The aroma of freshly baked cakes or cookies is really difficult to resist. The joy of taking out that perfectly baked cake out of the oven is unparalleled. Ahead of World Baking Day, on May 19, My Kolkata recommends a few books, shows and a film to hand-hold you through the world of baked goodies.
A bibliophile baker’s must reads:
The King Arthur Baking Company’s ‘All-Purpose Baker’s Companion’
The King Arthur Baking Company’s ‘All-Purpose Baker’s Companion’
Did you know that the book The King Arthur Baking Company’s All-Purpose Baker’s Companion was awarded the James Beard Foundation’s Cookbook of the Year in 2003? The King Arthur Baking Company dates back to the era of the American Revolution. Its founder company, the Henry Wood & Company, was the first flour company in the USA. Needless to say, a book from the King Arthur Baking Company is a must have for baking aficionados. The book covers all sorts of baking queries, like how to make cookies, waffles, breads (the new favourite sourdough included), pancakes and more.
You can order the book here.
Mary Berry’s ‘Baking Bible’
Mary Berry and (left) her book Baking Bible’ Amazon/Facebook
English chef and author Mary Berry is a noted name in the culinary field, especially in the baking world. An alumna of the Le Cordon Bleu school in France, Berry was also one of the judges of The Great British Bake Off show on BBC from 2010 to 2016. Mary Berry’s Baking Bible is one of the bestselling books of the author, who has penned more than 70 cook books. The book is a go-to for home bakers trying to ace their baking skills.
You can order the book here.
‘The Cake Bible’ by Rose Levy Beranbaum
Rose Levy Beranbaum and her book, ‘The Cake Bible’ realbakingwithrose.com
“I did all the recipe testing, proofing, styling and prop styling on my own” — shared American baking expert Rose Levy Beranbaum on her website, talking about one of the most trusted baking books — The Cake Bible. The book was awarded the Best Cookbook of the Year 1988 by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. If you love to unwind with a whisk, find joy when the cake rises perfectly, and frosting brings out your A-game, Rose Levy Beranbaum makes it easy and interesting for you.
You can order the book here.
‘How to Be a Domestic Goddess’ by Nigella Lawson
Nigella Lawson and (right) her second book, ‘How to Be a Domestic Goddess’ nigella.com and Facebook
An Oxford alumna, Nigella Lawson is a revered name in the culinary field. How to Be a Domestic Goddess is Lawson’s second book, which won the British Book Award for Author of the Year in 2000. Describing her book, she says, “This is a book about baking, but not a baking book,” and is more of a handbook for baking solutions that won’t make you second guess yourself when you try making a shortbread, a puff pastry or a cheesecake. Also, your attempts won’t be a facepalm moment like it was for Rachel in F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
You can order the book here.
‘The Big Books of Treats’ by Pooja Dhingra
Chef Pooja Dhingra and (right) her book, ‘The Big Books of Treats’ Amazon; @poojadhingra/Instagram
When one of the leading pastry chefs of the country writes a book, you know you have to add it to your collection. Pooja Dhingra, the creative mind behind Le15 Patisserie, is also an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu in France. Her book offers a balanced take of a professional baker, who loves to simplify baking. If your brownies are hard, cookies are not crunchy enough or DIY-ing a birthday cake is still on your wishlist, get yourself The Big Books of Treats.
You can order the book here.
Baking binge-watch:
‘Nadiya Bakes’
It's Nadiya Hussain’s nuggets on life that makes watching 'Nadiya Bakes' a wholesome experience
When it comes to baking shows, Nadiya Bakes has to be on the list. It’s not only the British chef’s innovative recipes, but her smiling face and kindred spirit — with family and friends coming together to savour a meal — and Nadiya Hussain’s nuggets on life that makes watching Nadiya Bakes a wholesome experience. You note down the recipes, get inspired from her culinary experiments and gear up to make either a Baked Noodle, Blueberry Scone Pizza or a Mango Coconut Cake with a smile on your face.
You can watch the show here.
‘The Great British Bake Off’
Kolkata boy Rahul Mandal lifts the trophy in ‘The Great British Bake Off’ MK Archive
Fourteen years and still going strong — the popular baking show, The Great British Bake Off, may remind you of Master Chef, but there’s a difference. In this show, the face is off between amateur bakers. The year 2024 marks the 15th series of the show. You can learn how to bake a classic cottage loaf or a French rough pastry from bakers who are trying to hone their skills, and it inspires just right. There are several popular spin offs of the show, like Junior Bake Off, Bake Off: The Professionals and An Extra Slice, which should also be on your binge-watch list.
You can watch the show here.
P.S. Did you know, a Kolkata boy, Rahul Mandal, won The Great British Bake Off trophy in 2018?
‘Sugar Rush’
A still from 'Sugar Rush'
Satiate your sweet tooth with Sugar Rush on Netflix. A baking competition and a whooping prize sets the adrenaline to the right note. Navigating through the stages of cupcakes, confectionery and cakes makes baking an irresistible (and smart) choice.
You can watch the show here.
‘Baking Impossible’
A still from the film, ‘Baking Impossible’
Have you heard of the term ‘bakineering’? It’s when baking meets engineering, and that’s exactly what happens on the show Baking Impossible. The contestants, literally, turn an ‘impossible’ task into ‘It is possible’. The show has teams of two, where one focuses on baking and the other on engineering. An additional fun quotient of the show is that all the contestant pairs are complete strangers, who ought to bond to create something amazing. The outcomes? Edible robot, mini golf course, car and more.
You can watch the show here.
Cinephile’s delight:
‘Kings of Pastry’
Jacquy Pfeiffer and (right) a still from the film 'King of Pastry' Facebook and kingsofpastry.com
If there’s one film that pleases a baker’s aesthetics, King of Pastry gives a tough competition to others. Starring Jacquy Pfeiffer, who has also co-founded the French Pastry School in Chicago, Philippe Rigollot and Regis Lazard among others, the film is about the best pastry chefs competing for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France — a festival that happens every 4 years. The winners get to wear the prestigious striped collar. In the film, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy awards the final trophy. Pfeiffer is the main protagonist in this Chris Hegedus and D. A. Pennebaker directorial. The film is nail-biting as you get involved in the competition, rooting for each bake to succeed. The documentary-style narration, as you witness eminent chefs in action, is a unique experience.
You can watch the film here.
