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I admit I am an Elinor Klivans fan. Her cookbooks always contain clear instructions, which is helpful as her recipes usually are not easy - they range from intermediate to "involved". However, every recipe I have tried from her cookbooks "works" the first time. No need to tinker with the recipe to get it right - just follow Klivan's instructions and you have a product you can proudly serve to friends and family to rave reviews. The cookies presented in 125 Cookies to Bake, Nibble and Savor are a step above what you will find in a standard cookbook. Klivans is a professional baker, and her special touches result in a better-than-average home baked product. She gives tips and hints to tell you the techniques to use to produce a superior product. Each recipe has a "Good Advice" section at the end, with directions for Doubling the Recipe, To Freeze and To Serve. If you love baking, you will enjoy learning new techniques that you can apply to upgrade your baking repertoire. Each chapter and recipe includes a little anecdote, which gives you a glimpse into Klivans' life and philosophy. In the introduction to the chapter on Shortbread (yes, chapter! There are 10 different recipes for shortbread cookies) we learn Klivans' research into this genre was inspired by a trip to England's Lake District. In the recipe for Breakaway Chocolate Chip Cookie Crunch, we learn Klivans was trying to make a batch of cookies suitable for making crumb topping, but instead had created a crunchy chocolate cookie with a soft center. Her honesty reminds us to look at every baking mistake with an eye to improving our product and to find the joy the process. The recipes are delicious! Try the Triple-Chocolate-Topped Chocolate Butter Cookies when you want a yummy and impressive dessert. Or, Lemon-Glazed Shortbread Wedges for a rich and tangy treat. Big Molasses Ginger Cookies are perfect for cool autumn weather and holiday occasions. You cannot go wrong with any of the recipes, as Klivans directs you to use fresh ingredients - no artificial anything - which makes the difference between a professional quality result and a mediocre product. The Chapter titles are: Everyday Cookie Baking Techniques; Baking Equipment; Cookie Ingredients; Freezing and Shipping Cookies; The Frozen Pantry; Kid Easy Cookies; Slice and Bake Cookies from the Freezer; Shortbread; Butter Cookies and Crisps; Sugar and Spice Cookies; Chocolate Chip Cookies and Bars; Brownies; Bars with Chocolate or Nuts; Bars with Fruit; Cookie Sandwiches and Filled Cookies; Meringues, Macaroons, and Parisian Macaroon Sandwiches; Tassies, Tea Cakes, and Truffles; Especially for the Holidays; and Savory Cookies. This cookbook has it all! In my opinion, this book is not for the novice baker. I recommend this book to all the home-bakers out there who want to "kick it up a notch" and upgrade their repertoire. If you want to learn more and are willing to take the time, Klivans provides all the knowledge you need in a way that is fun to read. For experienced bakers, this book is a must have - it is full of delicious cookies for all occasions that will turn out right the first time. I own over 100 cookbooks. 125 Cookies to Bake, Nibble and Savor is my most-used baking resource. My college daughter and her friends are really thankful that I bought this book! If you love cookies, this is the book for you.Read full review
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