Claire Saffitz

Interesting collection of recipes that represent the style and preferences of the author, incorporating a lot of fruit and other seasonal products, along with modern takes on a few classics (many Jewish and French). The layout is clear and easy to follow, with recipes graded on a difficulty scale so the reader knows what they are getting into before they start, and informative photos throughout.

In addition to the unique creations, there is also a section on basic preparations, ranging from show more pastry cream, pie crusts, a few doughs, frostings, toppings, and fillings, that have wider application.

On the downside, many of the recipes do require items that are unlikely to be in the standard pantry, so some advanced planning and a trip to the grocery store/specialty market is required to tackle most of them. There is also no attempt made to lighten the baked goods, they rely on copious quantities of butter and cream, and of course many eggs and lots of sugar. show less

A neat "recipe matrix" at the front shows difficulty on the y-axis and total time on the x-axis.

Planning to try the "Tiramisu-y Icebox Cake" (p. 63-65) for Ben's birthday.

Recommended by Vanessa

Flourless Chocolate Wave Cake (p. 65) very good for Passover (or anytime)
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April 2025: Made the Flourless Chocolate Wave Cake twice more, delicious. Made the Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies (p. 144), they were similar to other molasses spice cookies I've made before (ATK, etc.); not sure the apple cider vinegar made a difference.