The Art and Soul of Baking ⋆ Biscuits to Brownies

The Art and Soul of Baking, written by Cindy Mushet and written for Sur la table, has been on my shelf for years and it has never disappointed! Its a great book for a beginner and immediate baker with a plethora of recipes to try out your skills.

This book is fantastic for the baker who is excited to learn and try different techniques. It covers a spectrum of the basics in baking and pastry. You will get an excellent circling through foundational concepts ranging from:

Baking Contents

Yeast Breads
Pastries
Quick Breads
Pies and Turnovers
Tarts
Fruit Desserts
Cookies, Bar, and Brownies
Cakes
Custards, Bread Puddings, and Cheesecakes
Souffles, Meringues, and Pate A Choux
Bakers Pantry and Kitchen Tips

Your Own Pastry Class at Home

This book reminds me so much of my baking and pastry classes in culinary school. It’s just a great book to learn so many techniques and foundational concepts in baking and pastry. Some of which are making crossiants and the art of layered pastry dough. A technique every pastry lover longs to master.

As you work your way through the recipes you will be challenged and fulfilled all at once. It will be like your own personal pastry class right at home in your kitchen.

Some of the recipes are classics like pie dough, apple pie, strawberry shortcake, pastry cream, ganache and coffee cake.

While others are twist on those classics. Containing whimsy flavors that you’ll be so excited to jump in and make like the Potato Onion Gruyere Tart and Banana Fosters Bread Pudding. Yum!

There are even a few savory recipes to try out your new baking skills on!

My Favorite The Art and Soul of Baking Recipes

Some of my favorites that I have made and love:

Pizza Dough- one of my go-to recipes that turns out perfect every time
Dinner Rolls
Challah Bread
Rich Breakfast Dough-perfect for cinnamon rolls and other pastries
Chocolate Silk Pie

There is even a recipe for a quick chocolate press-in dough you can whip up and put in a tart shell in no time.

Great Baking Wisdom

The beginning of The Art and Soul of Baking is loaded with great information like:

Equipment
Volume Equivalents
Baking Pan Volumes
Essentials of the Bakers Pantry
Ingredient Basics

Its a super fantastic book for any baker and one that I have used and loved in my collection for many years! Roll up your sleeves and get ready to love pastry!