The Clueless Baker: Baking from Scratch-Easy as Pie

Monika Rohlmann is an environmental consultant in Victoria, B.C.

Evelyn Raab, the author of two other “Clueless” cookbooks, writes a
regular column (“Cooking with Kids”) for Today’s Parent.

The “Clueless” cookbook formula is to provide some handy
definitions (e.g., what is flour?), a troubleshooting guide (e.g., why
did the bread dough not rise?), and a series of classic American and
European recipes with which to prove oneself. Handy text boxes scattered
throughout the book answer some fundamental baking questions (e.g., why
oil a cake pan?).

Logical organization, clear definitions, and time-tested recipes make
this an excellent baking guidebook. For the novice, the first sections
on basic baking techniques are essential. For those with baking
confidence, the recipes are straightforward and easily adaptable to
personal preferences. The catch here is to know that you’re no further
ahead with this cookbook if you fail to have the interest or time to
read the many hints and optional approaches. If all you want to do is
jump straight into preparing a recipe, you can borrow your mother’s
Joy of Cooking and have the same chance for baking success. If you are
looking for a beginner’s cookbook, a better choice would be The
Absolute Beginner’s Cookbook (Hurtig Publishers).