Book Review: “Big Book of Cupcakes: 150 Brilliantly Delicious Dreamcakes Presented by Southern Living”

Big Book of Cupcakes: 150 Brilliantly Delicious Dreamcakes ( Presented by Southern Living)

By Jan Moon
256 Pages (Paperback)
Publisher: Oxmoor House
Date Published: April 12, 2011

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s official: The cupcake craze has taken the world by storm. No longer are cupcakes solely for children-these handheld treats nowmust pass musterwith taste-discriminatingadults equally ravenous for the little frosted jewels. Big Book of Cupcakes sets a new standard with recipes for cupcakes that actually taste as great as they look. In addition to the traditional favorite flavors everyone craves, such as red velvet and carrot cake, this book offers fun, new flavor twists like Maple Bacon and Caramel Sea Salt Mocha, as well as easy decorating and serving ideas, from classic to creative. In this book, which is organized by season and the events readers want to celebrate with home-baked cupcakes-from New Years to Christmas, birthdays to “just-craving” days-author and cupcake-bakery owner Jan Moon shares her secrets and most requested recipes. Whether you’re making the perfect batch of cupcakes for a child’s birthday party or satisfying a very adult comfort-food craving, the nostalgic treats that fill this book are sure to delight and surprise. Plus, Jan’s creative tips on how to serve and display cupcakes for parties are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

With more than 10 years of experience honing her craft in the Test Kitchens of Southern Living magazine, Jan Moon has embarked on a venture of her own and opened a bakery in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition to wedding cakes and custom made treats, Dreamcakes Bakery specializes in delectable cupcakes, and Jan’s unique creations keep her loyal customers coming back for more.

MY THOUGHTS:

First off this book is dangerous just with its pictures, everything looks so good! The thing I hate most about cookbooks is when they don’t show pictures of of the food, this book has a picture (beautiful and yummy at that) for every single cupcake!  The Big Book of Cupcakes starts out with Cupcake 101, which I definitely needed.  It goes through terms, measurements, tools, tips and techniques and more!  There are even pictures throughout this section to show demonstrations.  Then onto the recipes which are separated by seasons (Spring Fever, Summer Celebrations, Fall Follies, and Winter Wonders.)  Each recipe is very easy to understand and starts with the cupcake recipe and then if applicable a frosting recipe.  The book ends with “Cupcakes for Sharing” which talks about how to display, decide on flavors, ship, and more.

Now I am by no means a baker, nor have I ever tried to make “pretty” cupcakes, basically I am lucky is the tub of frosting I use doesn’t tear up the cupcake!  This book really is an inspiration to try new flavors and creations.  I feel confident after checking out some of these recipes that I can attempt them and while it will definitely take practice, I hope to someday make “pretty” cupcakes like in the book!

BUY IT: You can find Presented by Southern Living Big Book of Cupcakes: 150 Brilliantly Delicious Dreamcakes on Amazon or look for it at your local bookstore.

Mom and More Disclosure: I was sent this book to review in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my Disclosure Policy.