No, this is not an autobiographic post! 😉 Even though I like to think the name fits me to a T, “Short and Sweet” is actually Dan Lepard’s new cookbook. The moment I learned of its upcoming publication, I pre-ordered it at amazon.uk. Do I live in England? No, not even close. Would I wait for its US printing? No way! And I am thrilled to have it.
My first surprise was its size: 561 pages! On the cover, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall summarizes my own impression after a couple of very late nights reading it: “Dan demystifies the baker’s art… all kinds of seductive treats become instantly achievable.” This is the essence of Dan Lepard, particularly evident on the subject he is best known for: breads. He dedicates the first 100 pages of the book to them, starting with a must-read introduction that covers all the basics, from flour to yeast, proofing temperature, kneading, shaping and baking. One by one, he destroys all the misconceptions and the rigid (often snobbish) advice so widespread in many publications by other authors. Then he offers a long list of recipes for white loaves, whole wheat, rye, quick breads, rolls, flat breads, wrapping up the chapter with some sweet and fruit breads, and a quick tutorial on how to make a sourdough starter. In one of the recipes, called “Flash Loaf,” Dan puts all his expertise into designing a recipe that will give you a fantastic loaf of bread in two hours from start to finish. I have it on my list to try in the near future.
The second chapter of the book is dedicated to cakes (my nemesis). Once again, he introduces the subject by going over the ingredients and techniques, and even though I always get a rapid pulse while reading about cakes, by the end of the introduction I felt I could tackle any of the recipes that followed. That’s probably not a smart thing to say, considering some of the messy situations I’ve faced in the past. Some examples included in this section are: Apple, Walnut & Custard Cake (the photo is enough to make me swoon), Cinnamon Cake with Blackberries (oh, my!), Brown Sugar Chocolate Cake (sigh), Caramel Christmas Cake (double sigh).
Next in line is a full chapter on “Small Things.” These are small like Chocolate Custard Muffins…. Blueberry Creme Fraiche Cupcakes…. Pumpkin Ginger Cupcakes…. Madeleines….Sweet Buttermilk Scones…. you get the picture.
Biscuits & Cookies follow the party. As in every chapter, an initial introduction helps set the mind frame for the recipes ahead. If titles such as Passion Fruit Melting Moments, Banana Fudge Cookies, Ginger Macadamia Biscuits, Blue Cheese and Oatmeal Biscuits appeal to you, you’ll have enough to bake for a long time thanks to those 38 pages of goodies.
A small chapter for doughnuts, batters, and babas, assembled together because, as Dan puts it “they are eaten the moment they’re golden and set after cooking….” Doughnuts, blinis, pancakes, the famous Crepe Suzette Tour d’Argent (that one brought me memories of an outstanding dinner with my beloved back in 2003), closing with babas (a treat I’ve never had, but after Dan’s description I wish I had a few right in front of me right now! ).
Next in line comes “Sugar Sugar.” Cute name for an impressive collection of techniques and recipes, the chapter opens with Making Caramel, and I must transcribe Dan’s remark about it: “be careful and organised and stay relaxed.” I might just print this phrase and frame it. 😉 Butter Caramels, Olive Oil and Black Pepper Caramels, Vanilla Fudge, Chocolate Truffle Cubes… A full section on icing, sweet sauces, and a few ice cream options close this sweet chapter.
Desserts comes next. Whoever is afraid of making tarts must get this book and indulge in this chapter. By the time you are done reading his “tips and techniques,” you’ll want to get into the kitchen and put in practice all his sensible advice. A few teasers for you: Malted Chocolate and Caramel Tart, Banana Caramel Cream Pie, Soft Crust Apple Pie, Black Forest Eclairs (I’ve always wanted to make eclairs, will definitely try this recipe), Prune and Armagnac Sponge Puddings, Blueberry Cocoa Meringue Pie…
If you think that’s all, then you would be wrong. The final chapter assembles a series of savory recipes such as Ham, Egg, and Potato Pie, Sweet Potato Crescents, Goat’s Cheese and Celeriac Tart, Black Olive Gougeres (triple sigh by Sally, the Kalamata Cheerleader), and many savory doughs, including Dan’s take on a few types of pizza dough.
One very nice touch is the index in outline form, with minor headings in bold. It’s a simple detail that makes finding recipes a lot easier!
Just as his previous book, “The Handmade Loaf,” I can’t recommend “Short and Sweet” highly enough. Together, these two books cover all the techniques and recipes to keep a baker busy and happy. Phil, who rarely opens a cookbook, saw it on the kitchen counter and started flipping through the pages. His words: “…this book is great! In just a quick glance I see at least 30 recipes you must make for us, I mean….. for the students in the lab, of course!” 😉
If you want to order the book, click here…
If you want to follow the progress of people baking all recipes in it, click here for the Sweet and Tweet Challenge…
If, like me, you can never get enough recipes from Dan, check his column at The Guardian by clicking here, or his discussion forum.
If you want to know which recipe I chose to inaugurate his book…
come back for my next post… 😉
ONE YEAR AGO: Ciabatta, a Classic Italian Bread
TWO YEARS AGO: Portuguese Sweet Bread
Bewitching Kitchen 
sounds like the blue cheese and oatmeal cookies should be first on your list to try actally they all sound good! A wonderful start to the new year a new cookbook to cherish, love and live by!
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Don’t you think blue cheese and oatmeal is something to go absolutely crazy over? What amazing combo of flavors!
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An i8nteresting book! I guess I’ll have to add it to my wishlist.
Cheers,
Rosa
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Maybe sometime we should all trade “wish lists” to see what everyone else is craving… mine is pretty big at amazon.com, but this book never sat there, I moved it to the shopping cart and counted the weeks to getting it. I suspect now it’s on a normal pace delivery
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great reivew! i have tweeted it this morning. i am making the top tea cakes again this week, that is such a good recipe. I too am inspired by the cake section and there’s even a bit on making marzipan at home…. 🙂
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Oh, my! I’ve been tweeted! Now, that feels very special, if I had a Twitter account, I’d tweet right back at ya! 😉
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Love this review. Already have the book and have bookmarked loads to make but now I want to make everything you have mentioned too!
Found your blog through Joanna at ZebBakes. Looking forward to seeing your first make from this book.
Lou.
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Welcome, Lou! How nice that you found me through Joanna’s place – her blog is a favorite of mine, the other day she made an OUTSTANDING post on sourdough that I’ll make sure to link to in my next opportunity
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Wow this sounds like one AMAZING cookbook…need to investigate how i can get it into my kitchen, ASAP.
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It is a great book indeed, hope you bring it home and fall in love with it too…
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Perfect, on my list for Christmas! I’ve been hearing so much about Dan lately. Hmmm, I think you are perfect for “Short and Sweet”…
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🙂
You know, I have no doubts about the “short” component… as to the sweet, as my husband can testify, you don’t see that part of me in the golf course very often. Playing golf, I am more like a rabid creature with no sweetness whatsoever! (sigh)
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Hahaha, at least you’re honest.. and you play golf!! My husband would do cartwheels if I ever took it up!
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I read this post last night before bed and you totally made me want to buy this book! I can’t wait to see your bread recipes that result. 🙂 This sounds like an amazing read. I think Smidge has the right idea…I’m putting this on my Christmas list!
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Nothing like getting your list ready in November! Glad I could help you out…
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I pegged you as quite tall. I love getting excited about cookbooks.
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Greg, here is full disclosure for you:
4ft 11 1/2 inches
93 pounds
My only hope is not to shrink too much as I age… but maybe exercising like crazy will help with that (don’t say anything, let me dream… 😉
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Oh my, with a description like that I find myself wanting to order it too! The idea of seductive treats becoming achievable is an enticing lead… and I’m enjoying the Small Things list. Very fun Sally – thank you for the review and I just love the pink glasses in view beside the cookbook – perfect!
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You noticed the pink glasses! when I got the book, the color of the cover immediately reminded me of one of my reading glasses, and I made sure to wear them to read the book. You know, gotta keep some sense of style if you will need reading glasses 😉
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Love the review and the thread of comments; yes Kelly, the picture is now so much more appealing….If I were Dan I would save it all for the next edition!
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Thank you! I thought the photo turned out ok, which is more or less a miracle with me behind the lenses…
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This looks like a fabulous book — it’s going on my wish list!
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And.. you know what? I only scratched the surface with the recipes I mentioned – there’s a lot in there, and some things I had never even heard of. Quite informative… as usual with Dan.
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I’m always on the search for new cookbooks! That is one terrific review of a book as you have me going to place it on my wishlist!! I’ll be looking forward to seeing some of your creations!
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Stay tuned! Glad you enjoyed the little review, the more I read the book, the more I love it…
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Can’t wait to read about your experiences as you cook this book.
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First post should be up tomorrow, but you know what it will be… just keep it a secret for the time being 😉
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sounds so interesting and I love finding new creative and wonderful cookbooks to go through! Great post- thanks for sharing
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thank you!
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Sally, I just received this book yesterday after ordering it! Great book, but I have a question maybe you can answer for me on Strong White Flour mentioned in some of the recipes. Would this be the equivalent of Bread Flour in the USA, or AP flour? Also, liquid glucose, what would be the equivalent in this case? Thanks.
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strong white flour is indeed bread flour….
as to liquid glucose, it is not easy to find in the US, you can use light corn syrup – it will have a little dextrin in addition to glucose, but that’s the best you can do, unless you manage to find a hidden treasure some place 😉
hope this helps!
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A great book for your collection. The olive oil and pepper caramel caught my attention. Another petite blogger!
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hummmm…. I wonder how many petite bloggers are out there, and who would be THE “petite-est” – I bet I can win that 😉
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Sigh. My copy is taking FOREVER to get here. Thanks for the review, Sally! 🙂
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I know how frustrating it can be to wait for it… It took me long enough, I was getting impatient, knowing Joanna had her copy already 😉
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Saly this book sounds amazing. I read Dan Lepards column in the The Guardian. Might add this book to my Christmas wish list. The blondies look delicious.
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