, because they all have to do with baking and sweet treats; Cake & Fika (fika is what the Swedes call a coffee break), Breads,  and last but not least Desserts & Drinks.

While reading through a great cookbook I always book mark a few recipes I would like to try and if I am reviewing it, I like to list them here for you to get an idea of what sort of recipes to find in the book. So, here is a list of some of the recipes I have book marked -

Crispy Wholemeal Waffles
Cinnamon Bun French Toast (pictured)
Simple Salmon Open Sandwiches
Cottage Cheese, Cucumber, & Radish Open Sandwiches
Fish Cake Open Sandwiches with Tartar Dressing (pictured)
Black Rice & Salmon Salad
Curried Cauliflower & Rye Grain Salad (pictured)
Pea Puree Dip
Dill Pesto Potato Salad
Easy New Potato & Dill Salad
Crispbread Pizza (pictured)
Mushroom Paj
Wallenbergare
Lena's Danish Meatball
Brown Butter & Toffee Cookies
Summer Berry Tart (as seen on the cover)
Elderflower Everything Cake (pictured)
Blueberry & Vanilla Buns
Beetroot & Walnut Buns (pictured)
Carrot & Rye Rolls
Swedish Mess
Vanilla & Cloudberry Ice Cream
Easy Elderflower Cordial (pictured)

There are a lot more recipes to browse though and inspire you to celebrate and eat like the Scandinavians and prove that although their winters are dark and magical their summers and bright and wonderful!

Bronte Aurell is an amazing author her words and recipes make me feel like I have been transported to another country. A country I hope to visit one day, but until then I can soak up her words and recreate her recipes until I get there.

If you would like to know more about Scandikitchen - check out their website here. 

* I was provided a copy of Scandikitchen Summer by Bronte Aurell to review by the publisher, Ryland Peters & Small, retails at £16.99 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page above for more information.

Fantasy Cakes: Magical recipes for fanciful bakes by Angela Romeo {book review}

When I had my copy of Fantasy Cakes arrived on my door stop my girls took it from me and were immediately book marking recipes. Recipes for their birthday's and not being able to decide on just one were booking for birthday's 2 or 3 years from now.

There was a familiar feel to the style of the book and it came as no surprise that I have one of Angela Romeo's other books that she wrote for Sainsbury's. I am happy to see she has a book that has her name on the cover!

There are the great first chapters that cover an introduction - it's always nice to know a little about the author and their work. A chapter covering equipment, then techniques & finishing touches and then as this is mostly about decorating cakes we get a chapter on the basic recipes needed.

The following chapters are divided by Fruits & Flowers where we see cakes shaped and made to look like a watermelon and beautifully decorated cakes topped with blueberries and lemons and more. Spectacular Celebrations covers all the holiday's which is when the most cake is consumed. I have no data to back up that statement, it is just an observation I have made.

Candy Land, the following chapter, is the most bookmarked with cakes that are covered in candy, chocolates, and doughnuts. The following chapter is all rainbows, mirror glazes, and fantasy cakes and it is aptly titled Psychedelic Treats.

Inspired by days going to the movies, seaside, theatre, or fair these cakes really make you feel like you are on a Magical Day Out. The last chapter is the second most book marked chapter by my girls and is titled Decadent Divas. It includes a gorgeous Sultry salted caramel cake, Pink fizz Cake, and a cake called All that shimmers.... and you would be right to guess that it is covered in gold.

This book would be great for any level of cake decorators! There are some very basic ideas that work well for beginners and some recipes that might take a bit more of experienced skill. Overall it's a beautiful and informative book.

* I was provided a copy of Fantasy Cakes: Magical recipes for fanciful bakes by Angela Romeo to review by the publisher, Ryland Peters & Small, retails at £16.99 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page above for more information.
* Sainsbury's Cake book review can be found here.
* Check out Angela Romeo's website!

The Artful Baker by Cenk Sönmezsoy {book review & giveaway}

This post has taken a while for me to write, because I don't know where to start. I am in love with this book. Upon first glance I thought it was going to be another one of those fancy baking books that I love to look at, but never used.

At second glance or a proper read through I knew this was going to be a book I refer to time and time again. It is beautiful and comfortable at the same time.

Most baking books the first chapter is 9 times out of 10 'cakes' but Cenk starts with Cookies and I love him for it! I love a good cookie! Followed by a chapter on Brownies and then a chapter covering Cakes, Muffins, Cheesecakes, & Meringues.

A chapter covering Tarts, Galettes, Pie, Quiche, Cobbler, & Crumble is definitely needed in a baking book as well as a chapter covering Breads & Pastries.

Although not technically baked Ice Creams, Frozen Yogurt, & Sorbets fit right in just like Confections & Drinks do. Last chapters are Jams & Jellies and Basic Recipes which are essential for any good baking book!

The author Cenk Sönmezsoy tells us in his introduction his journey to becoming an author of a popular food blog and now a book. I couldn't help but relate to him in two ways. First I didn't have memories of baking with an elder who shared their love of baking with me from a young age. It's something I discovered after I moved to the UK. Which is the second way I relate, I missed some of the treats from home and to cure some of the longing for another place I started baking the treats I missed and then I started blogging.

I think I am not the only one who might find him relatable - because even if you don't share a similar story his love of baking is the highlight of the book.

If you love baking as much as Cenk and I do enter below at a chance of winning 1 of 3 copies! If you can't wait it's available now online or at any respectable book seller!!

Just follow the instructions on the widget below. I will be checking that the winner has followed the instructions correctly; winner will be picked at random using the Rafflecopter widget below. You must be 18 years of age and have a valid address in the UK, Europe, USA, or Canada. Prize is provided by the publishers Abrams.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Artful Baker: Extraordinary Desserts From an Obsessive Home Baker
by Cenk Sönmezsoy
creator of Cafe Fernando


*I was provided a copy of The Artful Baker by Cenk Sönmezsoy to review by the publisher, Abrams, Retails at £40 and available now from your local book retailers or online! All opinions are my own, I was not given any other compensation nor was I asked to give a positive review, please see my contact/policy page above for more information.