(If you just came for the VEGAN DESSERT COOKBOOK giveaway click here)
For the rest of you, On With the Reviewing! (fanfare)
The book: More Great Good Dairy-free Desserts Naturally offers a complete course in vegan, dairy-free, eggless baking, and also serves as a quick reference for when you need a fancy dessert to impress your friends and family.
The author Fran Costigan, a graduate of the New York Restaurant School and the Natural Gourmet Institute, is a nationally recognized culinary instructor, author, consultant, recipe developer and innovative pastry chef.
Even if you don't want or need a complete course in vegan, eggless, dairy-free baking and just want a sumptuous, gourmet treat made with all natural, minimally processed ingredients, this book is a great reference and kitchen companion.
Recipe sections are:
- Gels, Creams, Puddings and Sauces
- Cookies, Bars, and Little Bites
- Cobblers, Crisps, Biscuits, Muffins, and More
- Cakes, Fillings, Frostings, and Glazes
- Pies and Tarts
- Fruit, Beverages, Frozen Desserts, and Confections
Reference sections include a list of essential ingredients and tools you will need for the recipes in this book (a huge help for making recipe shopping lists!)
There is a detailed glossary of ingredients, explaining many different types of natural sweeteners, leavening agents and vegan gelling agents. Techniques for using tofu in desserts and how different kinds of tofu are used in different recipes is addressed. A very helpful section about pan sizes and how they affect baking times and products is included.
The section of "Tips and Techniques for Making and Baking Desserts" is full of valuable hints for beginners. Any beginning baker or even experienced baker baking vegan for the first time could learn a lot from this book.
In the back of the book the fairly detailed list of "Resources for Ingredients and Equipment", is a treasure trove of suppliers of vegan products and professional cookware, bakeware, knives and resources for information on vegan and vegetarian nutrition.
The recipes are intermediate to expert level but if you read the book you will learn a lot and probably be able to master any of the techniques presented in this book.
This review copy was graciously provided by Book Publishing Company who is hosting "Luscious Vegan Desserts" promotion now through the end of October.
You may click here to register for a chance at winning a free vegan dessert cookbook.