BAKE

May 2, 2022
In this nostalgic paean to his baking career, Great British Baking Show judge Hollywood (A Baker’s Life) offers up a delectable jaunt through his favorite classic British and American bakes. While the book is loaded with easy-to-follow recipes for a raft of familiar treats, Hollywood’s “real passion,” bread baking, is where his collection shines. In addition to British standards like soft white barm cakes and bin lids (rolls who get their name from a resemblance to the tops of trash cans), Hollywood also delivers recipes for raised loaves and flatbreads from around the world, including a light and fragrant orange brioche, and a sesame seed-topped Greek lagana, an homage to the years Hollywood spent in Cyprus. Pizza and doughnut recipes abound, including, notably, a prosciutto and mushroom pizza, and decadent chocolate-filled doughnuts drizzled with, yes, more chocolate (“If you’re trying to lose some weight,” Hollywood advises, “look away now!”). American classics get a nod in such offerings as a key lime pie and Baked Alaska, while British desserts are given their rightful due via, among other mouthwatering recipes, a date- and toffee-enriched sticky toffee pudding. Equally pleasing are the step-by-step photos provided alongside Hollywood’s no-nonsense advice: “Just read the recipe all the way through beforehand and you’ll be absolutely fine.” Fans will eat this up.

July 2, 2022

Fans of the Great British Bake Off need no introduction to its judge of 12 years, celebrity chef Hollywood. His newest cookbook delivers a beautiful no-fuss baking guide steeped in nostalgia. Unlike on the show, where contestants get no guidance, Hollywood gives readers the tools to be successful with straightforward instructions that often include step-by-step photos. Enticing food styling will make stomachs grumble before readers can get to the kitchen. But don't fret, bakes are generally easy to accomplish with common baking staples and do not call for specialty pans. Paul's intimidating TV persona is not a part of this book. Rather, he encourages bakers to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. Fans of the TV show will love that recipes include UK favorites, but the book includes bakes from beyond Hollywood's home country. Savory options are sprinkled throughout as well, making this book extra versatile. VERDICT Break out the Hollywood handshake because this book is filled with bakes that will become part of readers' regular rotations.--Sarah Tansley

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from May 15, 2022
Zealous fans of The Great British Bake Off have established a cult following around Paul Hollywood, whose movie-star looks and bright smile have made him instantly recognizable. Born into a family of bakers in the North of England, Hollywood worked as head baker for a thriving chain of hotels before launching his television career. American fans of Bake Off will recognize some of these decidedly English cakes and sweets, such as the Victoria sandwich. Those who lean away from cakes and sugary pastries will nevertheless find themselves entranced with Hollywood's aromatic cheesy bread, rich with Parmesan, cheddar, and brie. Chapatis, pitas, and tortillas are just a few international doughs that expand the book's outlook beyond North Atlantic traditions. Desserts feature British standards such as sticky toffee pudding and banoffee pie, while pecan pie and key-lime pie are an admiring nod to American classics. Recipes are generally adapted to American kitchens, listing metric weights for those who appreciate the importance of weighing ingredients for baking consistency. Some ingredients adhere to British custom, such as superfine sugar rather than granulated. Color photographs display both finished products and step-by-step instructions to aid first-time bakers. Hollywood's international fame will ramp up demand for this cookbook.

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