Canadian Living's Desserts

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

The temptations presented by this colorful book are rich and beautiful,
a feast for both eye and sweet tooth. It is hard to resist desserts that
are so outstanding in quality and sensational in appearance.

With the care, testing, double checking, and general concern for
accuracy associated with Canadian Living publications, Desserts presents
an array of sweets for every occasion, from an after-school snack for
kids to a wedding cake or spectacular Christmas trifle. The desserts are
grouped into six main sections: “Cakes,” “Pies,” “Frozen
Desserts,” “Puddings and Crisps,” “Fruit,” and “Cookies.”
Squares, crкpes, soufflés, tarts, custards, cream puffs, strudel,
petits fours, truffles, meringues, cheesecakes, mousses, éclairs,
icings, and sauces are among the riches included. There are typically
Canadian desserts, a few low-calorie treats, and items simple enough for
children to make. Generous use of first-rate color photos makes the
entire range irresistible, while careful directions, lots of
step-by-step explanations, and sidebars give even a novice cook the
confidence needed to attempt the creation of a masterpiece.

The recipes rely extensively on fresh fruit for color and flavor.
Measurements are given in both imperial and metric; ingredients used are
readily available from a large supermarket (a few items used as optional
trimming might be the exception); the methods are organized in logical,
step-by-step groupings and are easy to follow. The index is detailed
enough to be useful.

The book has all the elements needed to become a Canadian classic.