Reading Cake Boy, one asks a question: "When is a recipe more than a recipe?" The answer comes rapidly: "When it is a dream come true."
In the stunning Cake Boy, the sumptuous recipes are such stuff as dreams are made on. The work of master pâtissier, Eric Lanlard, this sensational book dreams, but it also stays on the ground, divulging secrets to a master's success, the magic that turns the ordinary ingredients of flour, liquid and shortening into inspired, sweet concoctions. With the exceptional photography of Craig Robertson, the book is a feast for both the palate and the eye.
Lanlard runs the pâtisserie "Cake Boy" in London where he creates these dreams for a celebrity clientele. Frequently appearing on British TV, he also gives classes, sharing tricks and techniques with the home cook. He arrived at Cake Boy by listening to students, and turning his gaze on the needs of the cook at home who wants the most beautiful, tasty, and professional of desserts. The recipes are concise and clearly written, and those recipes that benefit from a pro's advice contain a tip to ensure success. Many of the recipes include photos of Lanlard in action to guide the cook as well.
Lanlard uses the word 'light' throughout the book, and these desserts are light indeed. Following the recipes, the home cook will create the same delights that Lanlard himself makes at home for friends and family. The variety is extensive. There are cakes, tarts, meringues, muffins & cupcakes, tray bakes such as brownies, cheesecakes, pastries & cookies. Though every one of these recipes is a festival in itself, Lanlard includes a chapter for Festive Recipes, stating, "At Christmas my house smells so yummy with all the baking going on."
The recipes are all so enticing that one wants to cook everything. Start with a classic Genoise Sponge Cake, then surprise your friends and family by making an imaginative Beet and Hazelnut Cake. If you like a tart, you will have the very finest with Lanlard's advice on making the perfect crust. You can try a Pear Tarte Tatin, or a Fresh Fruit Tarte, piled high with fruit.
For light and airy meringues, try Lanlard's Pavlova, or a Lemon Meringue Roulade with ground almonds, perhaps a flaming Baked Alaska. If you prefer earthier muffins and cupcakes, Lanlard offers such recipes for Blackberry Muffins, Lemon Meringue Cupcakes, Toffee and Applesauce Muffins, Chai Tea Cupcakes. If cheesecake is your favorite, there are imaginative twists on cheesecake, such as Ricotta, Apple, and Cinnamon Cheesecake, or a surprise Lemon Cheesecake with Amaretti Cookies.
Dream.
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