The Cookie Bible Author:Publications International (Editor) Food trends come and go, but the great demand for cookies never seems to diminish. You'll find cookies everywhere -- tucked into lunch bags, proudly displayed at bake sales and picnics, neatly wrapped in gift baskets, and all dressed up for holiday celebrations. Sure, you can always purchase these treats at the supermarket, but store-bought ... more »cookies never quite measure up to homemade. Luckily, baking cookies is very easy to do, and The Cookie Bible can answer any questions you might have along the way.
Whether you're an experienced baker or just getting started, The Cookie Bible provides everything you need to know about baking cookies, beginning with ingredients. You'll find essential information about the basic elements of baking, from the different types of flour and chocolate to the safe handling of eggs. Learn how cookies made with butter differ from those made with shortening, and how to tell if your baking powder is still good. And most importantly, find out how to store your ingredients properly to keep them as fresh as possible, which in turn helps produce fabulous cookies.
Another integral part of baking cookies is having the right equipment, and The Cookie Bible helps sort through the seemingly endless choices of bowls, spatulas, spoons, whisks and baking pans available today. If you were wondering whether to buy nonstick cookie sheets or if you need an electric mixer, you'll find the answers to your questions right here. You don't need a lot of equipment to bake great cookies, but knowing which tool works best for each task certainly makes it easier (and more enjoyable).
When the questions about ingredients and equipment have been answered, the baking can begin! From preheating the oven to making the dough to cooling and storing your cookies, every step of the baking process is explained. You can look up any technique you might need to use -- how to melt chocolate, measure ingredients, separate eggs, toast nuts and so many more. With clearly written instructions and helpful how-to photos, it's easy to learn these skills and achieve perfect results every time you bake.
Deciding which cookies to bake might be the most difficult part of the whole process. Double Chocolate Cranberry Chunkies or Spicy Lemon Crescents? Buttery Black Raspberry Bars or Mocha Crinkles? There are over 150 mouthwatering recipes to choose from, including super-simple drop cookies, scrumptious slice-and-bakes, and beautiful cutouts perfect for special occasions. Chocoholics will love the chapter of decadent chocolate-packed cookies, and there's also a chapter of fun cookies especially for kids. If you're a little short on time, you can find recipes for brownies, bars and no-bake cookies that can be whipped up in a flash.
Finally, you can learn what to do with your cookies after you bake them. In addition to helpful cooling, storing and freezing information, you'll find wonderful ideas for decorating cookies, plus tips on gift wrapping and shipping your homemade treats. With The Cookie Bible, all the information and fabulous recipes you could want are right at your fingertips, so your cookies are guaranteed to be delicious. It's a cookie lover's dream come true! « less