Custom Confections

July 1, 2014
Grades 5-8 This book offers recipes and detailed directions for creating 40 show-stopping treats that are both visually stunning and completely achievable for the novice baker. Most recipes involve simple, inexpensive ingredients such as boxed cake mix, food coloring, and ice cream. Conversion charts from U.S. to metric units are included, and a photographic list of all tools used throughout the book is provided in the introduction. Basic culinary techniques such as separating an egg or hulling strawberries are described in detail, and each step of every recipe includes a photograph. Recipes encompass a wide range of complexity, from goodies baked from scratch (like a molten caramel cake) and staples of cake decorating (like fondant and royal icing), to guidelines for adorning store-bought treats (such as chocolate-dunked pretzels). Perfect for bake sale inspiration or forging a budding new hobby, this book is deliciously encouraging for people new to the kitchen.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)