I received an email from a publisher a couple of weeks ago. They had come across my blog and wanted to know if I would like to review a book they were about to publish. Me? I was flattered (my aw-shucks, you really like me moment). Wait, this isn’t some ploy to get me to buy another book, is it? So I asked, “Do I have to send the book back? I hate mailing stuff. I GET TO KEEP IT?! Sure, I’ll do it!”
The last thing I needed was another baking book; I am the owner of way too many cookbooks. As space on my shelf grows tight, I have had to be selective about which books I get and keep.
BUT THIS WAS FREE. So what the heck! I received my copy of Miranda Couse’s Easy Homemade Cookie Cookbook and immediately flipped through it. It contained an extensive section on essentials, ingredients, and how-tos. Great for beginners. The author organizes the cookies by type: drop, classics, brownies and bars, slice and bake, and holiday treats. There are tips and variations interspersed throughout the book. Each page is user-friendly with the ingredients and quantities listed on the left and instructions on the right.
Each recipe starts with a highlighted box listing the prep time, baking time, yield, and shelf life—which I love. While photos only appear every few pages instead of with every recipe, the well-staged, close-up shots show you exactly what to expect.
The Real Test
I tried two recipes, the Blueberry Lemon Shortbread and Coffee Cheesecake Swirled Brownie. Both are straightforward to make, especially the shortbread. The cookie is buttery and very lemony, which really creates a nice contrast with the blueberries. Dried blueberries intensify the flavor. The brownies were a bit more effort with the 2 batters, but worth it. They are decadent, gooey, and dense. The espresso powder offsets the sweetness. Next time, I might add chocolate chips to the brownie batter to amp up the chocolate.
Despite having a zillion cookie books, I am making room on my shelf for this one. It is easy, straightforward, well-organized, and more importantly, the recipes work. I know Jamie is going to love it. Holiday baking, here we come.
This would be the perfect stocking stuffer for novice bakers and cookie lovers!