A collection of 800 recipes with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Each section on the different types of baking begins with a summary of relevant cooking techniques, necessary ingredients and equipment, and invaluable tips. 300 line drawings.

Average Customer Review: ( 39 customer reviews )
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Needless to say, this baking guide is priceless. There is a General Information chapter which is basically a reference and "how-to" section containing detailed information on basic ingredients, how and why you should use substitutions, how to beat eggs, how baking powder works, etc. It works much like a baking primer, but reads as if an experienced friend is working alongside you. There follows detailed chapters on Pies and Tarts, Cookies, Cakes, Yeast breads, Quick Breads and Crackers. Each section has it's own little "primer" and is loaded with tips, different variations and step-by-step recipes.

Every recipe that I have tried (and I am a beginner-baker) has turned out terrific. I am still amazed at how easy it is to understand, considering there are no photographs, just basic illustrations. I found myself referring back to the book often and continue to be encouraged to try something new. After purchasing so many cookbooks and having them end up in the back of my pantry, this was a pleasant, welcome surprise.

22 of 23 found the following review helpful:

Superb ReferenceSep 01, 1997
By angw
I am a professional chef, and I have worn out my first copy of the book, which I bought years ago-It has recipes for almost anything you ever wanted to bake, as well as interesting historical background. It also has clear, informative information on techniques which allows for flexibility in altering recipes to suit your needs . Truly a bakers 'Bible'

16 of 17 found the following review helpful:

Perfect baking cookbookJun 25, 2003
By Brenda Jo Mengeling
Every recipe I have made from this book (over 30) has worked perfectly. The directions are impeccable. I've made cakes, cookies, pies, quick breads, yeast breads, frostings and sauces from this book. Each one has worked every time. The hot fudge sauce is spectacular as are the gingersnap cookies. When I bought this book several years ago, I knew how to make chocolate chip cookies; I was not an experienced baker. I followed Ms. Cunningham's master recipes to learn how to bake, and now I have a reputation as a great baker. You can't go wrong baking with Marion Cunningham as your guide.

16 of 19 found the following review helpful:

Tried and trueNov 02, 2000
By R. A. Ward "speedbmp"
While this book isn't fancy -- no full color, magazine-quality pictures of finished goods here -- it is as close to no-fail as you can get. These recipes stand the test of time. You cannot lose by using this book often! Anyone who knows anything about baking would love to have this gem as a gift.

10 of 11 found the following review helpful:

THE Best Baking Cookbook--A Real Kitchen Must Have!Sep 17, 2001

The name Fannie Farmer is synonymous with good old-fashioned cooking and, in my opinion, "The Fannie Farmer Baking Book" is THE best baking cookbook available. I love to cook and tend to read cookbooks like novels, picking up tips and figuring out exactly which of the new recipes I'd like to try. When thumbing through "The Fannie Farmer Baking Book" I kept finding recipe after recipe that looked wonderful and learning all sorts of little hints that makes baking easier.

A lot of the recipes in this book are Fannie Farmer originals and have been appearing in various editions since the late 1800s. The reason these tried and true standards have stuck around so long is because they are truly wonderful.

"The Fannie Farmer Baking Book" is not only filled with great, old-fashioned cookie, cake and pie recipes it also features plenty of high-end desserts, all accompanied by step-by-step instructions on exactly how to make each and every item. It's easily the most complete and informative book on baking out there. Novice cooks and experienced bakers alike will gain a lot from this well-researched and informative tome!

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