Artful Baker: Extraordinary Desserts From an Obsessive Home Baker

(Hardback)

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Description

A collection of more than 100 extraordinary desserts - all with photos and meticulous instructions - by Cenk S\u00f6nmezsoy, creator of the internationally acclaimed blog Cafe Fernando.

Written, styled, photographed, and designed by Cenk S\u00f6nmezsoy, The Artful Baker shares the inspiring story of a passionate home baker, beginning with his years after graduate school in San Francisco and showcasing the fruits of a baking obsession he cultivated after returning home to Istanbul. S\u00f6nmezsoy's stories and uniquely styled images, together with his original creations and fresh take on traditional recipes, offer a thoughtful and emotional window into the life of this luminary artist.

The Artful Baker is comprised of almost entirely new content, with a few updated versions of readers' favorites from his blog, such as Brownie Wears Lace, his signature brownies topped with blond chocolate ganache and bittersweet chocolate lace (originally commissioned by Dolce & Gabbana and awarded "Best Original Baking and Desserts Recipe" by Saveur magazine); Raspberry Jewel Pluot Galette, a recipe inspired by Chez Panisse's 40th year anniversary celebrations; and Devil Wears Chocolate, his magnificent devil's food cake that graces the cover of the book.

Each chapter highlights a variety of indulgences, from cookies to cakes and tarts to ice creams, including recipes like Pistachio and Matcha Sabl\u00e9s; Tahini and Leblebi (double-roasted chickpeas) Swirl Brownies; Sakura Madeleines; Sourdough Simit, the beloved ring-shaped Turkish bread beaded with sesame seeds; Isabella Grape and Kefir Ice Cream; Pomegranate Jam; and Blanche, a berry tart named after the Golden Girl Blanche Devereaux.

Every recipe in The Artful Baker has gone through a meticulous development phase, tested by an army of home bakers having varying levels of skill, equipment, and access to ingredients, and revised to ensure that they will work flawlessly in any kitchen. Measurements of ingredients are provided in both volume and weight (grams). Where a volume measurement isn't useful, weight measurements are provided in both ounces and grams.

Reviews

Some books are beautiful, some are useful, and the rare ones are both. The Artful Baker is a rare book from a rare talent. Cenk is a gifted storyteller, an extraordinary pastry chef, and a man with a remarkable eyehis images make you dream. -- Dorie Greenspan * James Beard award winner, author of Dories Cookies *
A beautiful collection of classic and exotic desserts, The Artful Baker will entice you into the kitchen with spectacular photographs and clear instructions. But it's the flavors that will sweetly seduce you. All the ingredients of a superb baking book! -- David Lebovitz * bestselling author of My Paris Kitchen *
The Artful Baker presents clearly written recipes, easy to master techniques, strikingly beautiful presentations, and exquisite flavor in other words, this book has it all. Cenk has spent years honing his talents in baking, writing, styling, and photography and they have all come together in this most gloriously creative book. -- Nick Malgieri * James Beard award winner, author of Bread and Pastry *
In addition to being a skillfull technician of his trade, Cenk is an artist of exquisite taste, and an excellent and informative writerCenk is one of the most original authors whose work I have ever encountered. * Rose Levy Beranbaum *
Snmezsoy has gone from learning cake baking basics to crafting extraordinary macarons, simits, and tarts, sharing his creations online, and, now, in his latest cookbook, The Artful Baker. * Food52 *
His unbridled passion for dessert shows in his dazzling new cookbook, which he wrote, styled, photographed, and designed himself. * Departures *
This is a coffee-table book that really should be used. But the first splatter on its pages will make you ache. Bake carefully. * Star Tribune *
Get ready to become the DaVinci of desserts, even if youre relatively new to baking. * Leites Culinaria *
Page after stunning page, photo after stunning photo, decadent recipe after decadent recipe all make for one of the most beautiful baking books ever. * Eat Your Books *
This gorgeous volume is filled with stories and techniques that will draw you into the kitchen to bake, sift, beat, and churn things like Tahini and Leblebi (double-roasted chickpeas) Swirl Brownies, Pistachio and Matcha Sabls, and Grape and Kefir Ice Cream. * Katie Parla *
Delving through The Artful Baker, I was enamored with Cenks unique outlook on all-time favorite desserts. His understanding of several culinary cultures, thoughtful blends of ingredients, and masterful presentations will elevate your home confections to works of art. -- Apollonia Poilne * bestselling author and owner of Poilne Bakery *
Artistically indulgent and experimental. * Nik Sharma *
I knew Cenks book would be worth the long wait, but I didnt know it would be the most stunning baking book ever. His talent, originality, personality and passion have produced an instant classic. -- Janet Fletcher * James Beard award winner, journalist, and author *
Im completely speechless after reading this book, I want to run to my oven and bake until I drop. -- Yvette von Boven * bestselling author of Home Baked *
Theres elegant boldness to Cenk Snmezsoys The Artful Baker, with recipes that immediately look comforting, stylish and sound utterly delicious. Partnered with seriously beautiful photography, its the perfect gift for anyone who loves baking. Even better, keep it for yourself and just dazzle them with brilliance next time you bake. -- Dan Lepard * bestselling author and baking expert *
Im astonished by his dedication to getting everythingright and not just the recipes. * Dianne Jacob *
There's no other way to say it, The Artful Baker is a beautifully crafted masterpiece. Cenk Snmezsoy took years to create this book and it shows. The care that went into each page is evident with every recipe detail and each stunning photograph. This book is a treasure. -- Elise Bauer * founder of SimplyRecipes.com *
Cenk Snmezsoy is not only a hugely talented photographer, but a spectacular baker too. This book brings both talents together, and is pure, unfiltered delight. -- Tom Parker Bowles * bestselling author and food critic *

Author Bio

Cenk Snmezsoy is an author, blogger, photographer, and food stylist based in Istanbul. In 2006, he created Caf Fernando, cited as one of the Worlds 50 Best Food Blogs by the London Times and awarded Best Culinary Travel Blog, Best Original Baking and Desserts Recipe, and Best Piece of Culinary Writing by Saveur.