Sarah Kieffer

On the one hand, it felt a little weird to read a book about holiday baking less than a week after a historic, record-setting heat wave in the Pacific Northwest.

On the other hand, reading the book and thinking about winter was a blessed mental break and reminder that weather will, in fact, grow colder (and I’ll one day have to turn on my heater again, though it is not this day!).

Autumn is hands down my favorite season; it kicks off allllll the baking goodness I love, not to mention the show more glorious kitchen smells (and free residual oven heat to warm my apartment, if I’m honest). I happily daydream of and anticipate Thanksgiving and Christmas, listen to Christmas music, and visit Hobby Lobby for #allthehomedecor shopping. So reading Baking for the Holidays gave me a sneak peek of that in July (Christmas in July, anyone?!)–and I loved it on all the levels. (Oh, sorry, let me keep on with the hashtagging–#allthelevels.) This cookbook, focused on my favorite time of year and favorite things to eat, is utterly glorious, from the photography to the sheer ideas it gets me itching to start on (if only the oven wouldn’t heat things up before I want it to!).

And the stories Kieffer includes are so very relatable and entertaining, bringing back many a childhood memory as I read. (Plus, anyone that favorably mentions Amy Grant’s Christmas albums is all right in my book. And book quotes scattered throughout?! I think I’ve found a kindred spirit.)

Classic recipes (Cinnamon rolls! Streusel coffee cake!) appear alongside fresh takes and trendy-ish ingredients (Nutella star bread–and who can go wrong with the beautiful pattern it makes?!–and Meyer lemon-white chocolate scones!). And the season doesn’t get much more festive, food-wise, than with the white cake with cranberries and white chocolate buttercream; its incorporation of rosemary-sprig garnish truly elevates it. And, this may be the cookbook that finally gets me to try Nutella, haha. I love that the book includes tips and tricks for early prep, as well; we all know how crazy the hols can get, and anywhere we can save ourselves time and/or angst is always appreciated.

A true feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. show less

My blood sugar shot up just from looking at the pictures. This is the perfect book for the owners of a B&B. I can't imagine a home baker making all this stuff. The range is huge.

Sarah Kieffer adheres to the Master Recipe and Variations form and we get detailed recipes for various doughs and then ideas for modifying them. Most of the recipes are for sweet pastries and breads but there is a chapter of savories too.

The recipes are well written and I didn't spot anything incomplete or confusing. show more The origin stories included with many recipes are welcome. So often writers lift recipes without acknowledging who they were adapted from.

You might never have to buy a pastry book again.

I received a review copy of this book from Chronicle Books through NetGalley.com. show less

I was _incredibly_ excited for this book after reading 100 Morning Treats and Baking for the Holidays: 50+ Treats for a Festive Season, and it absolutely met my expectations!

Just like the other books, this one is beautifully photographed and contains scads of mouthwatering recipes. I often crave an afternoon pick-me-up, but never know (or am too indecisive on) what to make. This will help with that!

Fans of Kieffer's other books/blog, as well as newcomers, will certainly enjoy this book--a show more worthy successor.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. show less

I read/reviewed (and loved) Kieffer's Baking for the Holidays: 50+ Treats for a Festive Season when it came out back in December 2021, so was particularly excited to read/review _100 Morning Treats_ as well.

Just as with _Baking for the Holidays_, this cookbook is beautifully presented and photographed. The recipes are clear and easy to follow, and don't include (too many :D) hard-to-find ingredients, and I'd be particularly glad to try a number of the muffins and scones--here's looking at show more you, Maple Oatmeal Scones! (I like to think I must be Canadian, I love maple-flavored things so much.)

I'll admit that I probably wouldn't try actually making most of the recipes for breakfast--in the morning, anyway. Many are a bit more effort than I'm willing to expend pre-food; I need food to make food? LOL! But, they'd be well worth the effort for a brunch or making ahead over the weekend. And, my own dietary needs preclude making much in the way of yeasted products ... but man, do they look good. (Someone please try them and let me live vicariously through you!) So, it's a bummer to miss out on a whole section of the book--but that's on me, not the author. :) There are still plenty of other recipes I'd certainly enjoy.

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. show less