Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5643 in Books
• Published on: 2008-06-06
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

Synopsis
There is nothing that James Martin doesn't know about desserts, cakes and puddings. In this acclaimed book he looks at all aspects of sweet tasting treats, from the best of British puddings, to chocolate heaven, and perfect melt-in-the mouth pastries, tarts and pies. 100 recipes include classics such as Tarte Tatin, Pavlova and Chocolate Mousse; comfort food heaven - Sticky Toffee Pudding, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Apple and Toffee Muffins; old favourites including Spicy Plum Crumble, Ginger Parkin and Lemon Meringue Pie; and traditional recipes for Summer Pudding, Lardy Cake, Junket Ice Cream and Kentish Pudding Pie. He also creates a delicious selection of confections which are destined to become firm favourites including White Chocolate Icecream, Whisky and Croissant Butter Pudding, Raspberry and Vodka Terrine, Chocolate Cola Cake and Fig Fritters. James shares his trademark secrets for making every mouthful one to savour.

About the Author
James Martin has made a great impact since he began to appear on television in November 96 and has rarely been off screen since. He has been in numerous programmes including Ready Steady Cook, Kitchen Invaders, Housecall, Richard and Judy, and Good Food Live. He is now the host of Saturday Kitchen live on BBC1 and was one of the most popular stars on last year s Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the semi-finals. James love of food started very young. His father ran the catering at Castle Howard and when he was only twelve, he was able to say that he had cooked for the Queen Mother. He has worked at 190 Queensgate with Anthony Worrall Thompson and was Head Chef of the Hotel and Bistro du Vin in Winchester when he was only 22. James has written a number of books including Delicious, Great British Dinners, Eating in with James Martin and James Martin Digs Deep.

Customer Reviews

Lesley, Sheffield
I bought this - based on the fact that I was given his "Winter" cookbook as a present - and from it made the best Christmas cake I have ever made! I am an avid "baker" and had tried many recipes - but will always use his from now on. This book did not disappoint - easy to follow, good hints and tips, and a variety of old and new recipes. I particularly like the fact that he wants to keep old recipes alive - and passes on his family recipes, and that he has no truck with tiny, "nouvelle cuisiney" portions which concentrate on looks rather than taste. Good, gutbusting stuff - not for the size zero brigade!

Virtually idiotproof
I'm a pretty good cook by all accounts, but however much I try, mastering desserts seems to be beyond me. This has previously frustrated me no end, not least when a friend of mine who needs step-by-step instructions to produce a bowl of pasta whipped up a chocolate mousse to die for without batting an eyelid.

Anyway, I decided that a book dedicated to desserts would be the way forward and, having successfully tried a few James Martin recipes in the past that I found on the BBC website, his was my book of choice. I was not disappointed. His writing is very clear, without the patronising tone of Mary Berry and Delia Smith (apologies to the British institution) or the overly informal chatty tone of Jamie Oliver which irritates me no end. He is particularly clear about how to prepare the various utensils and dishes, and is very descriptive of what the various stages should look like. This meant that if anything went wrong, I knew straightaway, rather than previous experiences of blissfully plodding forward and being left with a soggy mess.

Hence, I can now produce a sticky toffee pudding that looks and tastes how it should as well as a few other staples that previous recipes have failed me on. My only gripe is that he sometimes is a little on the technical side with his terminology and the recipes never become as adventurous as they could be. Having said that, there is more than enough to keep anyone busy. Though it may not do the waistline much good!!

buy for the pictures only
As a fan of james martin I have been rather dissapointed by this book. The pictures and recipie ideas are great. Such a shame it is let down by glaring inaccuracies and errors in the actual recipies. I have now had 3 different recipies completely fail (expensively) due to incorrect quantities and some complete omissions of vital ingredients. My advice - look at the pictures but dont trust the content.