My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying this book is absolutely beautiful!! Gorgeously bound with a sewn binding, ribbon bookmark and gorgeous photos, this book is a feast for the eyes!

I started with a simple French Bread. I didn’t want a fancy, flavored bread. I just wanted a classic bread to go with a classic meal, so I started with Pain Methode Directe (Bread, direct method). Imagine my surprise when it took me through shaping it and then…nothing!! You turn the page and it’s the recipe for a poolish dough. The only bread in this cookbook that uses the direct method is a Traditional Walnut and Raisin Loaf–NOT what I was looking for. I went ahead and used the directions for that as far as cooking temperature and time and the bread turned out okay, but I was disappointed. There is a Country Bread recipe (that uses a poolish), but not a single baguette to be seen. How can this be a book called “The French Baker” with not a baguette to be seen?!

I have to say, the book was completely redeemed with the recipe for Biscuits au Chocolat, aux Amandes et aux Pistaches (Chocolate, Almond and Pistachio Biscuits [Cookies]). Oh. My. Word. These things are heaven in your mouth!! Seriously, I could sit down and eat the entire pan by myself, and I’m not a sugar person. I would usually much rather have some good bread or cheese over sweets, but these are mind-blowing!! Deep, dark chocolate with almonds and pistachios make up the most addicting, diet-killing sweet bites that keep you coming back for more!

There is much to love in this book. When you think baker, thing sweets such as pastries and you’ll be in the right mindset for what this book actually is. Very little bread, but a host of delectable sweet treats for the child in you. After I got past the bread disappointment, I did thoroughly enjoy the book and would recommend it to others (for the cookies if nothing else!! lol).

I received a copy of this book from Murdoch Books through IPG for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.