With recipes for every sophisticated dessert and pastry the heart desires, Paula Peck introduces readers to the art of fine baking.

Abstract: A cookbook for the beginning baker contains a range of recipes for cakes, breads, pastries, and coffee cakes, as well as hors d'oeuvres and appetizers. The first section is devoted to general information and definitions of baking terms, equipment, and ingredients. Instructions for decorating the finished confections are included, in addition to descriptions of baked goods which may be prepared in advance of need. The author has also developed some shortcut techniques to speed up the preparation stage without sacrificing quality in the finished product. (rbl).

As the second title in Sur LaTable's namesake cookbook series, "The Art & Soul of Baking" focuses on the largest specialty demographic within the culinary market--baking.

A full-color cookbook containing more than 1,000 photographs and illustrations for a complete, step-by-step demonstration of each recipe. It includes more than 100 recipes - a fusion of the finest European and Asian pastries. This selection of cookies, pastries, breads, and much more is sure to capture the American audience with fresh and never before seen looks and tastes.

Named one of the country's top ten pastry chefs by both Chocolatier and Pastry Art & Design magazines and nominated five times for the James Beard Pastry Chef of the Year award, Ann Amernick is one of the nation's most accomplished dessert makers. Now, in this deliciously inspiring cookbook, she shares nearly 100 recipes for artfully distinctive desserts—the summation of her long and distinguished career as a baker. Amer-nick's creations often recall familiar foods and flavors—a cheese danish, for example, or a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup—but in her hands, the familiar becomes something truly extraordinary: Apricot and Custard Danish Sandwiches, or Peanut Butter Cream Truffles with Shortbread and Raspberry Gelée. Spanning the whole range of dessert possibilities—cakes and tortes, pies and tarts, cookies and candies, cold desserts, warm desserts, and dessert sandwiches—The Art of the Dessert is filled with recipes that are as innovative and sophisticated as they are homey and unfailingly delicious. Chocolate Toffee Torte, Lemon Caramel Tartlets, Almond Lace Cookies, Amaretto Nougat Cups, Toasted Coconut Pecan Soufflé Tartlets, and Pumpkin Custard Napoleons are just a few of the dazzling creations you'll discover. For each recipe, Amernick offers detailed, step-by-step guidance on preparation, as well as sidebars that offer options for embellishing the desserts when serving. Sixteen striking full-color photographs accompany the recipes, along with Amernick's "Trucs of the Trade" and expert advice on pastry making, including basic and advanced techniques, information on equipment and ingredients, and helpful tips on creating all kinds of dessert components and garnishes, from tartlet shells to fruit leather. If you want to refine your baking skills and add some show-stopping new desserts to your repertoire, let this extraordinary cookbook by a master pastry chef be your guide.